Piriformis Part 2

[Estellemac]

This is a question for those of you who answered my last post on Piriformis Syndrome saying you have suffered from the condition or similar symptoms.

How long did it last for? Did it return when you tapered off the Pred?

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Real piriformis syndrome is a permanent risk - the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle so anything that affects that muscle can trigger it.

[pollyg263 in reply to PMRpro]

as sheffieldjane has said, the exercise she is talking about. i have been doing this for nearly a week. and i must say i feel alot better. also have come off my statins for a while because i read on the container it messes with muscles so with the statins and steroids doing the same thing, i am giving it a go. i have been on steroids for over 5 years and now down to 2 mg AGAIN, hopeing this time i wont have a flare

[Estellemac in reply to PMRpro]

I have a scan booked to check it out. Best to be sure. If not all the better.

[SheffieldJane]

There are stretching exercises for it. You lie flat on your back and gradually bring your knee up to your chest and hold and repeat with the other side. Perhaps a Physiotherapist would be an idea. I guess that would influence the length of time you have it for. If Pred is having a palliative effect, then I guess it could return as you taper.

I haven't had it, but I have had severe sciatica - in response to unusual physical exertion though.

[Marcy47]

I have been seeing a physio for Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica since August, The stretching exercise is to lay down and pull one knee up to your chest, then pull it to the side (across the body) and hold it for 30 secs. Another exercise is to lay down, bend the good leg up, place the foot of the other leg on the knee and pull the good leg towards you, holding for 30 secs again. Be careful with PMR not to overdo this exercise, like I did, and end up straining the groin muscle, giving pain down the front of the leg. A good physio really helps with massage too, but take it easy with the exercises. I am currently tapering Pred from 9 to 8.5 over 1 month.

[yogabonnie]

A great exercise for piriformis is to grab a lacrosse ball and place it between your piriformis and the wall and lean into it. IT WILL HURT. but hold it when you find the spot....and do that with your back/shoulders/biceps/triceps/ turn around and do your pecs.. and anywhere! Muscles and facia love the wall and the ball! Lacross ball is better than tennis ball. And practice a little balance (or sit) and roll that thing around on your feet. !