PMR and sciatica

[Mmjj]

I was diagnosed with PMR in august and have been on predisolone (15 ml now reduced to 8mg) . I am now suffering with my second episode of sciatica……is there a connection? Can anyone give any advise please.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If your PMR includes a tendency to myofascial pain syndrome it can lead to the piriformis muscle being tight and even going into spasm. The sciatic nerve passes through the middle of the piriformis muscle so can be pinched and that can cause sciatica.

If you google it you should find advice about stretches and exercises to help it.

cedars-sinai.org/health-lib....

spine-health.com/conditions...

are particularly good explanations - watch the video!

[Mmjj in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou 🥰

[Sharitone in reply to PMRpro]

👍 Is it possible for a PMR patient with historical sciatica to discern whether they have mps or a sciatica flare?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sharitone]

It is possible the MPS problem that is causing the sciatica. Contrary to general perception, sciatica is by no means always due to disc problems - the nerve passes through the piriformis muscle and the muscle can irritate the nerve. So if your sciatica previously was due to a muscle problem - PMR may make that worse.

[Mmjj in reply to PMRpro]

I never suffered with sciatica before the Pmr.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mmjj]

My reply was to Sharitone.

[Pixix]

Suffering badly here, but had sciatica before PMR, too, so not sure if linked. If you search on sciatica you will find more info, as similar questions have come up quite a few times in last few weeks. I’m seeing a doctor about mine next week, as it’s gone on for 9 weeks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

So did I - but the cause (piriformis syndrome) is definitely worse since PMR.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

Haven’t had time to read up piriformis syndrome yet…been too busy on the dental front, LOL!

[Pixix in reply to Pixix]

PS I am doing those stretches, though, but no improvement…yet (9 weeks).