Sciatica?: Herniated Disc VS Piriformis Syndrome
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2021
- Are you struggling with sciatica (sciatic nerve pain running down the back of the leg) and are not sure what's causing it? Wondering how to tell if the sciatica is from a herniated disc or piriformis syndrome? In this video, I share an in-depth flowchart to help you navigate the self tests you can do and the questions to ask yourself to ID whether your sciatica pain is coming from a problem in the back (like a herniated or bulging disc) or from deep in the butt/glute (like piriformis syndrome).
And for a more comprehensive guide to help you pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain using simple self movement tests & a step-by-step approach without needing expensive images or a specialist... Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here: www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/di...
#drcharliejohnsonpt #sciatica #piriformissyndrome #herniateddisc
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• Sciatica?: Herniated D...
Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide
Hi! Just downloaded the guide and watched this video. Been in agony for the last 5 months. Ortho specialist said it was PS but no signs of it in the MRI. Went to chiro, did PT and dry needling and nothing has worked. Pain management Dr also said he thinks it’s PS and gave me a steroid shot in the PS muscle a week ago. I didn’t want to go that route but I was desperate. And it still doesn’t feel much better. After watching your video I tried the straight leg test and could barely lift my good leg without it hurting my bad leg, which you said is 95% herniated disc. I also can’t sneeze or cough without being terrified of the pain. I don’t feel much back pain tho. I mostly feel it in my butt and down my leg to my foot. I’m just so confused. Based on your video it seems obvious it’s a herniated disc but they are convinced it’s PS. I’m so frustrated because this ha completely halted my life. Any thoughts or suggestions would be so appreciated!
@@SarahMae-jd6xi hey! Thanks for watching my video and checking out my guide. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. Does sound disc related and I have a hunch but would need more details.
No pressure, but are you open to potentially working together?
I’d be happy to review your case and see if/how we can help and what’s going on. No pressure, but if you’re interested- please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and select a time to chat with us.
Okay?
Hang in there Sarah!
Thank you!
My comment has nothing to do with the video. I am perplexed by the staircase that seems to go nowhere.
LOL
I couldn’t hear anything else he said after I read your comment 🤦🏽♀️😂
@@relaxbeenatural Roflololol. He hearted the comment, but gave zero explanation.
Brilliant! Putting it all together on a diagnostic flowchart simplifies things, prevents useless anxiety, avoids unnecessary tests and saves a lot of time and expense. May your tribe increase, Dr. Charlie Johnson!
Thanks a million!
Had gone to so many chiropractors, PTs and massage therapists but bar none, you are the most common sense and articulate doctor out there both in real life and on the internet. Been telling everyone I know to check your channel. Thank you.
indeed
💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯
I had a slipped disc serious bulge at L4 L5 and I tried everything physio therapy massage everything that I could throw it's way I did full diet change and I was still using 4 to 6 gabapenton per day I flew to Thailand and had to do business class because of the length of flight to see a recommended Thai lady I have been here for 8 days now I'm staying for 6 weeks and I've seen this lady every day I am now free from gabapenton use I use 1muscle relaxer and 1 pain killer Thai medicine each day,she identified my problem as being in a totally different place although the MRI showed the disc prolapse she said it has been caused by extremely tight fascia in my right leg mainly in the location of the hamstring she did the most painful therapy I have had which left me bruised basically from knee to hip give or take a few places but the results are amazing I am confident that before I fly back this issue will be sorted,I feel the western way of dealing with things is treating the problem but that will present again unless you treat the cause.
I thought my problem was piriformis syndrome, and flowchart and tests confirmed that. Thank you for the clear explanation!
Hey Leslie! Thanks for watching- glad it helped!
What are you currently doing for treatment?
Absolutely brilliant and you've helped me differentiate what has been extremely baffling with my hip, buttock and sciatica pain. I guess I'd hoped it was piriformis syndrome but all the tests point to a herniated disc. You've been more helpful than the MDs, Chiropractors and massage therapist---and I've been to many. Thank you Dr. Charlie
Thanks Cheryl! Glad I could help you so far 👍. Now just gotta get you up to full speed! 💪🏻. Hang in there!
After completing several test I've confirmed that I have a back issue for sure. Excellent job
Great and informative video. I’ve had the hardest time figuring out what is wrong with my back. Now I’m 99% sure it’s a herniated disc. Thank you for your help Dr. Johnson. Now that I know the problem maybe now I can fix it. Going on 6 months of constant pain from sciatica
Thanks much Dr. Charlie, your flow chart and video were extremely helpful in diagnosis. I originally thought my sciatica was from PS due to overuse from long distance running, and this really confirms that. I also have a THR in that hip joint, so my flexibility on that side is more restricted. My doctor ordered an x-ray of my spine which showed moderate compression in L5/S1, and unfortunately for me, he is convinced that THIS is the cause and says there 's no way you have PS, it's so rare, you probably have back pain, etc. But disc compression at that spot is apparently a pretty common part of the aging process (I'm in my 50s), so I don't put a lot of weight into his opinion, esp. because I've never had back pain, and the back movements you suggested here did not cause any pain down the leg. I just started seeing a PT who did some functional movement tests and also thought it was PS, not a disc issue.
My doctor wants a spinal MRI (very expensive) to confirm the disc compression and then to get an epidural if the pain continues. I'm definitely against that if it's a PS condition! Though I am reading a lot that a coritisone shot into the P muscle itself can help with pain relief. Will continue with PT exercises for now, thanks again!
Hello Dr Charlie, please keep bringing videos for treatment of different orthopedic issues
I am a chiropractor using Applied Kinesiology (as originated by Dr. George Goodheart, the developer of AK) and of course, whole spine adjustments. I test the strength and flexibility of the piriformis as well as hamstring and iliopsoas for every low back and leg pain patient. I appreciate this video as well as the others by PTs and chiropractors concerning low back and all the other maladies humans suffer. Always good to go over the basic anatomy.
These videos are fantastic. I injured this area a couple of weeks ago and it's been brutal ever since. Went to a doctor a few days ago... thinks it's the SI joint, but now my hip joint is very painful when I stand or walk for more than 10 minutes.
Well the bend to the right fires the pain off - my butt then the outside of my ankle and foot. I've dealt with this since the beginning of the year. A month or so of excruciating pain while trying to walk (sitting brings relief but lying down does not so sleep disturbance is a problem) and then it gradually goes into remission only to come back after a month or so. MRI shows a variety of issues - disc bulges, stenosis, arthropathy, synovial cyst(?). Oddly, and thankfully, riding my bike is virtually pain free. I appreciate your thorough and matter of fact approach.
Hey Chris - thanks for watching. Are things getting any better?
What are you currently doing to solve this?
I just discovered your channel. I was searching on CZcams yesterday to find something on PIRIFORMIS S. And today? Your channel was recommended. Glad I clicked on it.
I'm in therapy now. I just started therapy last week. I've been going through pain since the last week of Nov. I thought it was just a sprain, pulled muscle, etc. And just let it be. It got better and after the new year? It got worse.
Your video was very thorough, informative and explained everything in detail; the difference in the conditions, types of pain with each one, etc. I already did the side exercise, you recommended. I'm so exhausted from this and just want to go back to my normal routine. I feel hopeless someday's and keep wondering, will I ever get better. THANK YOU for all the information.
I seem to have the herniated disc’s problem. Thank for such distinctive clarifications!
Dr., Thanks for posting your many videos. I especially appreciated your "decision tree" guide. I"m a 67 year old malel that has had 3 lumbar laminectomies since 1990 to deal with herniated discs (L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/SI). I was miserable prior to surgery for all 3, and pain free for many years after each of the 3 surgeries. Two weeks ago I began having pain in my right hip/groin, no back pain, and no pain at/lower than my knee. Your decision tree w/ "does it hurt to do this exercise vs. that excercise?") helped me identify 2 possible sources: SI Joint or Hip Arthritis. Have appointment with a well-recognized pain MD in a few days to confirm the problem and suggest treatment strategies. I'll be able to walk into the appointment with better insights into my pain that I can share w/ the MD. At this point I want to hear a medical Dx, but I will continue to review your resources. Thanks again. Greetings from Pawleys Island, SC.
Hey Rob! Thanks for watching- sorry to hear about what you're going thru...
Would love to hear how the appointment goes- if you're willing to update!
Thanks
Lumbar Thoracic junction, piriformis/sciatic pain. THANK YOU for all you teach. Much to rehab.. if even possible.
Great video Dr. Charlie. This really makes it clear. Awesome charts! 👏
Thanks for explaining the difference between a disc and piriformis!!
You got it Donald!
Glad I could help.
Do you have any questions for me?
-charlie
I was always very flexible in my youth, (later diagnosed with hypermobility of the spine), first injury was a fall off the uneven parallel bars in gymnastics when I was 16, I landed on my side and popped my sternum. Then when I was 27 I slipped on a restaurant kitchen floor and grabbing for a half wall to catch myself, I completely threw my back out of line and was flat on my back for months, then I got rear ended and hurt my neck, then I got broad sided by a pick up truck in the driver's side door and ruptured disks from neck to butt and tore the ligaments up and down my spine and was out of commission for a year, all this by age 35. I managed to survive all of this without surgery because I had a good chiropractor from the onset. I'm a bit older now and good body mechanics have kept me on my own two feet. I live with the coming and going of all these irritants, I live with knowing that one wrong move and I could be paralyzed for the rest of my life, (cervical stenosis, I hear the disks popping and crunching with every neck movement). If I listed my MRI verified diagnoses you would never believe I was still living a semi normal life. Good body mechanics is a must and making your movements on purpose not out of reflex. You have to think before you move and move with purpose and change your habits, eat right so your body has the energy and nutrients it needs to heal itself.
Classic PS I think from getting in and out of a manual transmission pickup feeding cows every day for months. Thanks for the video explaining the difference it was very helpful!! :)
This was great! I have a back problem. I already knew that from my recent MRI (2 bulging discs) but did the tests anyway and confirmed piriformis is not an issue.
Awesome! What are you doing for treatment?
Thank you so much! I definitely know it’s a disc problem now thanks to you after weeks of thinking periformis.
Sure thing michelle! Glad I could help!
Let me know if ya have any other questions or are interested in some help! Hang in there!
I have had leg pain since February finally got an appointment with the Physio who diagnosed Piriformis syndrome, which made sense as during lockdown I was doing a lot of sitting, however none of the exercises worked and the flossing motion caused more pain and discomfort afterwards. Recently though I have had trouble standing up straight after sitting and the straight raise leg test was also very painful - now thanks to this I know I have a herniated disk and may have to go back to Physio for treatment and advice.
Glad I could help Jonathan! 👊🏼. Do you have any specific questions for me?
This is my specialty 👍
I have exact same scenario as you, every word you said resonated exactly to my story
Do you have back pain or sitffness as well or no?
Definitely Piriformis. Location and movement test confirm that. Thank you for this video, Charlie!
Glad it was helpful, Ramona!
A lot of work for you …thank you
You got it, Jack. Thanks for watching!
VERY helpful! Thank you!
This is fantastic, thanks so much. It's so hard to find clear information like this and there is so much conflicting and muddled information available online, and from various professionals.
As for my story, I have some minor dull low back pain and bad sciatica at the S1 position. i'm positive for all the PS symptoms, plus I have trouble straightening up, really painful to cough or sneeze, I cannot walk without a limp, and I cannot bend forward at the back without reproducing pain. I have my MRI soon but I'm pretty certain it will come up as some form of disc herniation.
What were the results of your MRI? How are you now? What did you do to get better? My story is very similar to yours. Thank you for any details you can share!
@SarahMae-jd6xi my recovery has been a long one. Now I suffer from periods of mild sciatica and back pain, and periods of no pain at all. My mobility is now unaffected. there were periods where I had no symptoms, however I went back to exercise too quickly and put myself back a number of times. Also I have a job which requires I sit all the time, which has massively hindered me. What I would say is give your body time, and don't expect to measure your own recovery against someone else, everyone is unique and everyones story is slightly different. Best of luck on your recovery, I send you best wishes and hope.
@@SarahMae-jd6xi the scan came back l5-s1 disc herniation and l4-l5 disc bulge..
This is the only video that made it clear for me. Thank you!
You got it Mike! Let me know if you’re interested in some help.
Dr. Charlie
Thank you doctor Charlie Johnson. I think with your flowchart it helped me pinpoint my problem. Years ago when I was 1st out of high school I was feeding hay into a fbeatbump lifting and twisting, It caused a severe muscle spasm in my lower back on the right side. It has given me problems on and off since that time. Also had a water skiing accident and completely toward 2 of the hamstring muscles off of my pelvis. Now I'm having butt pain On the right side. Sometimes down to my toes. It definitely is affecting my lifestyle. Using your flow chart or listening to it I feel it's probably a disk problem even though it feels like it's the performance problem. I hope you can respond but I understand if you can't but I can imagine how busy you are. So thanks for the good work and I look forward to hearing more of your videos. John burback
hey John! thanks for watching man- and for sharing your story. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. Does sound disc related (most likely). What are you currently doing for treatment?
No pressure, but would love to see if/how I can help.
If you’re interested- feel free to set up a time to chat- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Hang in there John!
Dr. Charlie
OMG I HAVE A HERNIATED DISC!!! Thanks Doc 😃
Do this test! It worked for me and pain is already gone!
I think it is herniated disc’s. Excellent distinctions made; thank you!
This is a great resource. Recently had a powerlifting competition and must have done something to my back. Right after the lift, piriformis muscle hurt a lot and had radiating pain to knees, could barely put weight on that leg. It’s been a week now and with icing, stretch and strengthening, no long hurts with that intensity. So how do you work with a tweaked herniated disks?
Wow! Thank you!!!
No clue for me, I'm too freaked out by the STAIRS TO NOWHERE that nobody else seems to see!!
I saw that too!
Great explanation and flow charts. Thank you so much for the information.
Hey Bob! Happy Sunday! Thanks a million for watching and for your support! If ya haven't already- feel free to grab a copy of my entire DIY Diagnostic Guide at www.drcharliejohnsonpt/com/DIYGuide
Let me know if ya get stuck or have specific questions- here to help!
Dr. Charlie
This is fantastic, thanks so much. ✨
Sure thing! Glad I could help.
Outstanding Video.
Thanks a million Robin!!
Thank you this is very informative
best video I've seen. Have to find out more
amazing doc ...thank you so
much for sharing your knowledge ...
You got it!
@@drcharliejohnson been taking painkiller but still little bit annoying and try my best to move little more and streaching...Thank you once again..
Great video, I have pain down my right leg ,more on the inside below the knee and on the inside that beside shin bone. no lower back pain
need help
Thanks for this video, educating
Glad it was helpful!
Such an educational video❤
Back.
But wow I could have sworn I had PS, even my PT suggested that, but stretching the muscle didn't help.
In your test I found all three bending backwards tests caused my butt and back leg pain (down S1 zone).
But neither of the PS tests caused the pain
Time to go back to checking disc.
Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction!!
You got it Lord! Glad i could help- let me know if you have other questions. Good luck!
@@drcharliejohnson You are a life saver!! Doing my PT exercises for bulging disc reversed my sciatica pain!!
Can't thank you enough WOW
@@lordw9609 awesome! So glad I could help. Yeah- can be tricky. Way to watch and apply 👊🏼
I had 2 herniated disk 12 years ago I'm a healthy 44 year old man. They removed the the gel that had come out of disk area L4 and L5 I believe. Over the years certain things would irritate it but I would always stop and take a break and it was rare that any pain lasted very long. I did end up with some nerve damage down the right side of my upper leg and butt it's always been numb since the surgery. 4 days ago I was pouring a concrete driveway and the option to stop was not an option as it was just my girlfriend and I so I pushed it and was either raking and shoveling concrete or bent over leveling it out. That night I started getting a deep pain in my right butt cheek and for the last 3 days I have had some pretty good pain going down my right leg. It stops just past the knee but I can walk about 15 or 20 steps at best before I have to bend over and relieve the pressure which it only stops it slightly for a second then the deep pain in my right cheek starts right back up. I had my face boiled off by a radiator exploding in my face and went home for 4 hours without a problem before my family forced me to go to the hospital where they immediately airlifted me to harbor view medical center. I handled that pain for 10 hours before receiving any pain medication without a problem and I walked around for 2 years with those herniated disk before going to a chiropractor who did and adjustment and the next morning the lower half of my body was completely numb which is why I ended up getting the surgery that same day. Apparently it was more serious that I thought. This hurts pretty good and I have an astounding threshold for pain. I don't use and form of pain medication never have and I'm not a fan of hospitals. Do you think it's related to my herniated disk form 12 years ago or is it a sciatica issue?. I am not feeling any pain in the back or lower spine it's all in my butt cheek and back of my thigh down to my knee about? I know your going to tell me to go see a doctor but that's really not an option for me at this time so I'm combing the internet looking for ways to deal with this on my own.
I’ve been watching your videos for like 3 hours now. I am beyond frustrated with my medical care, was complaining of low back pain for years and years and now I have excruciating hip pain when hiking and walking, greater trochanter area pain. I need a diagnosis and a plan of action. It’s impacted everything in my life and my super active work and lifestyle!
Sorry to hear! Appreciate you checking out my content! Are you open to a different approach?
Would love to see if/how I can help.
No pressure, but if you're interested, I'd love to review your case and see if I can help... you can schedule a time to chat here- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!
Great information
Hey Linda! Thanks so much- appreciate you watching.
Any specific questions for me?
hey doctor i just wanted to find out is piriformis relatively rare ? is it like a really easy to get condition? and if the piriformis is inflammed due to a trauma do the strenthening exercises help or should one wait for the inflammation to come down and then strengthen ? would love a reply
thanksss
Best informational video, thank you sir
Welcome! 👊🏼👍
Dude this video helped so much !!!!
Awesome!
Hello, Great information and videos. Im new yo your channel and I am new to this pain. Ok, here is my issue. I just turned 50. My pain began about a few monthes ago in my right butt cheek and right thigh. It mostly hurt while in bed and turning from lying flat position to either side. After about 2mos it went away. It's been about 3mos or more free of pain. Now, this past Saturday I felt pain in my lower back about waistline slightly more to the right of my lower back, then it went away. Then the next day, Sunday I have excruciating pain in my my right butt cheek and runs down half way through my right thigh. All day I have this pain. Last night in bed it was painful to sleep on my back and right side. I woke up today this morning with the same pain in my my right side buttcheek my thigh and now my calf and lower right side of my back.
The calf pain feels like a cramp wanting to come on but no cramp. I was able to lay on my right side with moderate pain this morning as well. So what is going on, do I have a sciatic nerve issue?
Thank you.
Wow this is amazing
Oh God, thank you so much! I surely have a herniated disc. L4 and L5 as well as S1. I had an MRI in 2009 that indicated that. Now, I have been suffering again from this pain for the last three weeks. I just had another MRI done and in addition to the previous findings on the MRI, my L2 and L3 is messed up some. So now what? I've been on several pain and inflammatory medications with very minimal relief. I'm changing my diet as I speak but I need relief from this pain. I've purchased pillows for the back, legs and head. I'm waiting on a back brace to be delivered.
I need help, please!
Thank you for your videos. They are so informative.
how are you now
This is such an informative video. I have butt pain and now I know it’s from a L3 disc problem. I get this pain in the center of my back along with butt pain. I’m now doing Sciatica stretches. In your opinion, will this help?
Thank you - very helpful in determining that I have sciatica that is a back problem.
Welcome! Glad I could help! What are you doing for treatment?
@@drcharliejohnson thank you - presently I am trying to have short walks. Also some gentle stretches and as I am overweight I am starting to seriously consider how important it is that losing weight could help me in this area. I am not generally a fan of surgical or pharmaceutical interventions if I can avoid them.
@@Slarti awesome! Good for you 👍
No pressure, but if you get stuck on your healing journey, I’d be happy to review your case and see if/how I can help.
Hang in there!
Very educational and understandable. you made it so easy, thank you
You're welcome!
Thank you
Thank you for the very informative flow chart. I have Back issue. The problem came from a fall during a 2019 snow/ice storm. Landed flat on my back. Nothing showed on xray at that time but slowly crept in with chronic piriformis pain. Now I definitly have sciatca on my right side with L5-S1 locations.Not alot of pain in the back but a little stiffness. I've seen PT and Chiropracter and had a second xray where there was a shadow appearance in the second to last disc. I am wondering if your programs will help with this extreme pain where meds have masked and stretches help but will not go away completely. The other treatments are breaking the bank!
Hey Karen! Sure thing- glad you found it helpful 👊🏼
Not sure if I can help- but if you’re open to it- I’d love to chat and see.
If you’re interested- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply. 👊🏼👍
Great presentation 👏
Thanks for watching!
I have watched so many videos on back/sciatica and this is by far the most easily understandable one i have seen yet to make me understand my condition. I had a Sciatica( herniated disc) back late last year that my Shin still bothers me at time , feels like i have shin splints all the time . I wonder if this could be caused from Nerve damage ? I was bed ridden for 6 wks .. i now ice my back 3x a day and it seems to help alot .. Great video
Glad it was helpful! Yeah, “shin splints” likely due to nerve issue
I have both 🥺 actually si joint issue and bulging disc.
Great video thank you!
Sure thing Sasha!
Thanks for watching. What are you doing for treatment?
@@drcharliejohnson
It's tricky I find.
Physio exercises which did help to strengthen a bit. Hydro pool for decompression. However after 6 months my bulge is the same.
Specialist still suggesting surgery.
I just purchased a pull up bar to hang 6 seconds here and there (its hard to do more) I find that my si joint doesn't like it, so I do very short hangs.
I am desparate to decompress my spine but its just not budging.
I am thinking now I need to increase my flexibility in hips and pelvis first before I add lots of decompression exercises
@@KingsDaughter. sounds like you're a bit confused about what to do... quite normal actually. Are you open to some help from me to see if you can prevent surgery?
@@drcharliejohnson
Yeah it is very confusing for sure.
thank you for your offer.
I am currently searching some answers myself from videos like yours, to see if I can work it out myself as I've spend a lot of money on this injury already.
You are so awesome been putting up with this for 25 yrs .when I feel down on steps caring my Granddaughter in her tote she was fine I couldn't let nothing happen to her I never let go of her .But the pain was awful yes I cried it split my buttocks muscle in half .I can still see & feel the indentation. My question is there just 1 excise I can do for this pain.?
Your material is amazing! Very insightfull.
Piriformis - awesome video.
Thanks Shallow Hal!
Great video! I've had horrible buttock/left leg pain for many months and my doctor says it's a disc problem after seeing results from my MRI. But I'm not convinced because I have absolutely no back pain and after watching your video, my symptoms are all PS, not herniated disc. So doc says disc but your video says PS...do you have any comments on how I should treat my aching piriformis? My daily pain level is a 9!
Hey! Thanks for watching!
Honestly (and I hope you can understand)- difficult to give specific recommendations without knowing more about your specific case.
What caused your pain?
Are you open to my help?
No pressure- but if you’re interested, I’d love to see if/how I can help.
Best first step to do that would be to set up a time to chat 👉🏻 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Thanks again for checking out my channel! ❤️
Hi Dr. Charlie...I am a 60 year old housewife and was diagnosed 10 years ago with a Grade 1 Spondy. In 2015 I had a lamenectomy to scrape bone away from my nerve that was giving me extreme back pain. Stenosis. This was great and I have been living with my Spondy and being active and careful. I am a very active outdoors person and as of September 1 I woke up with extreme butt pain that goes down my leg to calf. It hurts like hell and I don’t know what to do. With all this Covid stuff going on I don’t want to go to the hospital and am sitting and crying in silence everyday but still moving. What have I done. I have watched almost all your videos but can’t seem to determine what is wrong. My back doesn’t hurt but my butt is on fire and down my leg and when I sit down it spasms intensely until it calms down about 30 minutes later? Please Help! 😢
That sounds terrible. Did you ever figure it out?
Where can my husband find someone like you? He has been to 4 different clinics and multiple injections, Accupunture, chiropractor, PT, everything.
Hey Kimberly! Sorry to hear about your husband… not fun.
Is he open to help virtually where he can learn how to solve this himself (with some help of course)?
I do consult with folks internationally.
No pressure- but if he is, first step would be to set up a time to chat to see if it’s a fit and I can review his case. He could do that by visiting:
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply 👍
I have bulging discs L-2 to 5 with referred pain in buttocks. Rolling against the wall for butt pain on yoga balls often makes my back hurt. What can I do to strengthen my low back? Thanks so much!
Great video. I have bilateral sciatica but MRI was totally negative. Can this still be discogenic? Thanks!
R u able to sit without pain or sleep on your back ?
Me even walking i get thé sciatic nerves pain from Hip to heel
This is such a helpful video. Great explanation of the 3 differences.
Just wanted to say thank you Doc. Your DIY better than an MRI Guide helped me narrow down that it was indeed Sciatica and not Piriformis Syndrome. I decided to lay off the typical stretches and have just done the press ups almost exclusively and they've been helping over the past couple days.
Awesome! So glad I could help you ❤️👊🏼
Привет 🤝, наши проблемы схожи. Похоже Вы правы- надо укреплять мышцы спины, чтобы уменьшить стеноз.
Pretty sure with your help, I’ve now pin pointed it is just an L5 and Si problem. This current phase has lasted 3.5 years now, with out full relief.
One thing I can never find an answer to though. I always have a nerve pain and weakness when standing and lifting knee straight up, same if doing sitting straight leg raise. Same weakness nerve pain with side leg raises no matter how much I exercise them. Mainly on my left side but does switch to right side occasionally.
Hey Shaun! thanks for watching!
Have you seen any specialists to try and resolve this- or just DIYing things?
hello doctor. I don't think I have either. I have something closer to piriformis syndrome (none of the disc symptoms match mine, some of the piriformis symptoms match my symptoms, esp carrying a cushion everywhere) but my pain/numbness are on both sides, but the piriformis stretch doesn't aggravate my symptoms. any idea? I can schedule a call on your website if you have ideas.
Also you mention with a disc issues, symptoms are worst when waking up in the morning. I'm the opposite, my symptoms are mildest when I wake up in the morning.
Hey Todd! Thanks for watching. Appreciate you sharing your story. Does not sound like Piriformis syndrome- but something else up in the spine.
Check out my more detailed flowchart here (download it for free): www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYguide
And yes, I’d love to chat with you if you’re serious about solving this and looking for a plan 👍. To apply to work with me visit:
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
I have SI joints problem. No ‘disc-type’ material left. No disc material left at L5/S1.
19:39- does a herniated disc ALWAYS cause pain in both legs or shifts?? Because mine is ONLY in one leg, but I have some of the checklist items for disc issue. What if some items on this checklist match but some don't, then how do you know? Can a sinking mattress cause herniated disc? That's when my problem started.
Hey Charlie great videos!! I’m in New York and wondering your take on my situation. I have issues with L3/4/5 and S1(bulges,herniations,hypertrophy and grade 1 Spondylolisthesis) my chiropractor insists my SI joint is the cause of pain and lack of mobility bending over or rotating to the trouble side and the pain management Dr. insists the discs are causing the SI joint pain. It’s so frustrating with two different diagnosis and not much relief at all with SI area pain. Seeing a neurologist on Monday. Any opinion? Thanks in advance!
Hey! Thanks for watching. Sorry to hear what you’re dealing with.
If you have pain ABOVE the level of your SIJ joint then chances are it’s from something above (referred from spine) rather than SIJ. Disc related pain much more common than SIJ although obviously that doesn’t exclude it.
Check out my DIY Diagnostic Guide. I think you’ll find it useful.
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYguide
Also, what’s the purpose of seeing neurologist? Is this something you’re considering surgery for?
Thanks for watching!
Hello, did you find a way to get a pain relief? and what was your issue SI joint or hernitated disc?
Hi..I have a herniated disc then!😮
My GP told me it was Gout🤔 Because I get chronic Gout!
I slipped on the edge of an oily step ..5 years ago..I have problems with both buttocks 🤔
Cant move at all..too painful! Cant walk for days..bed ridden!
Hurts when I cough and sneeze!
Hurts when I put good leg up!
I'm a new bellow the knee Amputee
So I cant do some of those exercisers. .
My physio is telling me to roll on a Tennis ball! But that's not working either
I sit alot in my Motorized wheelchair too..😒
Thank you so much for sharing x
I have had lower back pain on and off and I would run high miles when i wasn't having back pain and i loved it. Then i had a rollover car accident landed 50 yards from highway in a corn field. I thought I got really lucky with only 3 months off for broken ribs and concussion. Went back factory work straight into 12hr shifts and mandatory overtime now I have bad sciatica pains. It hurts getting in and out of (new)truck sitting anywhere and hurts to cough sneeze and go #1,#2 and it really hurts to pump gas.🤣.
I was diagnosed by an Ortho of having a herniated disc, after the diagnosis, I chose to have some treatment with a Chiro and showed my Xray and MRI , the Chiro now is doing to get my disc back or at least get it inside the spine space. Somehow I can still feel the tingling sensation and butt pain on the left cheek, I told them(both the Ortho and Chiro) that I had a seated crunch injury that I felt a tore in it. It subsided after 2mos of not doing anything but after sometime of prolonged walking and standing pain in my left butt is getting painful and unbearable that I needed to see an Ortho. (I always sit down in my job, that I may have forgotten to stretch and still work out in the gym)
Fast forward I signed up for 12 sessions in the Chiro and it is my 4th session now and I can still feel pain in my left butt and tingling sensation on my left leg. I am thinking I may have both since I have an MRI bulge with the L4/L5 and no back pain just painful in the left butt as PS?
I have both bulging and herniated disk and pirformis and trochanter if bursa! Trying to see which is causing the discomfort
Hi doc. My issue started once I did a certain forward bending yoga pose. I felt something wrong in my lower back but with some pain killers it was gone. However its been 2 years now and now my situation is that i cannot sit cross legged on floor for even a second without feeling pain in my lower back and the pain travels down to my legs. Also I feel some issue in my right leg like my knees pop quite a lot and my calf hurts but only in my right leg. Only thing that helps is lying down or sitting with a cushion. Could it be that I have both the issues that you have mentioned?
Thanks for watching! If both legs most likely something more “upstream” than the piriformis- more likely to be a spine issue given what you’ve described
I think I have a herniated disc sciatica that comes from my back. I CAN NOT even sneeze. the pain is real when I sneeze all the way down. I play soccer and I thought I tore my meniscus, but the MRI shows everything is intact. my Doctor told me that there might be deep soft tissue damage. After watching this video my pain is most likely from the back that goes all the way down to piriformis, knee, and leg. Thank you so much, Doctor. I would be happy if you do a video on pain relief for back pain sciatica.
Thank you 🙏
Welcome! Thanks for watching.
@@drcharliejohnson
I have herniated disc L5 S1 since February 9 months ago .. I was told I need surgery Microsectamy ..I have been doing physical therapy and I feel much better the only thing I have is leg weakness and ankle pain with some but pain from time to time I’m still holding off on the surgery…I wish you were in New York to see you .. thanks marko O
@@mcotech1573 hey Marco! Awesome man- yeah, most people do NOT need surgery. So glad you were able to stick it out and work through it. Easier said than done 👊🏼
Keep up the good work. Also, FYI I do work with folks worldwide. No pressure/ but if you’re interested in working with me- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply 👍
Dr Charlie
Have, seemingly performing, daughter is a pilates expert, been getting deep tissue massage, knee issue, pain, on same side as aching butt cheek, after massages, seems to help, but aggravation for days, this last massage Monday, she worked heavily on lower back and performing, felt good, knee relief, yesterday I bent over and wrenched lower back. Could barely walk. Seemed better after taking ibuprofen and arnica cream, but too much movement, now I am hurting and it concerns me, a other issue is when I bend over or lift in the past, I would feel tired in the lowerback girdle area, would radiate all in lower back, and be painful, would have to sit down, but not had this lower back pain like this, where I can't walkwell, noticed that it it is directly related to the right side issue, that happens ago with a hike a d afewdays later, after driving, sitting would be in excruciating pain all down the right side from butt cheek to foot, my life has never been the same. I am also off balance and use to fall easily on my knees, was walking more, in a quandary? I feel right now a slight ache on right side inner lower back next to the butt crack.
If taking a high does of magnesium (muscle relaxer) takes the pain away temporarily, can that rule out a disc issue??
Great video, Can one have both issues ?! !! I believe I do. The only thing that helps me is walking or lying flat on floor
Good question. Yes, anything is possible- but when it comes to diagnostics- the most upstream problem is the most likely source of pain and should be considered the cause of any downstream problems (until proven otherwise). So, if back issue is present- it can cause and should be considered the primary source of the buttock pain as well!
Make sense??
Everything is consistent with piriformis syndrome except when I do the back to the left bend and bend all the way back it reproduces my pain in my left glute. Does this mean I have a back problem or is it more likely PS?
What about a compression on my traversing left L4 nerve root? Could that be causing my band of pain down the front of my left thigh and inner left knee and inner left leg shin and outside area of my inner left foot?
After watching this I know I have a back/disc problem causing sciatica. I’ve been suffering for years off and on but recently it’s been way worse over the last several months.
Hey Amy! Thanks for watching- Sorry to hear.
What are you currently doing for treatment?
Are you interested in some help?
Im suffering from Sciatica for two weeks now and figured it out that is from Herniated disc.. Thank you.
How r u now
R u able to walk pain free
@@vivianeraw8448 Hello! I cant say 100 percent pain free as I still feel it on my butt and sometimes going down all the way to my leg. Tho it is not that intense as before but still there. Thank you for asking. Hope you are completely healed.
I have pain in both sides, it worsens when driving or laying down(I clearly feel the contractions I’m not sure if it is from the nerves or muscles) I do not have any lumbar pain however my Trapezius muscles will tight when driving for too long. I will get legs/feet numbness when seating in the toilet but to when seating in a chair. Would a thoracic or cervical problem affect the lower back?
Looks like I have a back problem L4 L5 disc. Thanks. Now I know.
Hi Dr. I have had lower back pain since many years and now the pain radiates in the piriformis muscle on the left side too. I want to know what exercises I should avoid so that the pain doesn't worsen and what exercises will help me strengthen my Lower back and piriformis muscles. Also, does the piriformis muscle pain ever go away or do I have to just manage the symptoms all my life?
Hi Dr. Charlie. My name is Del. Thank you for your video and your clear information. I have decided my condition is pertaining to "Piriformis Syndrome ". I have this shooting pain in my left but check which travels down my leg, thigh, calf and into the sole of my foot. This pain prevents me from walking for even 15 minutes. I have been trying the single knee raised up and bent closer to the right arm and this gave me a ease of the pain. I am hoping that after a few weeks I will get some good relief. God bless you. I will keep you updated with my progress as time goes by.
Thank you, Dr Johnson. Your method convinced me I do not have sciatica. I was diagnosed with bursitis of the hip, and the pain seems to be very similar to pirifomis. I am not totally convinced that the problem is bursitis of the hip so I was wondering if there is a flowchaart which might convince me one way or the other?
Hey! Thanks for watching… for sure- check out my DIY Diagnostic Guide if you haven’t already. You can download it here 👇
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYGuide
Let me know what you learn- okay?!
I must be a strange case.
When I wake up in the morning and I stand up, the back of my leg hurts and also nu butt. After 5 min to 30 min the pain gets less. Still, putting socks on the leg hurts. Driving my bike to work is not painfull but I definately feel my leg. In de at work all pain is gone. Any test I do in your flowchart does not hurt. Only sitting down die longer times reproduce the symptoms. Standing up out of a chair or car hurts because i can 't straighten my leg
So I was sure it was piriformis syndrome after going to a chiropractor helped my lower back pain and the shooting nerve pain by a lot and have been told that it was piriformis syndrome by PT as it was constantly spasming, tightening etc but whenever I have to walk around too much or stuck sitting in a car too long I ALWAYS end up not being able to stand straight, back pain comes back and attempting to stand straight is very painful. Seems like I might have to go back and speak to my doctor after this video.
I never wanted to believe it’s a disc until I went to PT for the first time today and honestly was suprised when she stated piriformis is super rare and most the time when someone has sciatica it’s 8 X out of 10 it’s a back problem and that sometimes you won’t have pain up there. Until I wake up and do a Mackenzie tech then I’m hurting