Help Wanted

[tiredestgirl]

Hi, this is the first time I've sought answers online to an ongoing back/hip problem I've had now for 7 years. I have chronic pain that travels from my lower back, into the piriformis/glutes, over the greater trochanter, hip flexors and lateral quads, knee and ankle (when really nasty) I have been to a physio to no avail who diagnosed bursitis of the hip (due to over use which as I am a fitness instructor could well be the case) The only relief I get is from deep tissue massage but that only last 24 hours. I use antinflammatories when needed. The best it feels is when I am exercising but the pain before and following is becoming unbearable. I have had xrays and am off to see a sports dr next month who will hopefully send me for an MRI. The hip and bum pain keeps me awake at night and the back pain wakes me in the morning at around 5.30am like clock work. Does anyone have any ideas of what this might be? Piriformis Syndrome sounds similiar but it is the first time I have heard of it upon reading this site. I really dont wish to go down the injection route simply because I have heard that they aren't really that effective. I'm starting to feel quite desperate

[CaliGirl]

In the event you do have Piriformis Syndrome as part or all of your problem you could start treating this now by doing some simple stretches. Do an internet search and you will find these. Injections are not generally very helpful for this condition anyway. Sometimes a muscle relaxant can help keep the muscle from spasming (I take Baclofen) which is at the core of the problem. Piriformis syndrome will not appear on an x-ray or an MRI, however there is usually, another condition that sets off the Piriformis Syndrome and this may very well be identified by your diagnostic testing. In my case it is SI joint dysfunction. Best of luck to you with your quest for answers.

[Justoneofus]

An MRI will better help identify what is or isn't going on back there. You need an MRI of your lower spine to either confirm or rule out a disc issue in your lower spine. You sound like you have "sciatica", but as to what is causing it, dunno.

It could be a disc bulging or herniation, a disc that is simply aging, could be an SI joint issue, or as you mentioned the piriformis muscle spasming on you, etc.

I would suggest you lighten up just a bit on your workout regimen and see if it improves the pain or otherwise.

Nobody likes the medical intervention routes no matter how invasive it is, but if it's the only way to get you some relief..

Hang in there.

[margsee]

I developped bursitis after months of having SI joint disorder. It took about 3 weeks of zero cardio along with icing, NSAID treatment, and ultrasound treatments, but it went away. ANY cardio at all would aggravate it.

As for piriformis syndrome, in my opinion and definite experience, piri pain is a symptom of another issue. Once my SI is corrected and bursitis is treated, piriformis pain disappeared for me.

Make sure you talk with health professionals about muscle imbalance possiblities & get someone who can test you for them. Those who exercise as much as you do can easily end up with imabalances that can lead to alignment issues. (I'm a cyclist; overly strong quads lead to weaker hams. Combine that with hyperflexibility & I got SIJD.)
FYI!