PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP

This is a forum/ support group for people who have Piriformis Syndrome (PS). It is a specific back pain caused by spasm of the piriformis muscle, pinching the sciatic nerve causing a "pain in the butt", hip pain, &/ or sciatica (referred leg pain).

Symptoms include:

1- Piriformis muscle spasm or tightness

2-Pain in the butt. Often distinct points of pain are found
-where the Piriformis muscle attaches to the sacrum,
-where the Piriformis muscle attaches to the hip,
-or mid-prirformis muscle

3-(Pseudo) Sciatica/referred leg pain (usually down the
back of the leg). This symptom isn't always present.

SI Joint Dysfunction (Sacroiliac) is often associated Piriformis Syndrome.

The back pain pain is made worse by sitting, climbing stairs, long drives, walks or runs.

PS can be caused by many different things including overuse (i.e.,running or dancing), blunt trauma (e.g. falling on the butt), or pelvic misalignment, (either natural occurring or L5-S1 fusion induced),etc. Atypical anatomy of the sciatic nerve running through the muscle may also predispose one to developing PS.

This back pain is frequently misdiagnosed. Patients often see several doctors before being diagnosed. Many doctors are unfamiliar with PS and will put the patient through many expensive tests, such as MRI or nerve conduction tests to rule out other causes of the pain. But it can also be diagnosed based on symptoms & a simple manual exam done by a knowledgeable doctor or Physical Therapist (PT).

If you think you may have PS, ask a doctor, chiropractor, or PT if your Piriformis is contracted. IF THE PIRIFORMIS MUSCLE IS NOT IN SPASM, you do NOT have PS.

When you join this group, tell us in the application if you have been diagnosed.

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