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Piriformis Syndrome: How were you diagnosed and what helps?
Spine Health | Last Active: Dec 21, 2023 | Replies (37)Comment receiving replies
Four months after laminectomy surgery, L3,4,5, I've developed piriformis syndrome which is every bit as painful as my back problems prior to surgery. Two months post surgery, I returned to physical therapy and although not diagnosed with PS, have been questioning stretching and the usual exercises. So far, it's not been much help for the past month that I've been stretching with PT. To me, walking seems the best relief. Yesterday, I stumbled across Botox as a possible treatment. Has anyone had experience with Botox?
https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Abstract/2004/03000/Botulinum_Toxin_Type_B_in_Piriformis_Syndrome.7.aspx
A small study but does anyone have experience with this? Thank you.
Replies to "Four months after laminectomy surgery, L3,4,5, I've developed piriformis syndrome which is every bit as painful..."
From what I’ve read on a FB forum on Piriformis Syndrome, injections, botox, dry needling all are a bandage for a short period of time. I’m trying to get my situation diagnosed but the proper machines (diagnostic ultrasound specifically for muscles or a MRN (Magnetic Resonance Neurography) are not available, even at Mayo; I’ve already spoken to the radiology department.
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I had the same syndrome. Very painful and limiting, I feel for you. I have no experience with Botox but an alternative to share.
My trainer recommended a local sports chiropractor. He used a needling technique (sorry, don't recall type or if electric; only lasted a few minutes). This did an initial release. We did once a week, for several weeks. In between sessions, he recommended some simple but different stretches from the usual routine ones, about 10, which I did twice daily. The combination brought such relief that I only had to go back once, a month later, for a "refresher". I have no symptoms now. Best wishes for your recovery.