Piriformis Syndrome vs Bulging Disc—Which One is Causing Your Sciatica?

Piriformis Syndrome vs Bulging Disc—Which One is Causing Your Sciatica? If you’re experiencing pain in your lower back, buttock, or leg, you may wonder: Do I have piriformis syndrome or a bulging disc? These conditions can feel remarkably similar, yet their causes—and the treatments required—are entirely different. At Triangle Spinal Decompression in Cary, NC, we specialize in accurate diagnosis and non-surgical spinal decompression to help you get the right treatment for lasting relief.

Piriformis Syndrome vs Bulging Disc | Similar Symptoms, Different Causes

Both piriformis syndrome and a bulging disc can cause:

✔ Buttock pain that may radiate down the leg

✔ Tingling or numbness in the lower back, buttock, or legs

✔ Pain after prolonged sitting or standing

✔ Leg weakness and discomfort with movement

✔ Disrupted sleep due to nerve pain

What’s the Difference?

A bulging or herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out, often pressing on nearby nerves. Think of it like a jelly donut—when squeezed too hard, the jelly (nucleus pulposus) can leak out, irritating the sciatic nerve and causing pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg.

Piriformis syndrome, on the other hand, is caused by muscle tension. The piriformis muscle is a deep hip rotator that sits directly over the sciatic nerve. When it becomes tight or inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to similar leg pain, tingling, and weakness.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Because these two conditions feel alike but have completely different causes, getting the right diagnosis is essential. Treating a bulging disc as piriformis syndrome—or vice versa—can lead to delayed recovery, prolonged pain, and ineffective treatment.

At Triangle Spinal Decompression, Dr. Abbie Swank and Dr. Parker Neill provide a thorough evaluation to correctly diagnose the source of your pain.

Our goal is to:

🔹 Identify whether your sciatic pain is due to a bulging disc or piriformis syndrome

🔹 Explain your condition in clear, easy-to-understand terms

🔹 Recommend the best non-surgical treatment options to help you heal

Non-Surgical Relief at Triangle Spinal Decompression

If your pain is caused by a bulging disc, non-surgical spinal decompression can relieve pressure on the nerve, allowing the disc to heal naturally. If piriformis syndrome is the culprit, a combination of muscle therapy, stretching, and movement-based treatments can relax the muscle and ease sciatic nerve irritation.

Take Control of Your Spine Health

Don’t guess when it comes to your pain—get an expert evaluation today!

📍 Triangle Spinal Decompression, Cary, NC

📞 Call 919-469-8897 to schedule your consultation

💻 Visit us online: TriangleDecompression.com/contact

Whether you have piriformis syndrome, a bulging disc, or another spinal issue, we’ll help you find the right solution—without surgery or unnecessary medications.