Sciatica vs Piriformis Syndrome: What’s Causing Your Pain?
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.
Common Causes:
Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
Degenerative disc disease
Pregnancy-related compression
Symptoms of Sciatica:
Sharp or burning pain down one leg
Numbness or tingling in the foot or leg
Pain worsens with sitting or standing for long periods
Weakness in the affected leg
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, spasms or becomes tight and irritates the sciatic nerve beneath it.
Common Causes:
Overuse or repetitive movements (e.g., running, squats)
Prolonged sitting or poor posture
Direct trauma or injury to the glutes
Muscle imbalances
Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome:
Deep ache in the buttock
Pain that radiates down the back of the leg (similar to sciatica)
Tenderness when sitting or pressing on the glute
Pain worsens with walking upstairs or sitting for long periods
Sciatica vs Piriformis Syndrome: Key Differences
| Feature | Sciatica | Piriformis Syndrome |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Pain | Spinal nerve root compression | Muscle compression of sciatic nerve |
| Location of Pain | Lower back, glute, leg, foot | Mostly glute, radiating down leg |
| Trigger Activities | Bending, lifting, sitting | Sitting, climbing stairs |
| Diagnosis Method | MRI or spinal imaging | Physical exam, movement testing |
| Treatment Focus | Spinal decompression, nerve relief | Muscle release, stretching |
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing the Root Cause
A trained therapist or physician can help identify the source using:
Imaging (MRI, CT for sciatica)
Orthopedic tests (for piriformis)
Posture and gait assessments
Treatment for Sciatica:
Chiropractic or physical therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Anti-inflammatory medications
In severe cases: spinal injections or surgery
Treatment for Piriformis Syndrome:
Piriformis release techniques (massage, cupping, dry needling)
Foam rolling and mobility work
Corrective exercises to fix imbalances
Avoiding aggravating activities (e.g., long sitting)
