Piriformis Syndrome

[Paul76]

Was re diagnosed with PMR in May of this year. After a bit of yo yo with pred I have settled on the DSNS method of tapering and so far have been reasonably successful. Since the beginning I have had some residual pain but presumed it was something I would have to live with as I understand that not everyone is pain free. I have been having erratic pain in varying places over lower back and hips. Neck and shoulders are pain free. However, over the last few weeks, things have been getting worse and a lot of pain in lower back and right hip so I decided to treat as a flare. I upped my pred by 5mgs and after it was making no difference so I finally realised that it probably wasn’t PMR related so reduced the pred. Luckily I got a very quick physio appointment where I was diagnosed as having piriformis syndrome. The physio was wonderful and said that I probably have had this for a long time as my right hip,knee and leg were very weak. She managed to give immediate relief with needling into the piriformis muscle (pretty painful). Within minutes the pain reduced. I now have very gentle exercises to do and a return visit in 4 weeks. My reason for this post is that it can take a long time to realise that somethings else is going on in your body apart from the dreaded PMR. This condition completely takes over your life. I now have a bright light at the end of the tunnel regarding this nagging pain. Off to do my exercises…..

[PMRpro Ambassador]

We do suggest piriformis syndrome as a possible cause of low back and hip pain and suggest exercises to try rather than increasing the pred. But your physio sounds like a find!!!

[Merryfield]

Sounds like needling did the trick. Never heard of physical therapists or anyone doing it except acupuncturists. My right mid-glute has been aching and stretching only helps briefly. Boo.