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Piriformis syndrome… please share any experiences that you might have
I had a GCA/PMR diagnosis in November 2023. I have been off of prednisone therapy since June 2024. No Biologics., Recently, I’ve been having “severe” spasms in the buttocks area as well as going down the back of the legs. I am 73 years old. I have been living with mild to moderate sciatica since the age of 16. The pain I am experiencing now is totally different than the sciatica that I have been used to. It comes on very suddenly in the form of excruciating spasms that might last a half hour or more. I usually have to sit down or lie down for the pain to subside. The pain comes and goes and will eventually subside. Now I know it is a dangerous thing to self diagnose. However, I believe that I might be suffering from piriformis syndrome that might be a secondary condition due to the polymyalgia. Has anybody had any experience with piriformis syndrome? I will be talking to my primary care physician or
Rheumatologist about what has been going on the last few months with the spasms .
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I have had it. But never thought it was PMR related. I guess it could be. It’s very painful and can restrict your movement especially getting in and out of a car or climbing a ladder. I was able to get rid of it with deep tissue massage by using a hard rubber ball against the wall and rotating the painful area by rolling the ball over it with pressure against the wall. It’s amazing how you can’t find the spot that has a virtual knot in it and work it over probably two weeks or so to get rid of it. Good luck.
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2 ReactionsI had it in the past. Did PT. Ball rolling and dry needling. Seemed to work ok for me. The pain is terrible so try anything that works for sure. I had that years before PMR. Good luck.
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1 Reactionhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/piriformis-syndrome-stretches-exercises
This is a very good informative article about piriformis syndrome containing several video stretches that would be easy to learn and choose from for an older person. I know, because I am one--78 years old. I have to do at least three of these stretches daily to avoid pain. In my case, I suspect my extensive sitting is at fault--and not PMR. But it's hard to tell, isn't it? I also have some spine issues aggravating my sciatica. Most of these stretches will help with that, too. I also recently invested in a "walking pad". After research, I chose one that is wonderful for rehab and for seniors.
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1 ReactionI have had it in the past. And have read it is associated with PMR. I went to PT and learned some stretching exercises. If one has an artificial hip the stretching is different…. A friend who teaches yoga told me that at the end of every session she has everyone stretch their Piriformis muscles. Periodically I will stretch, and notice how tight they are.
I thought I had Piriformis a number of years ago. I also had very bad back pain. When I had a laminectomy, my piriformis went away.
@urusvati
Thanks for this website, 7 exercises for piriformis syndrome. I have suspected that this is the cause of my gluteal pain. I started yesterday.
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1 Reaction@christopherc
Thank you so very much for your input.
@mezack25
Thanks!
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1 Reaction@grumpa thank you so much. I think I need to get back to doing some gentle yoga.
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1 Reaction@sjc123 I also have view these exercises and believe that they would be very helpful. Thanks for your advice.!