Sciatica with Prednisone?

[Neck680]

3 years into PMR, at 6.5 down from 15.

Suddenly developed sciatica from right hip down my leg. X-Rays of hips, femur and lower back normal.

Any suggestions?

Thank you all for your always caring as well as your expertise.

Happy Holidays! Amy

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi, There are a few related posts…see either right of screen or scroll down to below posts - depends what device are on.

[Neck680 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady for all your wise replies, including this one to me.

[SnazzyD]

Might be worth considering Piriformis Syndrome which is caused by the same sciatic nerve being aggravated but by muscle and not x-rayable causes. Although the websites talk of causes such as sports, it does seem to be a problem that comes up regularly on this site. Mine are often tight and I keep on top of it with stretches for that muscle which are easily found online. spineuniverse.com/condition...

[Neck680 in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes, I do believe that's what it is! Thanks for the link, too. Very helpful.

[Koalajane]

I have just started with the same so interested in this, mine is fine when I get up in the morning but tends to develop in the afternoon after having used it more. I think I will try massaging it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Most likely to be due to piriformis syndrome - the sciatic nerve passes through the middle of the piriformis muscle and if it is tight or spasmed, it will irritate or pinch the sciatic nerve. That doesn't show on x-rays. Stretching exercises may help, when it is really bad I take inuprofen and use a hot water bottle over the low back and buttock area to relax the muscle.

PMR is often accompanied by myofascial pain syndrome - and the piriformis muscle is often involved in that. Local therapeutic massage and/or myofascial release techniques are also very helpful.

[Neck680 in reply to PMRpro]

As always, your replies is spot on. Thank you for your expertise and wisdom. So needed and appreciated on this forum.

[piglette]

I found that painkillers were useless. The only thing that helped my sciatica was a physiotherapist. It really is agony, I do sympathise.

[Neck680 in reply to piglette]

Thanks for the sympathy piglette. And I agree with you ---

[piglette in reply to Neck680]

I had a friend who also gets bad sciatica and met her in a coffee shop where she decided to show me what exercises helped her. She sat on the floor, as far as I could see putting her legs behind her neck, perhaps not quite but it seemed like it. Amazing we were not thrown out!

[Neck680]

Indeed, and thank you Dad2Cue. Although I exercise regularly I know I sit more than I should. Now stretching with piriformis stretches!