In-depth information on piriformis syndrome, a condition that can cause sciatica pain and can be treated by stretching and back exercises
Sciatica symptoms
and causes
March 30, 2000 (updated September
22, 2006)
Common conditions that can cause sciatica, or pain along the sciatic nerve include
lumbar herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, piriformis
syndrome, isthmic spondylolisthesis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Exercise
for sciatic pain from piriformis syndrome
December 14, 2000 (Updated
February 3, 2005)
Although piriformis syndrome and sciatica share many common symptoms, piriformis
syndrome is not true sciatica. It is the piriformis muscle itself that irritates
the sciatic nerve and causes pain. Stretching exercises can help patients relieve
the sciatica-like symptoms of piriformis syndrome. Read
more...
By: Ron S. Miller, PT
The truth
about sciatica
January 4, 2005
Contrary to what patients may believe, sciatica is not a diagnosis but instead
is a term used to describe a set of symptoms caused by a nerve compression
in the low back. Many low back conditions can cause sciatica, and a correct
diagnosis of the low back problem is necessary in order to decide on the best
course of treatment. This article explains the truth about sciatica and explains
the treatment options to help relieve sciatic pain. Read
more...
By: Peter J. Schubbe, DC
What causes sciatica?
March 30, 2000 (Updated
September 22, 2003
Common conditions that can cause pain similar to sciatica, or pain along the
sciatic nerve include piriformis syndrome. The sciatic nerve can get
irritated as it runs under the piriformis muscle in the buttock, leading to
sciatica-like pain. Read more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Causes of
failed back surgery syndrome
March 26, 2001 (Updated
March 6, 2002)
Improper patient selection is the most common cause of failed back surgery
syndrome. If the patient’s pain is not true back pain, but originates
from a different source such as piriformis syndrome, operating on the
spine will not lead to a good outcome. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Piriformis
syndrome
September 8, 1999
(Updated February 28, 2001)
The piriformis muscle can become tight and irritate the nerve, resulting in
low back pain and/or leg pain. For a patient with piriformis syndrome, spinal
imaging studies will not show any nerve pinching, and on physical exam, motion
of the patient's hip will generate the pain. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Piriformis syndrome - another
irritation to the sciatic nerve
April 8, 2000
Get the details on piriformis syndrome. Learn what it is, how it's diagnosed,
and treatment options for piriformis syndrome. Many health professionals believe
that an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management are critical to alleviate
the sciatica type of pain caused by piriformis syndrome. Read
more...
By: John Revord, MD
Comprehensive management of
piriformis syndrome and sciatica pain
April 8, 2000
Depending on the severity of pain and sciatica symptoms from piriformis syndrome,
a number of treatment options may be recommended. A comprehensive approach
to treat piriformis syndrome may include a combination of stretching exercise,
ice therapy and heat therapy, physical therapy and exercise, medications, injections,
and electrotherapy. Read more...
By: John Revord, MD
Sciatica
- The doctor is in!
This
section features explanations, insights and advice about
sciatica and the sciatic nerve – including diagnosing
the source of the sciatic pain - provided by Peter F.
Ullrich, Jr., M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical
Director for Spine-health.com Read
more...
Sciatica
treatments - The doctor is in!
Treating sciatica and sciatic pain is often confusing
for patients, and we often receive e-mail questions from
patients. In this section of the site, Peter F. Ullrich,
Jr., M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical Director
for Spine-health.com answers patients’ common questions
about sciatica treatment options. Read
more...
Is my pain sciatica or something else? - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Sciatica is a very common form of low back pain and leg pain that is often misunderstood by patients who may try to self-diagnose and self-treat the wrong cause of their sciatica. This newsletter uncovers common sciatica myths and provides guidelines for treating low back pain and leg pain from sciatica. Read more...
