| Sciatica is not a specific disease, instead | | | | when a nerve root compresses due to the |
| it is a condition characteristic of several | | | | vertebra being displaced and |
| different diseases. Simply put, it is a mild | | | | slipping.Piriformis SyndromeDue to the lack |
| to intense pain in the left or right leg. | | | | of MRI or x-ray findings, it may be difficult |
| Sciatica is caused by a compression of one or | | | | to diagnose and treat piriformis syndrome. |
| more of the five sets of nerve roots in the | | | | The piriformis muscle connects to the |
| lower back. These compressions are typically | | | | thighbone, assists in hip rotation and is |
| caused by a disc rupture or bone spur in the | | | | located in the lower part of the spine. When |
| lumbar spine. It causes pain, numbness, | | | | muscle spasms develop in the piriformis |
| tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs. | | | | muscle thereby compressing the sciatic nerve, |
| This is referred to as radiculopathy. If the | | | | Piriformis syndrome develops. The sciatic |
| nerve root causing the problem is in the neck | | | | nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. |
| it is called cervical radiculopathy. Sciatica | | | | Piriformis syndrome is named for the |
| is called a lumbar radiculopathy since it | | | | piriformis muscle and the pain caused when |
| occurs in the lower back.There are six | | | | the muscle irritates the sciatic nerve.Lumbar |
| typical causes of | | | | Bulging or Herniated DiscWhen the nucleus |
| Sciatica.SpondylolisthesisSpondylolisthesis | | | | breaks through the annulus a herniated disc |
| is usually found at birth, early childhood or | | | | occurs. It is called a 'non-contained' disc |
| acquired from physical trauma such as | | | | disorder. A bulging disc is also known as a |
| weightlifting. It is a disorder that most | | | | contained disc disorder. This means the |
| often affects the lumbar spine. | | | | nucleus pulposus (gel-like center) remains |
| Spondylolisthesis is characterized by one | | | | 'contained' within the annulus fibrosus |
| vertebra slipping forward over an adjacent | | | | (tire-like outer wall) of the disc. |
| vertebra. Often sciatic leg pain is caused | | | | |