Piriformis syndrome...experience?

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carol632

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I was diagnosed with this about 6 weeks ago after suffering with buttock and leg pain for months. Prior to dx, it was thought I had a lot of inflammation from my last surgery with roRAB and screws being placed so my pm did an epi. When that didn't help, after about a month, we did a caudal, got some relief, and had another caudal. This was all in about a 6 month period. After the dx of piriformis, I did the PT, had massage, use heat and continue to do the exercises. My PM did an inj. directly into the muscle. My ortho did another when I found my PM couldn't get me in?!?! I still am in pain tho I take an anti-inflammatory and follow instructions.

By now, I am well over the limit for steroiRAB and my PM won't do another inj. When I asked about botox, he flatly refused. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get this muscle settled down, short of surgery? I am so tired of not being able to sit with pain that clirabs to 7, 8, 9 on the pain scale. Walking also causes the pain to set it.

I would so appreciate any help or suggestions anyone has. I'm at my wits end with this.



Carol
 
I have also suffered from this in the past and went through the whole gamet of treatments including PT and injections into the muscle. I got some relief from the muscle relaxant Baclofen. This is a muscle relaxant commonly used for MS in order to get muscle to stop spasming. The potential problem is that you cannot take it as-needed. You have to take it several times a day for a few days in order to get the muscle to stop spasming and it is a bit sedating.
 
Caligirl, thank you so much for the suggestion. I had wondered if it would be helpful to take baclofen but my PT had told me that muscle relaxants don't help.

I have a high tolerance to most medications; even if it is a bit sedating, I can lie down whenever I need to. One of the benefits of being a senior citizen, lol.

I see my spine specialist in 3 weeks and will discuss this possibility with him. Again, I thank you very much.

I am still open to any other suggestions and would appreciate any input. I've read dozens of articles about this syndrome, but most of them seem to be very much over-my head.

Carol
 
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