When Sciatica Is Not Disk Disease

Abstract

In brief Piriformis muscle syndrome is an often unrecognized cause of sciatic pain. The sciatic nerve, which normally passes beneath the piriformis muscle deep in the midbuttock, can be compressed when the muscle goes into spasm or is injured. The resultant pain is often confused with discogenic disease, but a thorough history and physical exam can pinpoint the true cause. Conservative treatment of piriformis syndrome-with a focus on stretching-is often successful.