Maureen- It's nice to find someone, who has had this
almost as long as I have. It has been one misdiagnosis
after another. And I think Piriformis Syndrome is yet
another misdiagnosis. Something else has to be causing
the piriformis muscle to press on the sciatic nerve.

I bet your pelvic mechanics are not stable. The reason
you are better while in PT is because the therapist
re-adjusts your pelvis every time. But the proper
pelvis mechanics can't be maintained after PT because
you are hypermobile. (The bending over problems are
another indication of hypermobility.) The
hypermobility is probably due to some problem with the
Pelvic Floor muscles & ligaments.

The main problem is so few people are knowledgeable
about the role of Pelvic Floor dysfunction in low back
problems & pain. Most PTs have minimal knowledge &
doctors appear to have none. Even worse, most people
treating Pelvic Floor problems are only treating
incontinence. It is very hard to find someone
knowledgeable enough to follow the clues & treat the
underlying problem.

A neurologist is no help. He can't fix the problem: he
can only give you things to make the pain slightly
more bearable. After decades of experience, I can only
say TREATING THE PAIN W/O TREATING THE CAUSE OF PAIN
-DOES NO GOOD. Duragesic will only be another bandaid.

Now that my pelvic floor problem has been diagnosed &
treatment begun, I take extraordinarily little
medication. My quality of life has dramatically
improved.

I encourage you to find a PT with specialized training
in treating pelvic floor induced back pain
problems.Get get an evaluation that includes sensors
placed in both the vagina & rectum. Many evaluations
only use the vaginal sensor, thus missing the problems
in the rear part of the floor, which cause the most
back, hip & leg problems.

If Pelvic Floor problems are causing your Piriformis
Syndrome, it is worth fixing. (Sometimes, you have to
go to several therapists before you find one, who uses
the techniques that are right for you. We really need
more research & teaching in this area!)

But there is hope for a life that is relatively pain &
drug free! Check it out. Mary






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