A 43-year-old member asked:
Hi doctors, can you tell me what is sciatica-piriformis-syndrome?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Qamar Khananswered
Pain Management 19 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how is sciatica different from piriformis syndrome?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. George Arcosanswered
Pain Management 40 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 24, 2021
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