I believe the symptoms of Piriformis syndrome and back problems are quite different. My symptoms right now are clearly Piriformis symptom. I have no back pain. My pain is in my butt, down the thigh and leg to my ankle. I can't sit or walk without pretty bad pain. I just had a steroid injection 2-days ago into the Piriformis muscle ---- I got no relief at all. This is the 2nd steroid injection I've had in less than one month. I'm not going to have any more. They don't work for me and I'm not going to waste my time getting any more injections. I need a new MRI (Pelvic MRI) to firmly diagnose Piriformis syndrome and my physician needs to come up with a treatment plan that works or refer me to another physician who can help me with this pain which I believe is a combination of Sciatica and Piriformis syndrome.
If an exit nerve from the low back is pinched, you can have the symptoms you described. An MRI of the back might be more appropriate at this time. Find a good back specialist.
I am very interested in this subject, though I've never heard of piriformis before. Lately I've been having pain (aching and sharp pain both) that radiates from my back around where my kidneys are, down my buttocks to my legs. Sitting or laying in bed makes it worse; if I get up and move around it sometimes helps. I haven't been to the doctor yet. It just seemed to come on all of a sudden. No falls, no strains, no injuries. Help! Where should I start?
I did not go to an orthopedist. My very experienced & knowledgeable PCP at the time diagnosed it and recommended PT. In just 6 sessions it was resolved.
I did not go to an orthopedist. My very experienced & knowledgeable PCP at the time diagnosed it and recommended PT. In just 6 sessions it was resolved.
Funny you should ask, after letting my mind think outside the piriformis box, found out it was my left hip and since has been replaced. Now need my right one done, but due to cardiac issues, cardiac doctor says, no more surgeries. So now stuck in wheelchair. My fault I allowed myself to stay on that piriformis track.
Funny you should ask, after letting my mind think outside the piriformis box, found out it was my left hip and since has been replaced. Now need my right one done, but due to cardiac issues, cardiac doctor says, no more surgeries. So now stuck in wheelchair. My fault I allowed myself to stay on that piriformis track.
Thanks for all this Sue. I have done massive extensive research on piriformis syndrome. I can’t walk; in a wheelchair and sleep in a recliner. I’ve been through PT and then was told that was the worse thing I could have done; the piriformis should not be stretched; it just causes more pain, PT never relieved me of any pain, I’ve also done numerous injections; none of which helped the pain for more than 2 days. That’s what the piriformis syndrome is, but in reverse of how you stated; the sciatica nerve actually presses on the piriformis muscle. The doctor did show me the X-ray and the MRI and it’s not that I don’t agree that I could have a bad hip, but no one is looking or has the ability (right equipment-which is “diagnostic ultrasound”) to focus on what I need to know. I’m on a FB forum for piriformis syndrome and have gained a lot of knowledge about this muscle from that page. There are only 5/6 doctors in the US that have experience in removing it, and they don’t take my insurance. If a “release” is needed, I think Mayo may do that which is what I’m trying to find out. Yes I’ve been to 2 ortho’s. I’m not a bit reluctant to undergo surgery again, I just want it to be 100% the right surgery.
Hi! I've had Piriformis Muscle problems for quite a few years. When it first came on I had many massages & that helped but only temporarily. I've also had steroid injections that last a little while. You're right, you cannot do stretches for this, it only makes it worse. When it flares up I try to massage it myself using arnica cream or Motrin Gel (asprin). When it gets real bad I push on it ( i use something that has a small ball on the end) it does hurt but
then it feels good too.
That usually settles it down some. Then I also have pain going down the outer side of my leg. I always thought it was my IT band but it could very well be my hip especially since I have osteoporosis.
Another thing I do to help with the pain with both of these is a heating pad.
Hi! I've had Piriformis Muscle problems for quite a few years. When it first came on I had many massages & that helped but only temporarily. I've also had steroid injections that last a little while. You're right, you cannot do stretches for this, it only makes it worse. When it flares up I try to massage it myself using arnica cream or Motrin Gel (asprin). When it gets real bad I push on it ( i use something that has a small ball on the end) it does hurt but
then it feels good too.
That usually settles it down some. Then I also have pain going down the outer side of my leg. I always thought it was my IT band but it could very well be my hip especially since I have osteoporosis.
Another thing I do to help with the pain with both of these is a heating pad.
I’ve since had my left hip replaced which is what was causing all this pain the entire time. Now my right hip needs replacing, but cardio does not think I should have this done at my age (82) with cardiac issues as well. I have Osteoporosis also. I also use the heating pad, every night!! And it surely does help.
Those steroids injections only helped for about a week or two, so they finally put me on Hydrocodone. Unfortunately that is my only pain relief. But I’m fine with it. It does take all that pain away. I have no choice. Thank you for the reply!
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If an exit nerve from the low back is pinched, you can have the symptoms you described. An MRI of the back might be more appropriate at this time. Find a good back specialist.
I've had piriformis syndrome, diagnosed by my PCP, and Physical Therapy fixed it.
So you didn't go to an orthopedist? Why? And how can they tell the difference between piriformis and sciatica?
I did not go to an orthopedist. My very experienced & knowledgeable PCP at the time diagnosed it and recommended PT. In just 6 sessions it was resolved.
I'm going to start with the orthopedist. I'm not sure what is wrong, so I'll be glad to address the back issues I've had for years.
Funny you should ask, after letting my mind think outside the piriformis box, found out it was my left hip and since has been replaced. Now need my right one done, but due to cardiac issues, cardiac doctor says, no more surgeries. So now stuck in wheelchair. My fault I allowed myself to stay on that piriformis track.
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Hi! I've had Piriformis Muscle problems for quite a few years. When it first came on I had many massages & that helped but only temporarily. I've also had steroid injections that last a little while. You're right, you cannot do stretches for this, it only makes it worse. When it flares up I try to massage it myself using arnica cream or Motrin Gel (asprin). When it gets real bad I push on it ( i use something that has a small ball on the end) it does hurt but
then it feels good too.
That usually settles it down some. Then I also have pain going down the outer side of my leg. I always thought it was my IT band but it could very well be my hip especially since I have osteoporosis.
Another thing I do to help with the pain with both of these is a heating pad.
I’ve since had my left hip replaced which is what was causing all this pain the entire time. Now my right hip needs replacing, but cardio does not think I should have this done at my age (82) with cardiac issues as well. I have Osteoporosis also. I also use the heating pad, every night!! And it surely does help.
Those steroids injections only helped for about a week or two, so they finally put me on Hydrocodone. Unfortunately that is my only pain relief. But I’m fine with it. It does take all that pain away. I have no choice. Thank you for the reply!