Us Weekly: What Is Piriformis Syndrome? What to Know About Andie MacDowell’s Recent Diagnosis Andie MacDowell recently went public with her piriformis syndrome diagnosis, but what does the condition entail? According to the Cleveland Clinic, piriformis syndrome causes pain or numbness in a ...

Understanding the Context

What Is Piriformis Syndrome? What to Know About Andie MacDowell’s Recent Diagnosis Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon condition where your piriformis muscle puts pressure on your sciatic nerve. The hallmark symptom is shooting, aching, or burning pain in your buttocks and the back ... What is a herniated disc?

Key Insights

The discs in your spine, called intervertebral discs, are thin, oblong structures that serve as cushions between the bones of your back (vertebrae). Each disc is made of a soft gel core surrounded by a tough, fibrous outer shell. Summary: This article explains what a herniated disc is, why it happens, which spinal levels are most commonly affected, and what symptoms people may experience. Complete guide to herniated discs from board-certified neurosurgeon. Learn symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options including minimally invasive repair.

Final Thoughts

A herniated disc is one of the most frequently diagnosed spinal conditions and a leading cause of back and leg pain in adults. You may have heard it referred to as a bulging disc, slipped disc, or ruptured disc; these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, though they describe slightly different stages of disc injury.