Piriformis Syndrome, anyone?

[Luvmycat]

Hi, everyone....

Still seeking info on the rare disorder called piriformis syndrome. I was wondering if anyone had it or knew anyone who had it and what the outcome was.

(PS: There are two small muscles in each hip called the piriformis muscles. In many people, the sciatic nerve passes through the muscle on each side. For some reason, these small muscles lock into spasm mode choking the sciatic nerve and causing a lot of pain.)

My husband has had PT, chiropractic treatment, steroidal injections, Myoblock injections, massage---you name it---all to no avail.

Thanks for any feedback!

[leaf]

PS is a form of compression neuropathy, so have you tried looking in the Peripheral neuropathy forum, there may be others there with the same condition.

Has your HB seen a neurologist?

I hope you find some answers soon, nerve pain is a pretty miserable experience. He has my sympathy for sure.

leaf

[KAYLINDA]

At least this is what we assumed. My husband got it after walking on the tread mill and really pushing himself. He had it for 3 1/2 months before it calmed down. So painful he couldn't sit. He loves to be on his computer...so he put pillows on the floor and kneeled on them. I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I pray that he will begin healing soon. How long has he had it? Have patience...and hopefully it will heal itself. (We couldn't afford the 2,000 mri they wanted him to have.)

[Jolene]

When you say massage, was it a true, deep muscle massage? That along with specific stretching helped me. I am talking a massage that goes to the bone. Not one of those fluff and puff massages that just gets the surface. If done right it will hurt. You MUST drink lots of water to wash the junk out of you broken loose. Also the stretches are a big factor. They need to be done at least 3 times a week to do their job properly. Five days would be better. Esp at first. I had to do mine 2-3 times a day for 5 days for the first 2 weeks. Then twice for 3 days and once a day three days. I quit doing them and have regretted it. Now I have to restretch everything out.

[Azy]

A friend of mine has started using the Sacro Wedgie. I really want one for myself, as I have an extremely bad situation in my lower back. Basically what it is is a wedge pillow designed to support the sacrum while everything else shifts back into its natural position. They make a separate design for men and women. Some chiropractors offer them, but Danny got his online.

From what I've been told it hurts rather badly when first used, but after regular treatment it's been known to alleviate sciatica and muscle tension. They run about $25, but I'd talk to a chiropractor or massage therapist before buying one.

Speaking about massage, if you can find a massage therapist who combines both myopathic and osteopathic techniques you'll get success. My therapist got me walking again after a five hour flight and a twelve hour drive put me in bed for a week and a half. For the piriformis muscles you need someone who knows how to find them and work them without aggravating them more. Trust me, I know. I've had chronic back pain in that region for years, degenerative disk disease, scoliosis and stenosis from L1 to S5 caused by compression and stress related muscle trauma.

Take care,
Azy!