Question 1

how can i tell the difference between sciatica caused by a herniated disc or by piriformis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Piriformis/sciatica: Piriformis syndrome is rare, usually secondary to trauma, and can be distinguished on physical exam by a competent spine specialist. In difficult clinical cases, MRI or other diagnostic testing such as emg/ncv may help pinpoint the source of nerve compression.

Question 2

if my sciatica was caused by piriformis syndrome wouldnt i feel themmuscle spasm pain in my buttocks?

Accepted Answer

Pain in the leg: The sciatic nerve can pass through the pyriformis muscle, or go under it, and it may not be in spasm, just larger than normal. The pain is then felt in the leg because it is the nerve that is injured; the muscle can be normal but large or the nerve is misplaced from birth.

Question 3

can prolonged sitting cause sciatica or piriformis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

In part but need mor: We would need  more  information. The piriformis  muscle  is in the gluteal region and sitting can irritate it but strengthen it.  The piriformis muscle can press on the sciatic  nerve and cause sciatica. You can see your physician and have this evaluated. You will benefit from physical therapy.

Question 4

hi doctors, can you tell me what is sciatica-piriformis-syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Piriformis Pain: The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle  and typically does not irritate the nerve.  However if the muscle is irritated or the nerve runs through the belly of the muscle (5-10% of people) it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause the sciatica type pain in the buttock region but also radiate into the leg as well.  Typically stretching and nsaids are mainstay for treatment.

Question 5

can you explain what's this is diabetic radiculopothy sciatica piriformis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Diabetic radiculopat: Diabetes is a systemic disease with widespread effects throughout the body.  Neuropathy is nerve damage, anywhere.  Either the myelin or the nerve fiber can be affected causing a demyelinating or axonal neuropathy respectively.  A radiculopathy is a pinched nerve as the nerve root exits the neck or lower back.  In piriformis syndrome there is pinching of sciatic nerve under the piriformis muscle.

Question 6

can you tell me how is sciatica different from piriformis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sciatica refers to ANY cause of irritation ,injury or trauma to the sciatic nerve, at any point in its anatomic course. This can be from a stretch injury ,fall, surgery, or direct trauma.
Piriformis syndrome is a irritability and spasm of the piriformis muscle ,which directly overlies the sciatic nerve. In rare cases the sciatic nerve passes through the muscle.

Question 7

i've been doing stretches that are supposed to be good for sciatica and piriformis syndrome, but i always hurt more later, what could be the cause?

Accepted Answer

Wrong exercise: Then you're doing the wrong exercises. Some soreness is to be expected. Sciatica can result from arthritic spurs or herniated disc. Piriformis syndrome from nerve pressure in the hip.  The two require a slightly different approach from a pt standpoint. Try referencing robin mckenzie "treat your own back" ($8.32 online). Seek a certified mckenzie pt if in doubt.

Question 8

does piriformis syndrome or sciatica ever go away and let me be normal again? how long? how can i relieve pain and stop it? i am working on my weight

Accepted Answer

Sciatica.: Weight loss should definitely help your symptoms. Physical therapy will be a good idea as well. Analgesics should be of the non-narcotic variety and be used only when absolutely necessary. These things will help, although none of them unfortunately would be curative.

Question 9

would sacrolilitis or si joint dysfuncation cause sciatica? or is piriformis syndrome more likely, had mri of spine and no disk problems found.

Accepted Answer

Yes : An abnormality of the SI joint such as an inflammatory condition, for example can cause a "sciatica".  This is because the L5 nerve, which forms part of the sciatic nerve, runs right over the SI joint.  Piriformis syndrome is another example of a condition that is not spine related but can cause sciatica.  A detailed exam can usually destinguish the cause.

Question 10

doc told me yesterday i have piriformis syndrome (part scatica). but could it be fibromyalgia. how long are the return to normal?

Accepted Answer

Pain: Whatever the name or cause, your pain needs to be be treated.  This will determine how quickly it is resolved.  He/she may prescribe physical therapy or other thiings.  Your history mentions obesity.  That is a factor as well.  Peace and good health.

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Doctor answers about:

Acupuncture for piriformis syndrome sciatica

A member asked:

How can i tell the difference between sciatica caused by a herniated disc or by piriformis syndrome?

A member asked:

If my sciatica was caused by piriformis syndrome wouldnt i feel themmuscle spasm pain in my buttocks?

A member asked:

Can prolonged sitting cause sciatica or piriformis syndrome?

A member asked:

Hi doctors, can you tell me what is sciatica-piriformis-syndrome?

A member asked:

Can you explain what's this is diabetic radiculopothy sciatica piriformis syndrome?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how is sciatica different from piriformis syndrome?

A member asked:

I've been doing stretches that are supposed to be good for sciatica and piriformis syndrome, but i always hurt more later, what could be the cause?

A member asked:

Does piriformis syndrome or sciatica ever go away and let me be normal again? how long? how can i relieve pain and stop it? i am working on my weight

A member asked:

Would sacrolilitis or si joint dysfuncation cause sciatica? or is piriformis syndrome more likely, had mri of spine and no disk problems found.

A member asked:

Doc told me yesterday i have piriformis syndrome (part scatica). but could it be fibromyalgia. how long are the return to normal?

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