. 'Unusual' conditions can often be difficult to treat just because of 'coverage' restrictions, often encountered by many.Well now you know what doesn't help at least. You sound like you need work on your P muscle, but not something so extreme (not that this exercise would be thought of as extreme to most) Does your piriformis always hurt with contact/pressure too?
Have you tried any easy stretches? http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/rehab ... is-stretch . Click the arrow and take a look at the video on this site.
Only do the first one here especially in the beginning, and monitor any effect. It's obviously better to do any piriformis stretches lying down, many advise a sitting position but that's not so good for us. You will know when to stop and how far to go. Try the stretch for 5 seconds, not going too far over at first, release it then try again for another 5 seconds. After a few reps the muscle can usually stand a little more stretch over. Do no more than say 6 and DON'T PUSH IT!. If you find this helps or at least doesn't flare anything at all, try it a few times a day. Always little by little.
I had an MRN (neurography imaging) which is supposed to show the nerves, mine wasn't very good (1T and nothing like reported by Dr Potter) However, the only thing I would say firstly, she hasn't been noted for a piriformis evaluation in the past. I don't particularly think that this will make a difference. I'm sure she has mentioned piriformis muscles on at least one report that has been listed on this site. Maybe phone and ask the question before you have the scan?Also have PS and PN mentioned in reasons why you need the scan .
The thing with identifying piriformis syndrome on a scan is that the muscles are usually noted to be quite different sizes, thus conferring a piriformis problem. . but what happens, as seems to be the case with you, if BOTH of the muscles are spasmed. No great difference in size may be visible and a PS problem isn't reported.
A scan is great when it indicates a problem but it can never be used as an ultimate answer.
Hope fully the signal intensity of any trapped nerves can be seen though and Dr Potter does seem to be one of the best at this.
It is sometimes the case that the sciatic nerve runs through the muscle in some people (me
) although I don't think you have complained of sciatica or leg pain?? This pathology does leave some more susceptible to PS and sciatic involvement, however. I haven't ever heard of the pudendal nerve running through the muscle but, it does run underneath, so whoever said PN could not be as a result of PS needs to go back to anatomy classes perhaps. This often happens the other way around and any preceding PN can cause PS.Once the PN is dealt with (lifestyle changes, medication,physio, blocks, op, whatever works ) the PS calms too. You may be the other way around but it is the chicken and egg scenario for most.
You did have another post which seems to be lost?? but, just a point I made on there, which may help you if/when you do go back to work. . . . . Try adjusting your leg and seating position when driving from time to time. Fractionally is all it takes, say move your knee forwards slightly and drive like that for a while, then slightly to the side. This does help me but then, I don't have to drive so far of course.
take care,
Helen
But things may take time to calm down so I wouldn't take negative initial symptoms as an ultimate answer.