When Sciatica Is Not Disk Disease

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.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brent S. E. Rich

Dr Rich is in private practice at Arizona Sports Medicine Specialists in Phoenix. He is a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Douglas McKeag

Dr McKeag is the coordinator of sports medicine and a team physician at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He is AMSSM president-elect and an ACSM fellow. He is also a member of the editorial board of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE.