What Is Sciatica and Radiculopathy
Sciatica is a symptom — the expression of sciatic nerve irritation — not a diagnosis. The actual cause can be lumbar disc herniation, piriformis compression, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, foraminal stenosis, or poor core and hip stability. Treating sciatica effectively requires identifying and addressing the specific pathological mechanism responsible.
The reason sciatica recurs so consistently is that its mechanical and neuromuscular causes persist until directly addressed. Medication reduces the inflammatory component and provides temporary relief — but it does not decompress the disc, release the piriformis adhesion, or rebuild the core stability that would prevent the mechanical forces producing the compression in the first place.