Difference between piriformis syndrome versus sciatica
Even though both conditions are sometimes related and they both affect the sciatic nerve, they are not the same.
The most common causes of sciatica are a herniated disk [1] or spinal stenosis. The symptoms are likely to affect the lower back and can travel down to the buttocks and leg.
Piriformis syndrome only has to do with the piriformis muscle resting or putting pressure on a part of the sciatic nerve in the buttock. It can feel a lot like sciatica but in a more specific area.