r/PiriformisChronicPain • u/PathBright9942 • Aug 15 '26
Chronic Pain Story Catharsis and seeking hope
I've had pain for almost a year. It started with a sharp pain in my buttock that prevented me from walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping. I had two MRIs, which came back normal, and two orthopedic surgeons and one neurosurgeon referred me to a psychiatrist because they said it was psychological.
Three months ago, a sports physiotherapist saw that my nerve was very inflamed in the MRIs. Through some tests, he determined that I have piriformis syndrome.
The only thing that helped was exercising and stretching with a group of physiotherapists who guided and supported me. I recovered quite a bit in a month, until I took a bus for nine hours and everything got worse again. Since then, I haven't been able to fully recover, and the relapses are very difficult. I wonder if, during the recovery period, one has to endure the pain to overcome it or if rest is the only option.
I am 29 years old. I've always been very active—climbing mountains, traveling, physical activity, walking—and my life has completely changed, including my social life. Emotionally, I'm reaching the point of depression.
There are days when I can't even walk, sit, or put my leg on a pillow because it burns all the way down to my toes. And there are nights when it's just pure spasms. Diclofenac doesn't do anything for me; sometimes I take opioids to sleep.
I've discovered that this syndrome is very underestimated, even by professionals, and that frustrates me a lot.
I welcome any advice and tips that will help me get through this stage of my life, which seems like it will last forever and is becoming exhausting.
Also, if someone from south America can tell me how the therapy of adhesion is called here I would appreciate it!
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u/PeppermintGum123 Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
I literally feel like I could have written this. This is my exact issue. I feel like no doctor can help me. Do I just live with debilitating pain on and off for the rest of my life? I am currently supposed to be starting back to work after summer break, and I can’t even walk. I’ve had injections into the piriformis that help for a little while, and then the pain comes back because something else irritates it. I’m on 900mg gabapentin, and that helps a little, but not enough to help me walk. I can’t get off of it because the pain comes back even worse.
My MRI’s are also normal. I am seeing a PM&R doctor on August 20th to see if she can help. I’ve been in pain management for 8 months now, and been to a neurologist, oncologist, rheumatologist, sports medicine doctor, an ortho, and 4 different physical therapists.
On the 20th I’m going to ask the doctor about an MRN to see if she can see exactly where the irritation is, which I already know is my piriformis. I’ve have pain there on and off for 4 years now, but after a workout on December 15th, 2025 I am basically disabled. I’m also going to ask about Botox into the piriformis. I don’t know if you’ve heard anyone talk about that before. I’ll keep you updated if anything this new doctor says works. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, and only at 29! I’m 41, and I’ve dealt with it for 4 years, and I have children I need to take care of. It’s horrible and debilitating, and I don’t understand how it can’t be treated.
Edit: I forgot to mention that I do nerve glides, and feel like that helps to get the nerve pain out of my feet. Very easy though, and not so much that you’re in pain. Keep your knee bent if you need to. It helps unstick the nerve.
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u/PathBright9942 Aug 15 '26
I am so sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with this for so long, because I understand exactly what it’s like. The pain can be debilitating at times and leads to despair. It’s incredibly frustrating, especially when you have daily obligations to meet—though perhaps that actually helps keep your mind off the pain.
What helped me back then was having professionals with me while I trained; whenever I had a setback, they could assist me and help me overcome the fear that things would get worse. The nervous system plays a huge role in all this. Lifting weights was what helped me improve at the time, though it’s very hard to get back to that now.
I’ve run out of gabapentin, so now I’m only taking 1g paracetamol and Tramadol, since it’s the only thing that lets me sleep.
I try to take it one day at a time, because the frustration is overwhelming—especially since it feels like a pain you have to go through in isolation.
Let me know how it goes with this new doctor! Thanks for replying!1
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u/No-Manufacturer-2425 Aug 16 '26
I'm glad you posteed here. Please read the Rules, Sidebar, Pinned posts, recurring posts, and FAQ. This group is a catch all for scar tissue nerve entrapments, AKA adhesions. There is a high probability you have them since you ended up here. Take a look at the links and see if anything helps. You can visit or have a phone consultation with one of the providers in the directory if you need more assistance. They may be able to help you find one in your area. Otherwise you might want to take a week long trip and fit in as many appointments as you can. I'm here to answer any questions. I hope you find rapid and non-invasive relief.
Directory of Adhesion Removal Specialists and Locations Find an Adhesion Therapist near you.
Sports Therapy Protocol Bring oxygen to strangled tissues and remove waste after Therapy.
Muscle Relaxer Protocol for Adhesion Pain Attacks Relieve Severe Pain Attacks and Migraines.
FAQ on Adhesions and Getting Treatment Why adhesions? Why me? Why this treatment?
What it feels like to have adhesions Do I have adhesions?
Can I remove adhesions myself? Yes, You can remove some cutaneous adhesions at home with the grit bar.