@itsAirickk You probably have a bulging disc causing nerve irritation which in turn is causing the piriformis tightness. I suggest you do the exercises from both the Sciatica Exercises Part 1 and Part 2 videos frequently - up to a few times every hour you are awake. I also suggest you try using cold packs on your low back as directed in my ebook that is available for free on the website shown on the video. MRI will tell the extent of the problem, but hopefully the exercises will solve it.
what can this be?? im getting a MRI next saturday to see if i have disc problems. im 18 and didnt do anything to injure myself.
the leg stretch test you said to do i did it and theres not that much pain when i stretch the painful leg but when i stretch the opposite leg (that doesnt hurt) i get sciatic pain going down the opposite leg :/
i dont have constant pain at all only when i do certain movements.
also it doesnt hurt when i walk or sit for a long time. is there any advice you can give me??
Dr. ive been having pain in my right buttocks area for about a month and a half now been to the doctors twice, chiropractor which i think is making it worse.
Anyways i get pain n my buttocks area the most, no back pain and a little bit of sciatic pain down the leg but not all the way to my feet. also i did the piriformis stretch last night and the pain decreased atleast 50% i woke up and the pain kinda came back so i did the stretch again and the pain decreased again (continue)
Hey thank you so much for making these videos. People often ask me about health stuff and as a rule I generally encourage exercise that strengthen and stretch muscles in the area of the pain.. I see now that for this particular situation stretching only would work sometimes. I have noted your information and thanks again!
I had orignally thought I have sciatica but when doing the stretch for piriforma it was quite painful when stretching the leg and moving toward the shoulder. Also, I have been having terrible numbness in my foot which has been going on about 2 weeks or longer. Is this typical with either sciatica or piraforma injury? Sometimes my ankle turns when walking as I cannot feel it very well.
@lindaOtis The numbness in the foot suggests that there is nerve compression occurring and this can happen with either a disc protrusion or piriformis contraction. I suggest you stretch the piriformis frequently for the next few days as well as try the exercise from the Part 1 video in case there is disc component. If you don't get any improvement within a week, an MRI would be a good idea to evaluate the problem further. Good luck!
I tried both ways of diagnosing myself and nether of them cause pain. the dr did its not from the spine. I've been stretching for three weeks and taking the nsaid i dont know what else to do but i cant sit for more than 5 minutes without getting bad pain in my buttock. This all started because i sit a lot because of school, i dont know what to do anymore
@kenpochic1980 Since the problem is related to sitting, & neither of the tests cause any pain, my guess is it's either ischial bursitis (in the lower part of the pelvic bones that supports you when sitting), or you have trigger points in one or more of the gluteal muscles. If it's bursitis, you pretty much have to wait it out - applying ice periodically may help more than the nsaid. Muscle issues are often related to sacroiliac problems, which a chiropractor or osteopath may be able to help.
I have a question. Can the pain move? The pain started in my left hip going down and around the side of my thigh. Now most of that pain is gone, steps are still a problem though when I go up then. But now the pain seemed to have moved into my lower left calf. It feel like a pulled muscle, but I have not injured myself. While I am sitting, or just standing there is not pain but as soon as I start to walk the pain can be excruciating.
@bareblackonly Depending on the location, severity, and number of discs and other structures involved, it is quite common for symptoms to move and change. Pressure and related irritation on nerves, as well as reactive muscle contraction can shift around and this results in different symptoms. The calf pain is a sign that there's still some nerve irritation going on. I suggest you try the exercise from my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. Massage and gentle stretching of the calf should help too.
Dr. I had an ESI today. And want to start the McKenzie method. It has been almost 8 weeks to the day when this started after a running fall. My Q is about my leg muscles, they feel so tight, sore , like they are knotted up from all the sicatca. What can I do get theae to lossen up. ( without pain:-))
@dajabe1 Some of the leg muscles are supplied by the same nerves involved in sciatica, and the nerve irritation keeps the muscles tight. So, the first step is to get the nerves calmed down. ESI, using cold packs, & McKenzie method will help get things headed in the right direction. Once the nerves calm down, the muscles will usually relax on their own, but you can speed up the process with gentle stretching and massage. Good luck!
...(cont) it because of the tightness and when i lay on my back and do the leg stretch to the other shoulder like you showed i do get pain with the tightness. So does that sound like just Piriformis. like i said i never had any back pain it started as just tightness/ pain in the hamstring region and then my hip started hurting after a week. i went to the doctor and all he did was ask me some questions then gave me a muscle relaxant and and anti inflammatory so should i do these stretches?
@kryptic127 It sounds like there's more going on than just a piriformis problem. With the tightness in the hamstring and the piriformis and hip, there's probably a disc bulge in the lower lumbar area (it's not unusual for a disc bulge to cause leg symptoms without back symptoms). My suggestion is to try the exercise from my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video for about a minute at a time, several times throughout the day for a few days and see if that helps. Stretching the piriformis is fine too.
@DrGeorgeBest Thanks. Also should i be concerned that its been 3 weeks and its not gone even though i just started taking the anti inflammatory meds two days ago or is it the kind of injury that just takes a bit to heal. Also are the anti inflammatory meds (ibuprofen) actually helping it heal or just killing the pain because it definately feels better then when it started 3 weeks ago but still hurts to sit and i get soreness when i wake up that makes me wonder if it will ever heal. Thanks again
@kryptic127 Disc bulges may take several weeks to settle down. Anti-inflammatories don't actually heal anything, but they help reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve from the swelling. A lack of symptoms does not indicate complete healing. Significant disc bulging can remain and can trigger inflammation and symptoms without warning. After symptoms are gone, I recommend continuing the exercise from the part 1 video a few times per day to help prevent recurrences and be careful with lifting.
Hi i have a question im 22 male. Ive had sciatica symptoms in my right leg for about 3 weeks now it started as just tightness in the hamstring then pain when i would sit then it would subside if i sat for a bit until i stood then the pain again until i stood for a while. now its a tightness in the hamstring mixed with some hip pain and calf tightness but my back has never hurt during the entire thing and if i sit i dont really get pain in my leg when i lift it its just tight and i cant straightn
I found this very interesting - especially the part about stretching is not a good idea at the time of Sciatica pain. I have recently had an episode of Sciatica - I can actually see my upper body out of line (stairing facing the mirror). I have had this on and off for a while but recently it is occurring more frequently. If I do the stretches in your part1 vid i can get it straighten out. This most def has to be some kind of disc/nerve damage/going out of place. I hope to have it checked soon
@smazz104 The sideways shift of the upper body is a classic sign of a bulging disc, so I think that's most likely the problem in your case. While it is a good idea to get checked to make sure that it's a disc problem and not something else, chances are good that you can manage the problem quite well with the exercise in the part 1 video both for handling symptoms and as a preventive measure to keep the disc bulge from getting worse, or possibly even reducing it over time. Good luck!
@DrGeorgeBest Thankyou for being your reply. It is getting better using your excercises in part 1. It makes sence about the nerve and the discs (when bent over frontwards) pushing on the disk and maybe not doing some stretchs for fear of aggrivating the situation. I dont know if you can answer this Q but what can reduce the chances of this disc bulging out (where my back goes out of line) in the future?. this last episode happened when i jumped up for a ball- came down and that was it? TnksAgain
@smazz104 The difference in amount of bulging between no symptoms & major symptoms is often very small (fractions of a mm), so it's not so much a matter of preventing all bulging, just keeping it in check. Daily preventive use of the Part 1 exercise will usually work quite well along with using proper bending and lifting form consistently. In some cases, spinal decompression traction can produce lasting reduction in disc bulging. Avoidance of prolonged or slouched sitting helps too.
To stretch my piriformis I was told to sit on at a chair like you are doing here, but then rest my left ankle on my right knee, so that my shins are parallel to the floor. Then with a straight back slowly lean forward.
What's the difference between that and what you do here? Because when I do that to help with my sciatica symptoms, it feels like I am stretching the nerve and not the muscle -- I get sharp pains.
@TheXFrame The stretch you described is actually for the gluteus minimus rather than the piriformis (because you externally rotate the hip joint, the mechanics are wrong to really stretch the piriformis). When you bend forward at the waist when either sitting or standing, it will tend to increase any disc bulging that is present, and thereby cause increased pressure on, and irritation of the nerve at that level of the spine, which would cause sharp pain.
@DrGeorgeBest Thank you for the quick reply Dr George! Okay this is weird, because other Dr's claim it stretched the piriformis too. Anyway, if I just bend over normally I don't get the sharp nerve pain -- only when I rest my ankle on my opposite knee and bend forward.
What does that mean? Does that sound more like a disc issue or a glute/hip muscle issue concerning the sciatic nerve?
@TheXFrame I know some doctors and therapists call it a piriformis stretch, but since the piriformis externally rotates the hip, you can't stretch it fully with the hip externally rotated. It's not bad to stretch the gluteus minimus, because it can cause similar symptoms to the piriformis (which may be part of the confusion).
Since you only get the pain bending forward in that position, most likely there is a problem in the hip and/or sacroiliac joint causing the sharp pain.
@DrGeorgeBest Even if I have some minor sciatica symptoms in that foot? That's why I and a chiropractor were leaning towards piriformis syndrome and/or a disc bulge.
Are there any other tests I can do myself to help determine if the problem is actually elsewhere in the hip or S.I. joint?
@TheXFrame The presence of one problem does not exclude another. A disc is possible, but probably not the main problem if the leg symptoms only occur with that particular stretch.
Piriformis and similar problems in other muscles rarely occur in isolation except with extreme stresses. Muscle problems often occur as compensations for joint dysfunction. Piriformis & gluteus minimus issues are often caused by hip / SI problems.
I don't know of other self-tests that will tell you more.
@DrGeorgeBest You've been so helpful Dr. George, seriously!
I get numbness in my foot when I am sitting as well, but only if the glute (or nerve) is sensitive and if I put pressure on the left glute the numbness usually increases. If I shift weight slightly off the left glute, get up, walkin around, etc. the numbness goes away.
It's just that particular stretch is the only thing that gives me PAIN.
@TheXFrame It sounds like you probably have a trigger point (a tight knot of contraction that can cause referred symptoms to other areas) in the gluteus minimus that's the direct source of symptoms. The trigger point in turn is probably secondary to something else, which could include a disc bulge or a sacroiliac or hip joint problem. With the sacroiliac, it's usually a functional (abnormal mobility) problem. With the hip, it could be functional or due to arthritic change.
I really confuse doctor george, right now im having the pain in my upper buttocks area , not in both of the legs. Is that related to sciatica or piriformis syndrome?
It's hard to stand because everytime i do. my upper buttocks area (at the middle area) is so pain i can't even stand and have to kneel on the floor to bear the pain.
Can you also tell if my disks is bulging? When i did what you said in the video , there were no pains in my hips.
@XephiousFlash Buttock pain could be due to sciatic nerve irritation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and/or muscle spasm (including piriformis, but that usually creates pain in the lower buttock). Without examining you, I can't say whether it is more likely to be disc-related or something else. The tests in the video are just one method of helping to tell the difference, but the results are not always clear. Ultimately, a MRI or CT scan is the best way to determine the condition of the discs.
Hi Dr George Best, I dont know if you remember me, im still in your comments but I seen a guy that does slm therapy and he helped me about 60-70% in 3 sessions as my left leg was 1 inch shorter and i started inversions at 30 degrees and now im at full inversions 3 months later, i actually had a MRI and the problem is still there but im nearly painless now and got all feeling back in my leg. Can this problem get worse if i dont get a Microdiscectomy or is it ok to continue living with it?
@Grant1000T As long as you are doing well, there's no harm in managing the problem as you have been. You are susceptible to a possible sudden onset of major symptoms again, but you can minimize this potential by being careful with your back with bending/lifting and avoiding prolonged sitting (particularly slouched). I recommend you continue doing the slm therapy as your therapist recommends and using my exercises and general fitness exercises to help prevent a return of symptoms. Good luck!
@Abbysmom26 There are various surgeries that can be done depending on the underlying cause for the sciatica. Typically an MRI or CT scan will be needed to determine the most likely cause prior to considering surgery. Most cases of sciatica can be resolved without surgery through exercises like those shown in my Sciatica Part 1 video and this video and/or other conservative treatments like medication, chiropractic, and physical therapy, but surgery is an option when these fail.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm 17 and I had spinal surgery 6 months ago and I've recently started having pain like this and started getting rather stressed. Thankfully this video has put my mind at ease!
@mysticpiggyx While you are having sciatica, you really would be better off to temporarily stop exercises like squats altogether. I suggest you try the exercise in my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. Once the sciatica is mostly alleviated, you can ease back into resistance exercises, but I suggest you start with bodyweight only and if things go well, gradully add in weights again. Good luck!
Check out Dr. Hal Martin, he operates piriformis arthroscopically and has great success rate compared to previous methods. I am trying to get the word out and hope other sufferers do also so this becomes more main stream!!!! Tell your doctors, look at the improvements with surgery in only the past 4 years, lets keep it up!
Hello, my name is Chris Gonzalez I have a disc herniation at L4-5 and a disc bulge at L5-S1 level And I just developed Piriformis Syndrome about three weeks ago, it is not intense at all. When I walk the symptoms are not there, only when I sit or wake up. As for my physical condtion I can bend over touch my toes with a little bit of tightness. I was told yesterday by my neuroligist since my back has not healed then it may not heal at this point and I may need surgery. I had my injuy 1yand10m ago
@crgonzalez90 With the relatively mild symptoms you have, I don't consider you to be a candidate for surgery. In a case like yours the odds of surgery improving your condition are about the same as the odds of the surgery leaving you about the same or worse than you are now. My advice is to try to maintain/improve the situation on your own & with conservative treatment. The exercise on this video and my "Sciatica Exercises Part 1" should help, as well as the additional info on my website .
@sinkheadhxc Yes. In such cases, the disc is usually the primary issue because the piriformis is supplied by the same nerve branches that produce true sciatica and irritation of those nerves can cause the piriformis to contract. When the piriformis is involved along with the disc, then it is usually necessary to work on both issues to get the best recovery as quickly as possible.
@arnoldnavarro21 In the majority of cases, sciatica can be relieved without surgery. In cases where there is an actual rupture, severe herniation, and/or severe degeneration of one or more of the lower lumbar discs, surgery may be the only option, but such cases are relatively rare. Even with complete relief of symptoms with or without surgery, it is still very important to be careful with bending and lifting and to perform ongoing preventive exercises to prevent the problem with returning.
@LOLMAN22 What I'm saying is that a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that once the symptoms are gone, they are fully healed, and that's usually not the case. It is important to continue doing exercises and avoiding things that hurt the back (improper bending and lifting, sitting in poor posture, etc.). If you stop doing the things that get you better, there's a good chance the problem will return. That doesn't mean you are "handicapped for life". You just have to be careful.
@DrGeorgeBest Ok I tried the exercise you recommended in the first video at about 1 PM today and now its 5:50 PM and my pain is no longer there!! Usually when I am done driving around (to pick my mom/dad & sister from work) the pain returns but its not there at the moment!! I am so relived! I will make it a part of my daily routine and see if this goes away for good!! Thanks for providing such effecting techniques/videos :D
Hi Dr, I have sciatica since 2008 when i had a disc problem. It was only minor and did not have any real problems with it. Recently it went bad as i cant really sit down as my leg throbs if i do twist wrong and hit the nerve it puts me out for 30mins i can lay though. My CT scans said L5/S1 a severe left posterolateral disc protrusion which is greater then 2008, the protrusion occupies two thirds of the AP spinal diameter. The left S1 is compressed. Im fit & healthy, is exercises ok?
@Grant1000T The exercises on this video and the "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" video, as well as low-impact exercise like walking or swimming are fine to try. I recommend you avoid anything that seems to make the symptoms worse though. With the severity of your disc protrusion, exercises and other non-invasive treatments may or may not be enough to resolve the symptoms. If things don't improve within a few weeks, I'd suggest consulting with a surgeon who does the "minimally invasive" procedure.
Thank you for your quick reply, I already have a neurosurgeon appointment at the end of Feb to know my options as I am restricted now but still active as much as I can and positive. Ive heard good results from inverse tables too, is that worth a try? I do find the McKenzie method and swimming does relief the pain, but I find it does need rest also. Your videos really interest me and are great !
@Grant1000T Inversion can help, but it can also trigger muscle spasms and make the symptoms worse. It's OK to try it, just start slow with a shallow inversion angle for a minute or less to start. If you don't have any problems, you can gradually increase the angle and time. Good luck!
Hi Doctor, I just realized I have Sciatica problems. I play a lot of sports like cricket, soccer and just started working out recently. Is it a bad idea to workout with this problem? Can you tell what kind of exercises I should avoid? Some of the exercises that I think could affect my sciatica and I am doing are squats, dead lifts and military press.
thanks dr. george yea i am going to make an appointment this week with one i have scoliosis n spinal cord damage n espeecially sciatica neck stiffness muscle n joint pain n also mild arthritis i have lumbar damage too watever that is
I do not have pain down my legs but the lower back is a very painful ache. Sitting in any of our recliner chairs is what causes the most problems. Even to the point of needing a cane or crutch to get up. Once I am up and walking, everything is much better... I am a semi retired Painting and drywall contractor. I will be 74 this coming NOV. The VA doctors has told me I have degeneration problems (dpl) discs and need to leave my trade.
Dear doctor George Best, I have sciatica type 1 after doing your test. Other than these stretches is there anything I can do please help me please. I have a doctors appointment tommorow with the Chiropractor. Also can I cycle,walk on treadmill and excercise? I feel ok sort of when I wake up but then I get pain later on in the day. Yesterday it was super intense and I made the dr. appointment. Thank you for your help
@shokazulu34512 Frequent use of the exercise (about a minute at a time, up to a few times per hour) in the Part 1 video along with applying cold packs to the low back are usually the best things to focus on initially. For more information, you may find my free ebook and video course helpful (available at the website shown on the video). If you need additional help after you see the doctor, you might benefit from my member's area, but wait to find out what the doctor recommends first.
What could it mean if you cannot even get your leg straight enough to do the test for "true sciatica"? I'm having this problem. My knee just doesn't want to straighten out, it hurts too much.
@vegasglitr999 If the pain is just in the knee, it suggests that the knee joint itself is the problem. If the pain is throughout the leg and into the buttocks and back, that's a pretty good sign that the problem is true sciatica related to a bulging disc or other "space occupying lesion" in the lumbar spine.
Hi Doctor, I just have a quick question about this symptoms. Are there differences in intensity of pain depending on where you sleep? Because I have had tiny pain through out the month, but day after I moved location and bed, the pain got much much greater. So does where you sleep (bed or floor) affect the intensity of pain? if so what would you recommand??
@jhwan62 Where you sleep can make a difference in pain. What works best varies from person to person and the quality of the bed, but sleeping on the floor is usually worth a try during periods of major pain.
Hi Dr. Best, my chair at work is apprently ergonomic but I've noticed while using it that it does not cover the small area of my lower back. I've used pillows, even a phone book to place in their so all my back is supported but I still experience severe pain. My friend suggested I use an iron rod inserted under my shirt to help carry my back and have it designed and approved by doctors. Do you think this is a good idea and do spinal rods actually help maintain back support?
An iron rod might provide support but it wouldn't be very comfortable. There are already a number of back braces on the market that would do essentially what an iron rod would do - and are relatively comfortable. Such braces work well when you must sit for long periods, however, long-term use would result in weakening of the muscles unless you consistently exercise to keep the muscles strong. Another option for sitting support is a device called the nada-chair, which might suit your needs.
I've always had poor posture of the upper back. I then found an excercise -"the scapular wall slide" featured on many youtube videos. I'm basically pressing my whole back including the lumbar on a flat wall and making sure my back is totally straight. The problem is I cant maintain that posture for more than 10 minutes after the excercize. Do you think its worth continuing them or do you think I should invest in a back brace? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
I think you'll find that continuation of the exercise will work better in the long run than a brace. The more you do the exercise over time, the stronger you'll get and it will be easier to maintain good posture. You may also find that chiropractic treatment will help if you have significant postural distortions, as re-aligning the joints will make the job of the muscles easier. Good luck!
The space is limited so I would like to continue by saying that the discomfort has eased somewhat, but stil,l when I get out of bed in the morning it's there in all of its "glory" until I move around a little; the same holds true when getting out of a chair, I have to give it a few moments thought before making the move. Although still walking, I have reduced the distance to four miles instead of my usual 7 to 10 miles in case it gets worse, what do you think Doctor.
It is difficult to say for sure what the problem is without examining you. It could be piriformis-related, which is often in association with a sacroiliac joint problem. If so, the stretch from the video will likely help, although you may need some chiropractic treatment if the sacroiliac is involved. It could also be disc-related. I suggest you try the exercise shown in my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. If it helps, it suggests a disc problem is present. Good luck!
Hello Dr. Best. I am a power walker who has lost "power'. My walking takes place along paths in Michigan County Parks
. About six weeks ago when getting out of my car, I experienced discomfort between my extreme lower back and the gluteus maximus areas. Thinking that it would work itself out I started walking, the next day it was worse. I'm wondering if it was me walking on uneven frozen snow for a number of days previously that caused the problem; if so will the exercises you describe help?
muscle helping to hold the vertabrea's further apart? Is it somehow sucking the hernia back into the disc? I am fasinated to know what is going on, my dad thinks that its because the muscles help to seperate the vertabrea's and that takes pressure off the disc allowing it to be less squeeshed and therefore come off the nerve, is this correct? Thanks!
The muscles don't keep the vertebrae separate, they would actually tend to pull them together. But toning muscles can help to hold the vertebrae in proper alignment, thereby reducing mechanical irritation on the discs as well as helping to maintain the normal shape of the openings between the vertebrae where the nerves exit the spine.
I have a herniated lumber disc, my Dad used to have a herniated disc and so did a friend, they both cured it, or, went symptom free by doing a couple months of back toning exercises. I have just started doing back toning exercises and it does bring relief.
My question is, how does toning the back muscles bring relief and remedy? Why is is it I feel the most relief when I work my back muscles until they are tight or tensed? Is the toning of the muscle and the immediate tension of the
I had botox in piriformis and s1 nerve root block on left side (pain side) and neither helped. When I push with my thumb in upper glute near the center of my glute I feel some sore spots. The pain is worse in the morning but is basically chronic. Standing is painful and walking for the first 10 minutes until it relieves.
It sounds like there is more involvement of the gluteus minimus than the piriformis. You may also have a problem in the left sacroiliac joint that is either producing symptoms directly or causing the reaction in the glute. My suggestion would be to get an opinion from a chiropractor to see what's going on with the sacroiliac. Good luck!
Hello my doctor seems to think i have sciatica and i think by what ive read ect i definately have this plus the piriformis by doing the movement you have just suggested. she has prescribed me Amitriptyline which im extremely reluctant to take as ive also read that these are not only addictive but used to be prescribed as an anti depressant. Do you think it is possible to treat my problem without the use of drugs? many thanks
It is usually possible to relieve sciatica without drugs. I suggest you check out my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. You can get additional self treatment suggestions on my website shown on the video. Good luck!
That makes no scense as that is a anti-depressan that is both addictive and has numerous side effects all of which are harmful to not only your health but your mental well being. the first rule of medicine is " do no harm" and her presciption certaily violates that.
I am almost pain free now and all I have done is these exersizes and sitting correctly
hey doc i have sciatica damage due to an epideral i ahd at my daughters birth in 2008 my pain is my neck my feet tingles stiffness n joint pain muscle spasms in my side neck muscles cant stand for too long i also have it extended into my hands n get spasms other places in my body where i cant move it and it hurts so so bad
It sounds like you have more than just sciatica. My recommendation is to consult with a chiropractor to see what can be done to help you. If possible, try to get a recommendation to a chiropractor from a friend who has had a good experience. If you don't know anyone who has seen a chiro, then I suggest looking in the yellow pages for one with just a listing since those tend to get most of their new patients from referrals. Good luck!
Hi Doc, I have another problem. Your exercises, which I do before I get out the bed in the A.M., help get rid of the pain so my hips can support me when I start walking around. It feels great to have stability when I get up! But the intense pain between my shoulderblades (which wakes me up sometimes) and in the heels of my feet (ouch!) still persist. I do a set of 20 reps before I get up from the bed or from sitting in a chair, but my heels continue to ache something awful! Help me. Thanks!
It sounds like you may have some additional problems that are not directly related to the sciatica. The pain between the shoulder blades may actually be from the sciatica exercise, as the extension can jam up the spinal joints in some cases. This can usually be alleviated with a chiropractic adjustment, or possibly by lying on your back on the floor with a rolled up towel lengthwise under the spine while doing some deep breathing. The heel pain may be due to heel spurs.
I've had intense sciatica/piriformis pain for quite a few months. I've been to an osteopath (which was helpful but too far of a drive to make it routine), chiropractor (which was good for temporary relief), and a couple doctors. What do you advise? Stretches and exercise? I've been doing some ab/low back/abductor exercises but I haven't noticed any change. I just borrowed some cross-country skiis, maybe that will strengthen my butt/outer leg? Please help! It's painful!!
My recommendations will vary somewhat depending on what is known about the cause of your condition. True sciatica from a disc protrusion is a different situation than piriformis syndrome from inactivity or muscle overuse. If you have not had an MRI or CT to evaluate the discs, I think it would be a good idea at this point. If you have not already, I suggest you check out my Sciatica Exercises part 1 video and see if that gives any indication of what may be causing the pain and what helps it.
Hey Doc.Geroge I like the info. here. I have a question I have tightness, stiffness and a funny sensation on my right upper buttocks but no pain whatso ever it all started when I started to exercise. So , when i sit down with my feet flat on the floor and lift up my right leg and bring my ankle or toes toward me I fee this sensation on my buttocks. Everything else is fine. I need some help but im keeping a positive attitude but at times im just like "what is this? I'd like your feedback. ty.
It sounds like the gluteus minimus is tightening up and most of the time that's associated with dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint. Sometimes it will fix itself eventually, but I suggest getting it checked by a chiropractor. Chances are it can be fixed up pretty quickly. Good luck!
Thnx for the reply doc appreciate it. another quick quest. I also forgot to mention I have stiffness and tightness through my lower back also. Another thing when I bring my leg out straight in a seated straight position and my chin to my chest at the same time I feel that same weird sensation. I was just wondering If i can do these stretcheses anyway? thnx.
You may have a slight disc bulge going on as well as a sacroiliac issue. The stretch on this video won't do any harm. You may also get some benefit from the exercise shown on my "Sciatica Exercises - Part 1" video. Good luck!
Dr. Best - thanks, visit Chiro (did nothing) and neurosurgeon who gave me tons of Vicadin Flexeral - i hate it - my pain is from L5 bulge but pain located i down front of left leg Quads and Tiialis - is there a specific stretch for that area/ I teach xercise so am probably impatient - but anything has to be better than drugs. Thanks so much
I'd suggest you try the basic McKenzie exercise shown on my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. It's unusual for an L5 disc to cause symptoms in the front of the thigh. You may just be "wired" a little differently or there may be something else going on, such as another disc bulge higher up. Either way, if one or more bulging discs are the problem, the exercise on the Part 1 video will usually help. Good luck!
Thank you. I have been doing what you said after watching your first video and it helps tremendously. And a lot of ice . I have always taught exercise and am wondering - do I stop until all pain goes away -- or use upper body only -- when it has been part of life for 30 years , I am trying to figure out ways of maintaining fitness level - like wear a long line girdle -just like my grandmom? Thank you so much.
I don't mean to be rude but your approach is quite seriously different to most medical professionals. I suspect you have either had this complaint yourself and/or are actually a practitioner of yoga so have a particular awareness that goes beyond theory?
Anyway, it's refreshing as you are the first one I have come across in a lot of years with a really down to earth approach. I had to discover all this stuff on my own over a lot of years, funny thing !
Actually I'm a chiropractor, so technically I'm not a "medical professional", as some M.D.'s point out to my patients when the docs don't want them to listen to me! I've just studied a lot of different aproaches and try to figure out what works best for the individual patient rather than automatically follow the "standard" treatment approach.
Hi, DrGeorgeBest; I have taken your advice fromthe other video; 'What causes Sciatica' and come on here to determine which it is.
I have tried the first exercise for true sciatica, but I can hardly lift my leg and it is agony in my pelvis, thigh and back.The other exercise didn't cause hardly any pain except in my back.
You're welcome! Since it appears that your problem is true sciatica, likely from a disc problem, I suggest you try using the exercise on my video "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1". Good luck!
hey dr ive been to phisiotherapists and sports doctors and they both say that i have sciatica but i only realy get pain in the hamstrings and sometimes the calves when i outstretch my leg. Another symptom i have is a really tight feeling in my lower back. Im only 16 so this shouldnt be happenning my question is wether this seems more like scitica or piriformis or a completely different syndrome?
Your description of the problem sounds like true sciatica, most likely from a bulging disc. While you are young for this type of problem, it is not unheard of in teenagers. I suggest you try the exercise in my video "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" and see if it helps. You might also get some benefit from the resources at my website, shown on the video. Good luck!
I suggest getting an opinion from a chiropractor. With minimal abnormal findings on the MRIs, my suspicion is that there may be some functional problem in the sacroiliac joint that may be producing trigger points in the piriformis and/or gluteus minimus muscles. A chiropractor who also offers massage therapy or who works closely with a massage therapist would be a good place to start. Good luck!
hi there, i have pain in my right leg down the knee. i had the mri of my back and it showed a small annular tear at L5. so my pain doctor gave me one epidural injection with no relief. he reffered me to neuro and he looked at my mri and was quite positive that this pain is not from my back so he ordered another mri of my pelvis to see piriformis muscle compression but it didnt show anything. now my neurologist has told me to wait and watch. what should i do....i will appreciate your response
I have pain in my butt that radiates all the way down to my foot. The chriopractor stated that I had Piriforis Syndrom /Sciatica. He suggested that I stop running and strengthen my hamstring which I have had a constant issue with for the past 2 years (repetetive strain). He stated that I should only crosstrain on a rowing machine and that I should be doing deadlift squats to strengthen my hamstring and glute.
It's difficult for me to predict the outcome of a given treatment when I can't directly assess you, but assuming your chiropractor's assessment is correct, I think his treatment recommendations have a pretty good chance of helping you get to the point you can run again. Good luck!
well doc i ;m suffering from true sciatica and am doing McKenzie Exercise but it's extremely painful for me to lie like that hope i will be benefited with that though am taking homeopathy medicine along with that cos am tired of taking NSAIDS and just wanna ask u wether its normal if i do exercise along with homeopathy medicine
Thanks for the video, i am sure my girl friend will find it very usefull, doctor prescribed pain killers as usual. Thanks again Doc, regards Brian from Spain ( but English)
thank you for this video, my doctor has left me for 3 months with no treatment other than giving me ibuprofen, i have been in agony, have been doing the stretch for a day and it is easing the pain already .
Dr George. My doctor states that I have the symptoms of sciatica. My pain started in the left buttocks. Then started down into the left leg. Unbearable pain. The doctor has prescribed Indoomethacin and some percocte for the pain. I have now strted feeling pain down to closer to my ankles now. Doctor told me it could be about 3 wks to 3 mnths for it to go away. Is there anything I can do?
It sounds like you probably have true sciatica from a bulging disc. I suggest you try the exercise on my video "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" and also get my free ebook and on the site shown on the video (Youtube won't allow me to post the address in a comment like this). Do the part 1 exercise for about a minute at a time, up to several times per hour. Your low back may get a little sore, but if the sciatica starts to ease, you're on the right track. Good luck!
thanks for this! I figured out it was the piriformis muscle. I had this about two months ago and was mostly in my lower back. Now it was more in my hip and leg. This exercise relieved it and I was able to walk around the grocery store with hardly any pain! Great!
thanks 4 the advic u gave me.unfortunately i have 2bulged disks 1 is 4to5 and the other 1 is 2to5 and i am afraid of surgery . here in la all i hear are complaints about the surgeons, that they leave u worse, and i am going crazy already with this pain.would u happen 2 know some 1 in mind please u look like a good person
I don't know anyone in LA to recommend. I suggest you search on Google for someone who does spinal decompression. You can also search for information on the DRX9000 or the Vax-D spinal decompression machines. Good luck!
My pain started on a very low level several days ago and came on with a vengence last night. My doctor has given me a Medrol pack. I'm still not sure which sciatica I'm experiencing but I'm trying the only thing I can which is the stretch for piriformis because my leg pain won't allow me to lie on the floor yet. Thanks.
I also suggest you try applying a cold pack to the lower back and/or buttock area to further reduce inflammation. Use the cold pack for about 15 minutes at a time every 1 to 2 hours (as long as the skin returns to normal temperature before you re-apply the cold pack). Place a thin layer of cloth between the cold pack and the skin to prevent skin damage.
Thank you so much for your reply, the web and people continue to astonish me. I've been using a powerful vibrator and a "wet heat" heating blanket but I think both are more placebo than anything else. Advil does nothing I can percieve. I'm using a cane to get around but weight on the leg causes pretty bad pain in the thigh/buttock. As suggested I'm now trying the cold pack. I can stretch the piriforis by crossing leg over and pulling inward and sideways, everything else is still too difficult.
wow, this is pretty much spot on, I mainly get pain on my right hip, butt. I get lower back pain too. I just did the leg stretch on the side that is problematic for me and it hurt. I tried the other side and theres no pain at all. I dont know what Ive got but Ive been living with it for 3 years. My doc was useless. Just gave me ibuprofen.
Wow, Doc. If thickening of the ligaments can cause back pain, i shouldnt have had prolotherapy shots back there. It didnt work anyway. That was 2 years ago, so maybe I'm ok.
The ligaments that thicken in the case of spinal stenosis are inside the spinal canal and would not be effected (positively or negatively) by the prolotherapy shots. Prolotherapy can be an effective treatment for back pain for some people and overall it is pretty safe.
i have had sciatica for 8 months, i been trying many diffrent exercises, the pain has decreased but has not healed completely. can u please guide me to something better please. when i sneeze it hurs like crap but i sit and sneeze it does not hurt.
Unfortunately, exercises alone may not fix the problem in your case. The fact that it doesn't hurt when you sneeze while sitting (when the spine is flexed) suggests that at least part of the nerve irritation is probably coming from something other than a bulging disc, most likely degenerative bone growth around the spinal joints and/or thickening of the ligaments at the back of the spinal canal. If this is the case, surgery may be the only real option for relief.
The DR is right about downward facing dog! DON't DO IT! If you have true sciatica it will feel like the sciatic never is being ripped apart. If you can do downward facing dog then you may not have sciatica.
Do you have pain in the hip or other places? If so go to the doctor and tell them you want a 2 week supply of pain pills - atleast. Try a shower.- get it warm and put in the spot(s) that hurt the most.. Get it warmer. The pain may increase, but should subside after a few hours. Try lying on your back with a pillow under the affected knee. Adjust as needed. And rest! Good luck. :(
hi..i am 25 and from the Maldives..i have c5c6 herniated..i have pain in my right knee joint..pain in my shoulders..numbness in my foot..and tingling pain in my palms..and sometimes stifness in palms..
can i do these exercie to ease the tinglings and shoulder pain..
The exercises on this video and on Sciatica Exercises Part 1 are primarily for symptoms related to disc problems in the lumbar spine. Your symptoms suggest that you might have some problems in the lumbar discs and piriformis, so these exercises might help the symptoms in your knee and foot. The symptoms in your shoulders and hands are likely related to the C5/6 disc and might be helped with different exercises, but I don't have a video for that yet. Try a search for cervical disc exercises.
i have a disk ernia between L4 a 5,and i had the problem 10 years ago,and now it came back after a ashtanga yoga class,will i be able to ever to yoga again???i am on meds now,and doctor siggested operation,i am 32,and i think operation is a way too early to think about it,what do u suggest?thank you for your videos.
I recommend avoiding surgery if at all possible. I suggest you try the exercise on my "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" video and in my ebook you can download for free from my website. I also suggest you check into spinal decompression treatment with either the DRX9000 or Vax-D machines. In most cases, surgery can be avoided. You will probably even be able to do yoga again, but it's a good idea to avoid poses that require bending at the waist. Good luck!
You are so right about downward facing dog as a stretch for sciatica. It hurt me so much! I would NEVER do it again for sciatica. It pulled all the way to my foot and felt like the nerve and or tendon was being ripped apart! It was pure tortue!
Thank you so much for your response,i will do everything to avoid surgery than,i will try to find a place here in Bologna,Italy,with those kind of machines u suggested me,i hope they have them here.i am doing the exercises everyday now,and feel better,today i finish the treatment with the cortisone.i hope the nerve is back to normal.thank you so much again.
Thank you for sharing this video. I am more confused now however. I thought I had a herniated disk. I was doing squats at the gym and felt a twinge in my lower back followed by pain in my lower back and pain in my testicles. I also had some numbness in my foot and the back of my calf that showed up a couple days later. I went to see a DR. he put my through the tests you are talking about and I have no pain shooting down my leg. No MRI but x-ray was neg.
Even if the test in the video is negative, it does not rule out a herniated disc altogether (especially a mild one), and X-rays are essentially useless for diagnosing a herniated disc. It may be simply that there is inflammatory swelling related to joint dysfunction and/or muscle injury in the low back is some nerve irritation. My suggestion is to get an opinion from a chiropractor or osteopath and if things aren't much improved within a week or two, an MRI would be the next step. Good luck!
My inner thigh feels sore, but when I look at it, it looks fine. I am also underweight. The pain is really unbearable but lasts only 2-3 secs, however it comes and go... which makes it frustrating. Do you think acupuncture will help? I really want it to go away as fast as possible. Thank you!
It doesn't sound like sciatica to me, as sciatica symptoms tend to be in the back of the leg and tend to be more persistent. You may be correct in thinking that it was brought on by the inactivity. It could be muscular or related to joint dysfunction from sitting still for too long. Acupuncture might be helpful. Another option would be to consult with a chiropractor who also offers massage, as this approach would handle the most likely joint and muscle issues. Good luck!
I found your vids while searching for "sciatica." I don't know what I have, but this started 2 days ago, I have sporadic shooting pain on my inner, right thigh... and sometimes the pain "travels" slowly (if that makes any sense). I did your tests, but didn't feel any pain so now I'm not sure what I have. I think the cause is that I've been studying for an exam for 3 months now (basically am in front of my computer 8-10 hours daily), with little to no exercise. CONT...
i dont know what it is not of a sharp pain I get but overall numbness and discomfort and the pain goes all the way down to my legs and olso i fell the same pain in my both hands!!! thank u
My rear thigh is killing me.
Warchild203813 1 month ago
Hi Doc...thanks for the videos hope it will help me
MeetAnch 1 month ago
@MeetAnch You're welcome. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 1 month ago
i also forgot to mention it doesn't hurt when i bend forward or bend backwards.
how often should i do these stretches if it relieves pain. once a day? three times a day?
itsAirickk 2 months ago
@itsAirickk You probably have a bulging disc causing nerve irritation which in turn is causing the piriformis tightness. I suggest you do the exercises from both the Sciatica Exercises Part 1 and Part 2 videos frequently - up to a few times every hour you are awake. I also suggest you try using cold packs on your low back as directed in my ebook that is available for free on the website shown on the video. MRI will tell the extent of the problem, but hopefully the exercises will solve it.
DrGeorgeBest 2 months ago
what can this be?? im getting a MRI next saturday to see if i have disc problems. im 18 and didnt do anything to injure myself.
the leg stretch test you said to do i did it and theres not that much pain when i stretch the painful leg but when i stretch the opposite leg (that doesnt hurt) i get sciatic pain going down the opposite leg :/
i dont have constant pain at all only when i do certain movements.
also it doesnt hurt when i walk or sit for a long time. is there any advice you can give me??
itsAirickk 2 months ago
Dr. ive been having pain in my right buttocks area for about a month and a half now been to the doctors twice, chiropractor which i think is making it worse.
Anyways i get pain n my buttocks area the most, no back pain and a little bit of sciatic pain down the leg but not all the way to my feet. also i did the piriformis stretch last night and the pain decreased atleast 50% i woke up and the pain kinda came back so i did the stretch again and the pain decreased again (continue)
itsAirickk 2 months ago
Hey thank you so much for making these videos. People often ask me about health stuff and as a rule I generally encourage exercise that strengthen and stretch muscles in the area of the pain.. I see now that for this particular situation stretching only would work sometimes. I have noted your information and thanks again!
sloppymantis 2 months ago
@sloppymantis You're welcome! Thanks for your comment.
DrGeorgeBest 2 months ago
I had orignally thought I have sciatica but when doing the stretch for piriforma it was quite painful when stretching the leg and moving toward the shoulder. Also, I have been having terrible numbness in my foot which has been going on about 2 weeks or longer. Is this typical with either sciatica or piraforma injury? Sometimes my ankle turns when walking as I cannot feel it very well.
lindaOtis 3 months ago
@lindaOtis The numbness in the foot suggests that there is nerve compression occurring and this can happen with either a disc protrusion or piriformis contraction. I suggest you stretch the piriformis frequently for the next few days as well as try the exercise from the Part 1 video in case there is disc component. If you don't get any improvement within a week, an MRI would be a good idea to evaluate the problem further. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 3 months ago
I tried both ways of diagnosing myself and nether of them cause pain. the dr did its not from the spine. I've been stretching for three weeks and taking the nsaid i dont know what else to do but i cant sit for more than 5 minutes without getting bad pain in my buttock. This all started because i sit a lot because of school, i dont know what to do anymore
kenpochic1980 6 months ago
@kenpochic1980 Since the problem is related to sitting, & neither of the tests cause any pain, my guess is it's either ischial bursitis (in the lower part of the pelvic bones that supports you when sitting), or you have trigger points in one or more of the gluteal muscles. If it's bursitis, you pretty much have to wait it out - applying ice periodically may help more than the nsaid. Muscle issues are often related to sacroiliac problems, which a chiropractor or osteopath may be able to help.
DrGeorgeBest 6 months ago
I have a question. Can the pain move? The pain started in my left hip going down and around the side of my thigh. Now most of that pain is gone, steps are still a problem though when I go up then. But now the pain seemed to have moved into my lower left calf. It feel like a pulled muscle, but I have not injured myself. While I am sitting, or just standing there is not pain but as soon as I start to walk the pain can be excruciating.
bareblackonly 7 months ago
@bareblackonly Depending on the location, severity, and number of discs and other structures involved, it is quite common for symptoms to move and change. Pressure and related irritation on nerves, as well as reactive muscle contraction can shift around and this results in different symptoms. The calf pain is a sign that there's still some nerve irritation going on. I suggest you try the exercise from my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. Massage and gentle stretching of the calf should help too.
DrGeorgeBest 7 months ago
Dr. I had an ESI today. And want to start the McKenzie method. It has been almost 8 weeks to the day when this started after a running fall. My Q is about my leg muscles, they feel so tight, sore , like they are knotted up from all the sicatca. What can I do get theae to lossen up. ( without pain:-))
Thanks in advance
dajabe1 7 months ago
@dajabe1 Some of the leg muscles are supplied by the same nerves involved in sciatica, and the nerve irritation keeps the muscles tight. So, the first step is to get the nerves calmed down. ESI, using cold packs, & McKenzie method will help get things headed in the right direction. Once the nerves calm down, the muscles will usually relax on their own, but you can speed up the process with gentle stretching and massage. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 7 months ago
Thanks for all the info
kryptic127 7 months ago
...(cont) it because of the tightness and when i lay on my back and do the leg stretch to the other shoulder like you showed i do get pain with the tightness. So does that sound like just Piriformis. like i said i never had any back pain it started as just tightness/ pain in the hamstring region and then my hip started hurting after a week. i went to the doctor and all he did was ask me some questions then gave me a muscle relaxant and and anti inflammatory so should i do these stretches?
kryptic127 7 months ago
@kryptic127 It sounds like there's more going on than just a piriformis problem. With the tightness in the hamstring and the piriformis and hip, there's probably a disc bulge in the lower lumbar area (it's not unusual for a disc bulge to cause leg symptoms without back symptoms). My suggestion is to try the exercise from my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video for about a minute at a time, several times throughout the day for a few days and see if that helps. Stretching the piriformis is fine too.
DrGeorgeBest 7 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Thanks. Also should i be concerned that its been 3 weeks and its not gone even though i just started taking the anti inflammatory meds two days ago or is it the kind of injury that just takes a bit to heal. Also are the anti inflammatory meds (ibuprofen) actually helping it heal or just killing the pain because it definately feels better then when it started 3 weeks ago but still hurts to sit and i get soreness when i wake up that makes me wonder if it will ever heal. Thanks again
kryptic127 7 months ago
@kryptic127 Disc bulges may take several weeks to settle down. Anti-inflammatories don't actually heal anything, but they help reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve from the swelling. A lack of symptoms does not indicate complete healing. Significant disc bulging can remain and can trigger inflammation and symptoms without warning. After symptoms are gone, I recommend continuing the exercise from the part 1 video a few times per day to help prevent recurrences and be careful with lifting.
DrGeorgeBest 7 months ago
Hi i have a question im 22 male. Ive had sciatica symptoms in my right leg for about 3 weeks now it started as just tightness in the hamstring then pain when i would sit then it would subside if i sat for a bit until i stood then the pain again until i stood for a while. now its a tightness in the hamstring mixed with some hip pain and calf tightness but my back has never hurt during the entire thing and if i sit i dont really get pain in my leg when i lift it its just tight and i cant straightn
kryptic127 7 months ago
Wow, your awesome.
Thanks for the time you took to help me.
Peace - hope all good things for you (and my back :) )
smazz104 8 months ago
I found this very interesting - especially the part about stretching is not a good idea at the time of Sciatica pain. I have recently had an episode of Sciatica - I can actually see my upper body out of line (stairing facing the mirror). I have had this on and off for a while but recently it is occurring more frequently. If I do the stretches in your part1 vid i can get it straighten out. This most def has to be some kind of disc/nerve damage/going out of place. I hope to have it checked soon
smazz104 8 months ago
@smazz104 The sideways shift of the upper body is a classic sign of a bulging disc, so I think that's most likely the problem in your case. While it is a good idea to get checked to make sure that it's a disc problem and not something else, chances are good that you can manage the problem quite well with the exercise in the part 1 video both for handling symptoms and as a preventive measure to keep the disc bulge from getting worse, or possibly even reducing it over time. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Thankyou for being your reply. It is getting better using your excercises in part 1. It makes sence about the nerve and the discs (when bent over frontwards) pushing on the disk and maybe not doing some stretchs for fear of aggrivating the situation. I dont know if you can answer this Q but what can reduce the chances of this disc bulging out (where my back goes out of line) in the future?. this last episode happened when i jumped up for a ball- came down and that was it? TnksAgain
smazz104 8 months ago
@smazz104 The difference in amount of bulging between no symptoms & major symptoms is often very small (fractions of a mm), so it's not so much a matter of preventing all bulging, just keeping it in check. Daily preventive use of the Part 1 exercise will usually work quite well along with using proper bending and lifting form consistently. In some cases, spinal decompression traction can produce lasting reduction in disc bulging. Avoidance of prolonged or slouched sitting helps too.
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
To stretch my piriformis I was told to sit on at a chair like you are doing here, but then rest my left ankle on my right knee, so that my shins are parallel to the floor. Then with a straight back slowly lean forward.
What's the difference between that and what you do here? Because when I do that to help with my sciatica symptoms, it feels like I am stretching the nerve and not the muscle -- I get sharp pains.
TheXFrame 8 months ago in playlist Exercises
@TheXFrame The stretch you described is actually for the gluteus minimus rather than the piriformis (because you externally rotate the hip joint, the mechanics are wrong to really stretch the piriformis). When you bend forward at the waist when either sitting or standing, it will tend to increase any disc bulging that is present, and thereby cause increased pressure on, and irritation of the nerve at that level of the spine, which would cause sharp pain.
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Thank you for the quick reply Dr George! Okay this is weird, because other Dr's claim it stretched the piriformis too. Anyway, if I just bend over normally I don't get the sharp nerve pain -- only when I rest my ankle on my opposite knee and bend forward.
What does that mean? Does that sound more like a disc issue or a glute/hip muscle issue concerning the sciatic nerve?
TheXFrame 8 months ago
@TheXFrame I know some doctors and therapists call it a piriformis stretch, but since the piriformis externally rotates the hip, you can't stretch it fully with the hip externally rotated. It's not bad to stretch the gluteus minimus, because it can cause similar symptoms to the piriformis (which may be part of the confusion).
Since you only get the pain bending forward in that position, most likely there is a problem in the hip and/or sacroiliac joint causing the sharp pain.
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Even if I have some minor sciatica symptoms in that foot? That's why I and a chiropractor were leaning towards piriformis syndrome and/or a disc bulge.
Are there any other tests I can do myself to help determine if the problem is actually elsewhere in the hip or S.I. joint?
TheXFrame 8 months ago
@TheXFrame The presence of one problem does not exclude another. A disc is possible, but probably not the main problem if the leg symptoms only occur with that particular stretch.
Piriformis and similar problems in other muscles rarely occur in isolation except with extreme stresses. Muscle problems often occur as compensations for joint dysfunction. Piriformis & gluteus minimus issues are often caused by hip / SI problems.
I don't know of other self-tests that will tell you more.
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest You've been so helpful Dr. George, seriously!
I get numbness in my foot when I am sitting as well, but only if the glute (or nerve) is sensitive and if I put pressure on the left glute the numbness usually increases. If I shift weight slightly off the left glute, get up, walkin around, etc. the numbness goes away.
It's just that particular stretch is the only thing that gives me PAIN.
TheXFrame 8 months ago
@TheXFrame It sounds like you probably have a trigger point (a tight knot of contraction that can cause referred symptoms to other areas) in the gluteus minimus that's the direct source of symptoms. The trigger point in turn is probably secondary to something else, which could include a disc bulge or a sacroiliac or hip joint problem. With the sacroiliac, it's usually a functional (abnormal mobility) problem. With the hip, it could be functional or due to arthritic change.
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
I really confuse doctor george, right now im having the pain in my upper buttocks area , not in both of the legs. Is that related to sciatica or piriformis syndrome?
It's hard to stand because everytime i do. my upper buttocks area (at the middle area) is so pain i can't even stand and have to kneel on the floor to bear the pain.
Can you also tell if my disks is bulging? When i did what you said in the video , there were no pains in my hips.
XephiousFlash 8 months ago
@XephiousFlash Buttock pain could be due to sciatic nerve irritation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and/or muscle spasm (including piriformis, but that usually creates pain in the lower buttock). Without examining you, I can't say whether it is more likely to be disc-related or something else. The tests in the video are just one method of helping to tell the difference, but the results are not always clear. Ultimately, a MRI or CT scan is the best way to determine the condition of the discs.
DrGeorgeBest 8 months ago
Hi Dr George Best, I dont know if you remember me, im still in your comments but I seen a guy that does slm therapy and he helped me about 60-70% in 3 sessions as my left leg was 1 inch shorter and i started inversions at 30 degrees and now im at full inversions 3 months later, i actually had a MRI and the problem is still there but im nearly painless now and got all feeling back in my leg. Can this problem get worse if i dont get a Microdiscectomy or is it ok to continue living with it?
Grant1000T 9 months ago
@Grant1000T As long as you are doing well, there's no harm in managing the problem as you have been. You are susceptible to a possible sudden onset of major symptoms again, but you can minimize this potential by being careful with your back with bending/lifting and avoiding prolonged sitting (particularly slouched). I recommend you continue doing the slm therapy as your therapist recommends and using my exercises and general fitness exercises to help prevent a return of symptoms. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 9 months ago
thanks for replying @DrGeorgeBest..i appreciate it ...
Abbysmom26 9 months ago
@Abbysmom26 You're welcome!
DrGeorgeBest 9 months ago
is there a operation to help sciatica? since mine is so bad sometimes i cant even walk"
Abbysmom26 9 months ago
@Abbysmom26 There are various surgeries that can be done depending on the underlying cause for the sciatica. Typically an MRI or CT scan will be needed to determine the most likely cause prior to considering surgery. Most cases of sciatica can be resolved without surgery through exercises like those shown in my Sciatica Part 1 video and this video and/or other conservative treatments like medication, chiropractic, and physical therapy, but surgery is an option when these fail.
DrGeorgeBest 9 months ago
Thank you so much for this video. I'm 17 and I had spinal surgery 6 months ago and I've recently started having pain like this and started getting rather stressed. Thankfully this video has put my mind at ease!
Thanks very much man!
seymour17 9 months ago
@seymour17 You're welcome!
DrGeorgeBest 9 months ago
Should I avoid weights and stick to basic bodyweight squats to stop my irritating ciatica?
mysticpiggyx 10 months ago
@mysticpiggyx While you are having sciatica, you really would be better off to temporarily stop exercises like squats altogether. I suggest you try the exercise in my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. Once the sciatica is mostly alleviated, you can ease back into resistance exercises, but I suggest you start with bodyweight only and if things go well, gradully add in weights again. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 10 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Thanks for the reply (:
mysticpiggyx 10 months ago
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Check out Dr. Hal Martin, he operates piriformis arthroscopically and has great success rate compared to previous methods. I am trying to get the word out and hope other sufferers do also so this becomes more main stream!!!! Tell your doctors, look at the improvements with surgery in only the past 4 years, lets keep it up!
TheNIFTY5150 10 months ago
Hello, my name is Chris Gonzalez I have a disc herniation at L4-5 and a disc bulge at L5-S1 level And I just developed Piriformis Syndrome about three weeks ago, it is not intense at all. When I walk the symptoms are not there, only when I sit or wake up. As for my physical condtion I can bend over touch my toes with a little bit of tightness. I was told yesterday by my neuroligist since my back has not healed then it may not heal at this point and I may need surgery. I had my injuy 1yand10m ago
crgonzalez90 10 months ago
@crgonzalez90 With the relatively mild symptoms you have, I don't consider you to be a candidate for surgery. In a case like yours the odds of surgery improving your condition are about the same as the odds of the surgery leaving you about the same or worse than you are now. My advice is to try to maintain/improve the situation on your own & with conservative treatment. The exercise on this video and my "Sciatica Exercises Part 1" should help, as well as the additional info on my website .
DIYSmallBusinessMktg 10 months ago
could it be caused by both discs and piriformis?
sinkheadhxc 10 months ago
@sinkheadhxc Yes. In such cases, the disc is usually the primary issue because the piriformis is supplied by the same nerve branches that produce true sciatica and irritation of those nerves can cause the piriformis to contract. When the piriformis is involved along with the disc, then it is usually necessary to work on both issues to get the best recovery as quickly as possible.
DrGeorgeBest 10 months ago
My doctor pulled my knee and hip to one side and I about hit the ceiling in pain!
KP1972 1 year ago
if it is true sciatica can the pain be completly releived without surgery???
arnoldnavarro21 1 year ago
@arnoldnavarro21 In the majority of cases, sciatica can be relieved without surgery. In cases where there is an actual rupture, severe herniation, and/or severe degeneration of one or more of the lower lumbar discs, surgery may be the only option, but such cases are relatively rare. Even with complete relief of symptoms with or without surgery, it is still very important to be careful with bending and lifting and to perform ongoing preventive exercises to prevent the problem with returning.
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
@DrGeorgeBest so basically one is handicapped for life after suffering from sciatica? I am only 26 at moment :(
LOLMAN22 10 months ago
@LOLMAN22 What I'm saying is that a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that once the symptoms are gone, they are fully healed, and that's usually not the case. It is important to continue doing exercises and avoiding things that hurt the back (improper bending and lifting, sitting in poor posture, etc.). If you stop doing the things that get you better, there's a good chance the problem will return. That doesn't mean you are "handicapped for life". You just have to be careful.
DrGeorgeBest 10 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Ok I tried the exercise you recommended in the first video at about 1 PM today and now its 5:50 PM and my pain is no longer there!! Usually when I am done driving around (to pick my mom/dad & sister from work) the pain returns but its not there at the moment!! I am so relived! I will make it a part of my daily routine and see if this goes away for good!! Thanks for providing such effecting techniques/videos :D
LOLMAN22 10 months ago
@LOLMAN22 You're welcome!
DrGeorgeBest 10 months ago
Hi Dr, I have sciatica since 2008 when i had a disc problem. It was only minor and did not have any real problems with it. Recently it went bad as i cant really sit down as my leg throbs if i do twist wrong and hit the nerve it puts me out for 30mins i can lay though. My CT scans said L5/S1 a severe left posterolateral disc protrusion which is greater then 2008, the protrusion occupies two thirds of the AP spinal diameter. The left S1 is compressed. Im fit & healthy, is exercises ok?
Grant1000T 1 year ago
@Grant1000T The exercises on this video and the "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" video, as well as low-impact exercise like walking or swimming are fine to try. I recommend you avoid anything that seems to make the symptoms worse though. With the severity of your disc protrusion, exercises and other non-invasive treatments may or may not be enough to resolve the symptoms. If things don't improve within a few weeks, I'd suggest consulting with a surgeon who does the "minimally invasive" procedure.
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
Thank you for your quick reply, I already have a neurosurgeon appointment at the end of Feb to know my options as I am restricted now but still active as much as I can and positive. Ive heard good results from inverse tables too, is that worth a try? I do find the McKenzie method and swimming does relief the pain, but I find it does need rest also. Your videos really interest me and are great !
Grant1000T 1 year ago
@Grant1000T Inversion can help, but it can also trigger muscle spasms and make the symptoms worse. It's OK to try it, just start slow with a shallow inversion angle for a minute or less to start. If you don't have any problems, you can gradually increase the angle and time. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
Hi Doctor, I just realized I have Sciatica problems. I play a lot of sports like cricket, soccer and just started working out recently. Is it a bad idea to workout with this problem? Can you tell what kind of exercises I should avoid? Some of the exercises that I think could affect my sciatica and I am doing are squats, dead lifts and military press.
freeman01in 1 year ago
thanks dr. george yea i am going to make an appointment this week with one i have scoliosis n spinal cord damage n espeecially sciatica neck stiffness muscle n joint pain n also mild arthritis i have lumbar damage too watever that is
mcflysosexcii 1 year ago
I do not have pain down my legs but the lower back is a very painful ache. Sitting in any of our recliner chairs is what causes the most problems. Even to the point of needing a cane or crutch to get up. Once I am up and walking, everything is much better... I am a semi retired Painting and drywall contractor. I will be 74 this coming NOV. The VA doctors has told me I have degeneration problems (dpl) discs and need to leave my trade.
homebrewer7 1 year ago
Dear doctor George Best, I have sciatica type 1 after doing your test. Other than these stretches is there anything I can do please help me please. I have a doctors appointment tommorow with the Chiropractor. Also can I cycle,walk on treadmill and excercise? I feel ok sort of when I wake up but then I get pain later on in the day. Yesterday it was super intense and I made the dr. appointment. Thank you for your help
shokazulu34512 1 year ago
@shokazulu34512 Frequent use of the exercise (about a minute at a time, up to a few times per hour) in the Part 1 video along with applying cold packs to the low back are usually the best things to focus on initially. For more information, you may find my free ebook and video course helpful (available at the website shown on the video). If you need additional help after you see the doctor, you might benefit from my member's area, but wait to find out what the doctor recommends first.
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
@shokazulu34512
If you feel like it, please look up Art Brownstein's book on back pain and lots of exercises for any kind of back and neck pain. Good luck to you!
whitebluebug 1 year ago
Dear doctor Gerorge Best, I have sciatica type 1 after doing your test. Other than these stretches is there anything I can do please help me please.
shokazulu34512 1 year ago
What could it mean if you cannot even get your leg straight enough to do the test for "true sciatica"? I'm having this problem. My knee just doesn't want to straighten out, it hurts too much.
vegasglitr999 1 year ago
@vegasglitr999 If the pain is just in the knee, it suggests that the knee joint itself is the problem. If the pain is throughout the leg and into the buttocks and back, that's a pretty good sign that the problem is true sciatica related to a bulging disc or other "space occupying lesion" in the lumbar spine.
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
does where you sleep affect the intensity of pain?
jhwan62 1 year ago
Hi Doctor, I just have a quick question about this symptoms. Are there differences in intensity of pain depending on where you sleep? Because I have had tiny pain through out the month, but day after I moved location and bed, the pain got much much greater. So does where you sleep (bed or floor) affect the intensity of pain? if so what would you recommand??
jhwan62 1 year ago
@jhwan62 Where you sleep can make a difference in pain. What works best varies from person to person and the quality of the bed, but sleeping on the floor is usually worth a try during periods of major pain.
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
Hi Dr. Best, my chair at work is apprently ergonomic but I've noticed while using it that it does not cover the small area of my lower back. I've used pillows, even a phone book to place in their so all my back is supported but I still experience severe pain. My friend suggested I use an iron rod inserted under my shirt to help carry my back and have it designed and approved by doctors. Do you think this is a good idea and do spinal rods actually help maintain back support?
sebbbo77 1 year ago
An iron rod might provide support but it wouldn't be very comfortable. There are already a number of back braces on the market that would do essentially what an iron rod would do - and are relatively comfortable. Such braces work well when you must sit for long periods, however, long-term use would result in weakening of the muscles unless you consistently exercise to keep the muscles strong. Another option for sitting support is a device called the nada-chair, which might suit your needs.
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
Thank you for the great advice !!
sebbbo77 1 year ago
Dear Dr. George
I've always had poor posture of the upper back. I then found an excercise -"the scapular wall slide" featured on many youtube videos. I'm basically pressing my whole back including the lumbar on a flat wall and making sure my back is totally straight. The problem is I cant maintain that posture for more than 10 minutes after the excercize. Do you think its worth continuing them or do you think I should invest in a back brace? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
phileustace 1 year ago
I think you'll find that continuation of the exercise will work better in the long run than a brace. The more you do the exercise over time, the stronger you'll get and it will be easier to maintain good posture. You may also find that chiropractic treatment will help if you have significant postural distortions, as re-aligning the joints will make the job of the muscles easier. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
The space is limited so I would like to continue by saying that the discomfort has eased somewhat, but stil,l when I get out of bed in the morning it's there in all of its "glory" until I move around a little; the same holds true when getting out of a chair, I have to give it a few moments thought before making the move. Although still walking, I have reduced the distance to four miles instead of my usual 7 to 10 miles in case it gets worse, what do you think Doctor.
SuperCulloden 1 year ago
It is difficult to say for sure what the problem is without examining you. It could be piriformis-related, which is often in association with a sacroiliac joint problem. If so, the stretch from the video will likely help, although you may need some chiropractic treatment if the sacroiliac is involved. It could also be disc-related. I suggest you try the exercise shown in my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. If it helps, it suggests a disc problem is present. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
Hello Dr. Best. I am a power walker who has lost "power'. My walking takes place along paths in Michigan County Parks
. About six weeks ago when getting out of my car, I experienced discomfort between my extreme lower back and the gluteus maximus areas. Thinking that it would work itself out I started walking, the next day it was worse. I'm wondering if it was me walking on uneven frozen snow for a number of days previously that caused the problem; if so will the exercises you describe help?
SuperCulloden 1 year ago
very informative doctor, thanks!!!
TKlaling 1 year ago
You're welcome!
DrGeorgeBest 1 year ago
muscle helping to hold the vertabrea's further apart? Is it somehow sucking the hernia back into the disc? I am fasinated to know what is going on, my dad thinks that its because the muscles help to seperate the vertabrea's and that takes pressure off the disc allowing it to be less squeeshed and therefore come off the nerve, is this correct? Thanks!
atraherne 2 years ago
The muscles don't keep the vertebrae separate, they would actually tend to pull them together. But toning muscles can help to hold the vertebrae in proper alignment, thereby reducing mechanical irritation on the discs as well as helping to maintain the normal shape of the openings between the vertebrae where the nerves exit the spine.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
I have a herniated lumber disc, my Dad used to have a herniated disc and so did a friend, they both cured it, or, went symptom free by doing a couple months of back toning exercises. I have just started doing back toning exercises and it does bring relief.
My question is, how does toning the back muscles bring relief and remedy? Why is is it I feel the most relief when I work my back muscles until they are tight or tensed? Is the toning of the muscle and the immediate tension of the
atraherne 2 years ago
I had botox in piriformis and s1 nerve root block on left side (pain side) and neither helped. When I push with my thumb in upper glute near the center of my glute I feel some sore spots. The pain is worse in the morning but is basically chronic. Standing is painful and walking for the first 10 minutes until it relieves.
wkriski 2 years ago
It sounds like there is more involvement of the gluteus minimus than the piriformis. You may also have a problem in the left sacroiliac joint that is either producing symptoms directly or causing the reaction in the glute. My suggestion would be to get an opinion from a chiropractor to see what's going on with the sacroiliac. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Sciatica Exercise Video Program here: watch?v=3Xt0kkr74xg
HealthAndCures 2 years ago
Hello my doctor seems to think i have sciatica and i think by what ive read ect i definately have this plus the piriformis by doing the movement you have just suggested. she has prescribed me Amitriptyline which im extremely reluctant to take as ive also read that these are not only addictive but used to be prescribed as an anti depressant. Do you think it is possible to treat my problem without the use of drugs? many thanks
slothaii 2 years ago
It is usually possible to relieve sciatica without drugs. I suggest you check out my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. You can get additional self treatment suggestions on my website shown on the video. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
That makes no scense as that is a anti-depressan that is both addictive and has numerous side effects all of which are harmful to not only your health but your mental well being. the first rule of medicine is " do no harm" and her presciption certaily violates that.
I am almost pain free now and all I have done is these exersizes and sitting correctly
logsliderrjh 2 years ago
hey doc i have sciatica damage due to an epideral i ahd at my daughters birth in 2008 my pain is my neck my feet tingles stiffness n joint pain muscle spasms in my side neck muscles cant stand for too long i also have it extended into my hands n get spasms other places in my body where i cant move it and it hurts so so bad
mcflysosexcii 2 years ago
It sounds like you have more than just sciatica. My recommendation is to consult with a chiropractor to see what can be done to help you. If possible, try to get a recommendation to a chiropractor from a friend who has had a good experience. If you don't know anyone who has seen a chiro, then I suggest looking in the yellow pages for one with just a listing since those tend to get most of their new patients from referrals. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
WOW!!! Thanks Doc! Now I know I have priformis syndrome and not sciatica. Your explanations and exercises are awesome!!!
musicalfriends 2 years ago
Thanks! I'm glad you found them useful.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Hi Doc, I have another problem. Your exercises, which I do before I get out the bed in the A.M., help get rid of the pain so my hips can support me when I start walking around. It feels great to have stability when I get up! But the intense pain between my shoulderblades (which wakes me up sometimes) and in the heels of my feet (ouch!) still persist. I do a set of 20 reps before I get up from the bed or from sitting in a chair, but my heels continue to ache something awful! Help me. Thanks!
musicalfriends 2 years ago
It sounds like you may have some additional problems that are not directly related to the sciatica. The pain between the shoulder blades may actually be from the sciatica exercise, as the extension can jam up the spinal joints in some cases. This can usually be alleviated with a chiropractic adjustment, or possibly by lying on your back on the floor with a rolled up towel lengthwise under the spine while doing some deep breathing. The heel pain may be due to heel spurs.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Hi Dr.,
I've had intense sciatica/piriformis pain for quite a few months. I've been to an osteopath (which was helpful but too far of a drive to make it routine), chiropractor (which was good for temporary relief), and a couple doctors. What do you advise? Stretches and exercise? I've been doing some ab/low back/abductor exercises but I haven't noticed any change. I just borrowed some cross-country skiis, maybe that will strengthen my butt/outer leg? Please help! It's painful!!
Thank you.
soncasey 2 years ago
My recommendations will vary somewhat depending on what is known about the cause of your condition. True sciatica from a disc protrusion is a different situation than piriformis syndrome from inactivity or muscle overuse. If you have not had an MRI or CT to evaluate the discs, I think it would be a good idea at this point. If you have not already, I suggest you check out my Sciatica Exercises part 1 video and see if that gives any indication of what may be causing the pain and what helps it.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Hey Doc.Geroge I like the info. here. I have a question I have tightness, stiffness and a funny sensation on my right upper buttocks but no pain whatso ever it all started when I started to exercise. So , when i sit down with my feet flat on the floor and lift up my right leg and bring my ankle or toes toward me I fee this sensation on my buttocks. Everything else is fine. I need some help but im keeping a positive attitude but at times im just like "what is this? I'd like your feedback. ty.
wtflol420 2 years ago
It sounds like the gluteus minimus is tightening up and most of the time that's associated with dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint. Sometimes it will fix itself eventually, but I suggest getting it checked by a chiropractor. Chances are it can be fixed up pretty quickly. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Thnx for the reply doc appreciate it. another quick quest. I also forgot to mention I have stiffness and tightness through my lower back also. Another thing when I bring my leg out straight in a seated straight position and my chin to my chest at the same time I feel that same weird sensation. I was just wondering If i can do these stretcheses anyway? thnx.
wtflol420 2 years ago
You may have a slight disc bulge going on as well as a sacroiliac issue. The stretch on this video won't do any harm. You may also get some benefit from the exercise shown on my "Sciatica Exercises - Part 1" video. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Dr. Best - thanks, visit Chiro (did nothing) and neurosurgeon who gave me tons of Vicadin Flexeral - i hate it - my pain is from L5 bulge but pain located i down front of left leg Quads and Tiialis - is there a specific stretch for that area/ I teach xercise so am probably impatient - but anything has to be better than drugs. Thanks so much
joannacsoutherland 2 years ago
I'd suggest you try the basic McKenzie exercise shown on my Sciatica Exercises Part 1 video. It's unusual for an L5 disc to cause symptoms in the front of the thigh. You may just be "wired" a little differently or there may be something else going on, such as another disc bulge higher up. Either way, if one or more bulging discs are the problem, the exercise on the Part 1 video will usually help. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Thank you. I have been doing what you said after watching your first video and it helps tremendously. And a lot of ice . I have always taught exercise and am wondering - do I stop until all pain goes away -- or use upper body only -- when it has been part of life for 30 years , I am trying to figure out ways of maintaining fitness level - like wear a long line girdle -just like my grandmom? Thank you so much.
joannacsoutherland 2 years ago
Good video (for a medical professional !)
I don't mean to be rude but your approach is quite seriously different to most medical professionals. I suspect you have either had this complaint yourself and/or are actually a practitioner of yoga so have a particular awareness that goes beyond theory?
Anyway, it's refreshing as you are the first one I have come across in a lot of years with a really down to earth approach. I had to discover all this stuff on my own over a lot of years, funny thing !
cspace1234nz 2 years ago
Actually I'm a chiropractor, so technically I'm not a "medical professional", as some M.D.'s point out to my patients when the docs don't want them to listen to me! I've just studied a lot of different aproaches and try to figure out what works best for the individual patient rather than automatically follow the "standard" treatment approach.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Wow. My pain disappeared immediately after I did the piriformis-test.
triisgaard 2 years ago
Hi, DrGeorgeBest; I have taken your advice fromthe other video; 'What causes Sciatica' and come on here to determine which it is.
I have tried the first exercise for true sciatica, but I can hardly lift my leg and it is agony in my pelvis, thigh and back.The other exercise didn't cause hardly any pain except in my back.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
KIND REGARDS from THE U.K
Luvmypets123 2 years ago
You're welcome! Since it appears that your problem is true sciatica, likely from a disc problem, I suggest you try using the exercise on my video "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1". Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
hey dr ive been to phisiotherapists and sports doctors and they both say that i have sciatica but i only realy get pain in the hamstrings and sometimes the calves when i outstretch my leg. Another symptom i have is a really tight feeling in my lower back. Im only 16 so this shouldnt be happenning my question is wether this seems more like scitica or piriformis or a completely different syndrome?
cruorem1 2 years ago
Your description of the problem sounds like true sciatica, most likely from a bulging disc. While you are young for this type of problem, it is not unheard of in teenagers. I suggest you try the exercise in my video "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" and see if it helps. You might also get some benefit from the resources at my website, shown on the video. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
I suggest getting an opinion from a chiropractor. With minimal abnormal findings on the MRIs, my suspicion is that there may be some functional problem in the sacroiliac joint that may be producing trigger points in the piriformis and/or gluteus minimus muscles. A chiropractor who also offers massage therapy or who works closely with a massage therapist would be a good place to start. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
hi there, i have pain in my right leg down the knee. i had the mri of my back and it showed a small annular tear at L5. so my pain doctor gave me one epidural injection with no relief. he reffered me to neuro and he looked at my mri and was quite positive that this pain is not from my back so he ordered another mri of my pelvis to see piriformis muscle compression but it didnt show anything. now my neurologist has told me to wait and watch. what should i do....i will appreciate your response
MsDiane007 2 years ago
I have pain in my butt that radiates all the way down to my foot. The chriopractor stated that I had Piriforis Syndrom /Sciatica. He suggested that I stop running and strengthen my hamstring which I have had a constant issue with for the past 2 years (repetetive strain). He stated that I should only crosstrain on a rowing machine and that I should be doing deadlift squats to strengthen my hamstring and glute.
Will this work, so that I can train again.
Thank Mark (Dying to run again)
kelly5sons 2 years ago
It's difficult for me to predict the outcome of a given treatment when I can't directly assess you, but assuming your chiropractor's assessment is correct, I think his treatment recommendations have a pretty good chance of helping you get to the point you can run again. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Very informative videos.
Thanks very much!
craftpals 2 years ago
well doc i ;m suffering from true sciatica and am doing McKenzie Exercise but it's extremely painful for me to lie like that hope i will be benefited with that though am taking homeopathy medicine along with that cos am tired of taking NSAIDS and just wanna ask u wether its normal if i do exercise along with homeopathy medicine
mibbel 2 years ago
It is fine to use the homeopathic medicine along with doing the exercise. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
THX Doc very helpful :)
RRED2 2 years ago
Thanks for the video, i am sure my girl friend will find it very usefull, doctor prescribed pain killers as usual. Thanks again Doc, regards Brian from Spain ( but English)
firedraft1 2 years ago
thank you for this video, my doctor has left me for 3 months with no treatment other than giving me ibuprofen, i have been in agony, have been doing the stretch for a day and it is easing the pain already .
Brasso182 2 years ago
You're welcome! I'm glad that it has been helpful.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Dr George. My doctor states that I have the symptoms of sciatica. My pain started in the left buttocks. Then started down into the left leg. Unbearable pain. The doctor has prescribed Indoomethacin and some percocte for the pain. I have now strted feeling pain down to closer to my ankles now. Doctor told me it could be about 3 wks to 3 mnths for it to go away. Is there anything I can do?
JustinDK08 2 years ago
Hi Justin,
It sounds like you probably have true sciatica from a bulging disc. I suggest you try the exercise on my video "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" and also get my free ebook and on the site shown on the video (Youtube won't allow me to post the address in a comment like this). Do the part 1 exercise for about a minute at a time, up to several times per hour. Your low back may get a little sore, but if the sciatica starts to ease, you're on the right track. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
thanks for this! I figured out it was the piriformis muscle. I had this about two months ago and was mostly in my lower back. Now it was more in my hip and leg. This exercise relieved it and I was able to walk around the grocery store with hardly any pain! Great!
cleanfreak73 2 years ago
I'm glad you found it helpful!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
thanks 4 the advic u gave me.unfortunately i have 2bulged disks 1 is 4to5 and the other 1 is 2to5 and i am afraid of surgery . here in la all i hear are complaints about the surgeons, that they leave u worse, and i am going crazy already with this pain.would u happen 2 know some 1 in mind please u look like a good person
elokgli 2 years ago
I don't know anyone in LA to recommend. I suggest you search on Google for someone who does spinal decompression. You can also search for information on the DRX9000 or the Vax-D spinal decompression machines. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Dr. George, I just want to thank you for such helpfull information. Doctor you're a great person thank you for sharing your knowledge!
lucioacvsh 2 years ago
Thank you for your nice comment!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
i second it.. great videos! thanks alot! really helpful!
CasperSparks 2 years ago
My pain started on a very low level several days ago and came on with a vengence last night. My doctor has given me a Medrol pack. I'm still not sure which sciatica I'm experiencing but I'm trying the only thing I can which is the stretch for piriformis because my leg pain won't allow me to lie on the floor yet. Thanks.
TigerLoewi 2 years ago
I also suggest you try applying a cold pack to the lower back and/or buttock area to further reduce inflammation. Use the cold pack for about 15 minutes at a time every 1 to 2 hours (as long as the skin returns to normal temperature before you re-apply the cold pack). Place a thin layer of cloth between the cold pack and the skin to prevent skin damage.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
Thank you so much for your reply, the web and people continue to astonish me. I've been using a powerful vibrator and a "wet heat" heating blanket but I think both are more placebo than anything else. Advil does nothing I can percieve. I'm using a cane to get around but weight on the leg causes pretty bad pain in the thigh/buttock. As suggested I'm now trying the cold pack. I can stretch the piriforis by crossing leg over and pulling inward and sideways, everything else is still too difficult.
TigerLoewi 2 years ago
wow, this is pretty much spot on, I mainly get pain on my right hip, butt. I get lower back pain too. I just did the leg stretch on the side that is problematic for me and it hurt. I tried the other side and theres no pain at all. I dont know what Ive got but Ive been living with it for 3 years. My doc was useless. Just gave me ibuprofen.
markanddana 2 years ago
thanx for ur help this is fantastic.
harpreet dimpy
shaan82099 2 years ago
Ive had sciatica for 6months now, Dr Bests advice is the most useful out on the net and his videos are great too. I get my scan results soon :)
dhol7 2 years ago
Thank you for caring enough to post these videos.
they really helped my mom.
RiseToOffend 2 years ago
You're welcome! I'm glad they were helpful!
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
thank you very mutch!!!
rubenmartins82 2 years ago
Wow, Doc. If thickening of the ligaments can cause back pain, i shouldnt have had prolotherapy shots back there. It didnt work anyway. That was 2 years ago, so maybe I'm ok.
david85251 2 years ago
The ligaments that thicken in the case of spinal stenosis are inside the spinal canal and would not be effected (positively or negatively) by the prolotherapy shots. Prolotherapy can be an effective treatment for back pain for some people and overall it is pretty safe.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
i have had sciatica for 8 months, i been trying many diffrent exercises, the pain has decreased but has not healed completely. can u please guide me to something better please. when i sneeze it hurs like crap but i sit and sneeze it does not hurt.
elokgli 2 years ago
Unfortunately, exercises alone may not fix the problem in your case. The fact that it doesn't hurt when you sneeze while sitting (when the spine is flexed) suggests that at least part of the nerve irritation is probably coming from something other than a bulging disc, most likely degenerative bone growth around the spinal joints and/or thickening of the ligaments at the back of the spinal canal. If this is the case, surgery may be the only real option for relief.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
The DR is right about downward facing dog! DON't DO IT! If you have true sciatica it will feel like the sciatic never is being ripped apart. If you can do downward facing dog then you may not have sciatica.
r1skate 2 years ago
yea i did it before reading this and im in pain :(
markanddana 2 years ago
Sorry to hear that.
What is your level of pain (from 1 to 10?)
Do you have pain in the hip or other places? If so go to the doctor and tell them you want a 2 week supply of pain pills - atleast. Try a shower.- get it warm and put in the spot(s) that hurt the most.. Get it warmer. The pain may increase, but should subside after a few hours. Try lying on your back with a pillow under the affected knee. Adjust as needed. And rest! Good luck. :(
r1skate 2 years ago
thank u for he reply..il try to find some cervical disc exercises..
kablooie27 2 years ago
hi..i am 25 and from the Maldives..i have c5c6 herniated..i have pain in my right knee joint..pain in my shoulders..numbness in my foot..and tingling pain in my palms..and sometimes stifness in palms..
can i do these exercie to ease the tinglings and shoulder pain..
pls help..
kablooie27 2 years ago
The exercises on this video and on Sciatica Exercises Part 1 are primarily for symptoms related to disc problems in the lumbar spine. Your symptoms suggest that you might have some problems in the lumbar discs and piriformis, so these exercises might help the symptoms in your knee and foot. The symptoms in your shoulders and hands are likely related to the C5/6 disc and might be helped with different exercises, but I don't have a video for that yet. Try a search for cervical disc exercises.
DrGeorgeBest 2 years ago
i have a disk ernia between L4 a 5,and i had the problem 10 years ago,and now it came back after a ashtanga yoga class,will i be able to ever to yoga again???i am on meds now,and doctor siggested operation,i am 32,and i think operation is a way too early to think about it,what do u suggest?thank you for your videos.
karilua 3 years ago
I recommend avoiding surgery if at all possible. I suggest you try the exercise on my "Sciatica Exercises, Part 1" video and in my ebook you can download for free from my website. I also suggest you check into spinal decompression treatment with either the DRX9000 or Vax-D machines. In most cases, surgery can be avoided. You will probably even be able to do yoga again, but it's a good idea to avoid poses that require bending at the waist. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 3 years ago
You are so right about downward facing dog as a stretch for sciatica. It hurt me so much! I would NEVER do it again for sciatica. It pulled all the way to my foot and felt like the nerve and or tendon was being ripped apart! It was pure tortue!
r1skate 2 years ago
Thank you so much for your response,i will do everything to avoid surgery than,i will try to find a place here in Bologna,Italy,with those kind of machines u suggested me,i hope they have them here.i am doing the exercises everyday now,and feel better,today i finish the treatment with the cortisone.i hope the nerve is back to normal.thank you so much again.
karilua 3 years ago
Does this help relieve an impinged pudendal nerve?
caesar44x 3 years ago
Thanks!
whymee100 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing this video. I am more confused now however. I thought I had a herniated disk. I was doing squats at the gym and felt a twinge in my lower back followed by pain in my lower back and pain in my testicles. I also had some numbness in my foot and the back of my calf that showed up a couple days later. I went to see a DR. he put my through the tests you are talking about and I have no pain shooting down my leg. No MRI but x-ray was neg.
CLG34 3 years ago
Even if the test in the video is negative, it does not rule out a herniated disc altogether (especially a mild one), and X-rays are essentially useless for diagnosing a herniated disc. It may be simply that there is inflammatory swelling related to joint dysfunction and/or muscle injury in the low back is some nerve irritation. My suggestion is to get an opinion from a chiropractor or osteopath and if things aren't much improved within a week or two, an MRI would be the next step. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 3 years ago
Thankyou Dr for your page, It has been very helpfull for me to recognise my particular problem. I can take action accordingly.
Thankyou so much
All the best to you. :)
sarah1ooo1 3 years ago
My inner thigh feels sore, but when I look at it, it looks fine. I am also underweight. The pain is really unbearable but lasts only 2-3 secs, however it comes and go... which makes it frustrating. Do you think acupuncture will help? I really want it to go away as fast as possible. Thank you!
wonkyfan 3 years ago
It doesn't sound like sciatica to me, as sciatica symptoms tend to be in the back of the leg and tend to be more persistent. You may be correct in thinking that it was brought on by the inactivity. It could be muscular or related to joint dysfunction from sitting still for too long. Acupuncture might be helpful. Another option would be to consult with a chiropractor who also offers massage, as this approach would handle the most likely joint and muscle issues. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 3 years ago
I found your vids while searching for "sciatica." I don't know what I have, but this started 2 days ago, I have sporadic shooting pain on my inner, right thigh... and sometimes the pain "travels" slowly (if that makes any sense). I did your tests, but didn't feel any pain so now I'm not sure what I have. I think the cause is that I've been studying for an exam for 3 months now (basically am in front of my computer 8-10 hours daily), with little to no exercise. CONT...
wonkyfan 3 years ago
hi doc how r u
i dont know what it is not of a sharp pain I get but overall numbness and discomfort and the pain goes all the way down to my legs and olso i fell the same pain in my both hands!!! thank u
hotmail2011 3 years ago