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Kirkland, WA
A 41-year-old female asked about a 39-year-old female:

How can u differentiate between sciatica pain & piriformis synrome? pain above & down left buttock & leg hurts to stand sit lay

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bert Liang
Dr. Bert Lianganswered
Specializes in Neurology
Inclusive: Piriformis syndrome causes pain because of sciatic nerve impingement. Both true sciatica - sciatic neuropathy, and piriformis syndrome - can be evaluated by physical exam, as well as by imaging and electrodiagnostic testing. These disorders are uncommon, but must be differentiated from a plexopathy or radiculopathy.
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686 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Dr. Edward Hellman
Dr. Edward Hellmananswered
Orthopedic Surgery 31 years experience
Exam, studies, injec: It can be hard and piriformis syndrome as a diagnosis is likely often missed. Physical exam can help, a nerve conduction with the hip in neutral verses internal rotation can tell, response to injection into piriformis is most diagnostic. Also seeing a patient with severe pain running down the leg with a normal looking MRI of lumbar suggests something else like piriformis syndrome might be issue.
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Related questions

A 60-year-old female asked:
Can piriformis muscle syndrome cause sciatica type symptoms (pain and tingling in legs). Can you suggest anything that may help relieve it?
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If my sciatica was caused by piriformis syndrome wouldnt i feel themmuscle spasm pain in my buttocks?
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A 28-year-old female asked:
I'm getting pain in the top of my left buttock when moving thats making my left leg ache down to my ankle. Is this sciatica?
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A 63-year-old female asked:
Low back pain radiating thru left buttock and down the OUTSIDE of my left leg. Walking is excruciating. Sitting is tolerable. Herniation or Sciatica?
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Last updated Sep 2, 2020

Found in:

Adult health›Pain›Sciatica

People also asked

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