Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide
Hi! Just downloaded the guide and watched this video. Been in agony for the last 5 months. Ortho specialist said it was PS but no signs of it in the MRI. Went to chiro, did PT and dry needling and nothing has worked. Pain management Dr also said he thinks it’s PS and gave me a steroid shot in the PS muscle a week ago. I didn’t want to go that route but I was desperate. And it still doesn’t feel much better. After watching your video I tried the straight leg test and could barely lift my good leg without it hurting my bad leg, which you said is 95% herniated disc. I also can’t sneeze or cough without being terrified of the pain. I don’t feel much back pain tho. I mostly feel it in my butt and down my leg to my foot. I’m just so confused. Based on your video it seems obvious it’s a herniated disc but they are convinced it’s PS. I’m so frustrated because this ha completely halted my life. Any thoughts or suggestions would be so appreciated!
@@SarahMae-jd6xi hey! Thanks for watching my video and checking out my guide. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. Does sound disc related and I have a hunch but would need more details. No pressure, but are you open to potentially working together? I’d be happy to review your case and see if/how we can help and what’s going on. No pressure, but if you’re interested- please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and select a time to chat with us. Okay? Hang in there Sarah!
Dear Dr. Charlie Johnson, I’m a bit confused. I’m trying to diagnose whether it’s PS (piriformis syndrome) or a disc problem. I don’t have pain in my lower back or in my back in general, the pain doesn’t move from one side to the other, when I sit for about 20-30 minutes, I have a small issue when I get up, but it’s not in my back, rather I feel more tightness in the gluteal area and leg, when I cough or strain myself or sneeze, I generally feel a very mild discomfort in the gluteal or piriformis area, but not in my back, my back isn’t crooked, I can move my back forward, backward, left, and right without pain. Also, the exercises you showed during the piriformis test were positive for me because when I lie down and place my right leg (the one that hurts) over my left, and start pulling it towards my shoulder, I feel tightness and pain in the piriformis. Additionally, my biggest issue is sitting, because when I sit, I feel pain in the piriformis but not in the lower back, and after sitting for a longer time, the pain spreads down the thigh and calf all the way to the ankle and heel, and I often feel tingling in my heel when sitting for too long. If you ever get a chance to see my comment, I would be very grateful if you could briefly reply whether you think my issue is related to the piriformis or a disc problem. P.S. When I warm up my lower back and gluteal area with a wool belt, I notice it feels better, as well as when I do stretching exercises.
Had gone to so many chiropractors, PTs and massage therapists but bar none, you are the most common sense and articulate doctor out there both in real life and on the internet. Been telling everyone I know to check your channel. Thank you.
I had a slipped disc serious bulge at L4 L5 and I tried everything physio therapy massage everything that I could throw it's way I did full diet change and I was still using 4 to 6 gabapenton per day I flew to Thailand and had to do business class because of the length of flight to see a recommended Thai lady I have been here for 8 days now I'm staying for 6 weeks and I've seen this lady every day I am now free from gabapenton use I use 1muscle relaxer and 1 pain killer Thai medicine each day,she identified my problem as being in a totally different place although the MRI showed the disc prolapse she said it has been caused by extremely tight fascia in my right leg mainly in the location of the hamstring she did the most painful therapy I have had which left me bruised basically from knee to hip give or take a few places but the results are amazing I am confident that before I fly back this issue will be sorted,I feel the western way of dealing with things is treating the problem but that will present again unless you treat the cause.
Brilliant! Putting it all together on a diagnostic flowchart simplifies things, prevents useless anxiety, avoids unnecessary tests and saves a lot of time and expense. May your tribe increase, Dr. Charlie Johnson!
Absolutely brilliant and you've helped me differentiate what has been extremely baffling with my hip, buttock and sciatica pain. I guess I'd hoped it was piriformis syndrome but all the tests point to a herniated disc. You've been more helpful than the MDs, Chiropractors and massage therapist---and I've been to many. Thank you Dr. Charlie
I’ve been watching your videos for like 3 hours now. I am beyond frustrated with my medical care, was complaining of low back pain for years and years and now I have excruciating hip pain when hiking and walking, greater trochanter area pain. I need a diagnosis and a plan of action. It’s impacted everything in my life and my super active work and lifestyle!
Sorry to hear! Appreciate you checking out my content! Are you open to a different approach? Would love to see if/how I can help. No pressure, but if you're interested, I'd love to review your case and see if I can help... you can schedule a time to chat here- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Well the bend to the right fires the pain off - my butt then the outside of my ankle and foot. I've dealt with this since the beginning of the year. A month or so of excruciating pain while trying to walk (sitting brings relief but lying down does not so sleep disturbance is a problem) and then it gradually goes into remission only to come back after a month or so. MRI shows a variety of issues - disc bulges, stenosis, arthropathy, synovial cyst(?). Oddly, and thankfully, riding my bike is virtually pain free. I appreciate your thorough and matter of fact approach.
Dr., Thanks for posting your many videos. I especially appreciated your "decision tree" guide. I"m a 67 year old malel that has had 3 lumbar laminectomies since 1990 to deal with herniated discs (L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/SI). I was miserable prior to surgery for all 3, and pain free for many years after each of the 3 surgeries. Two weeks ago I began having pain in my right hip/groin, no back pain, and no pain at/lower than my knee. Your decision tree w/ "does it hurt to do this exercise vs. that excercise?") helped me identify 2 possible sources: SI Joint or Hip Arthritis. Have appointment with a well-recognized pain MD in a few days to confirm the problem and suggest treatment strategies. I'll be able to walk into the appointment with better insights into my pain that I can share w/ the MD. At this point I want to hear a medical Dx, but I will continue to review your resources. Thanks again. Greetings from Pawleys Island, SC.
Hey Rob! Thanks for watching- sorry to hear about what you're going thru... Would love to hear how the appointment goes- if you're willing to update! Thanks
Great and informative video. I’ve had the hardest time figuring out what is wrong with my back. Now I’m 99% sure it’s a herniated disc. Thank you for your help Dr. Johnson. Now that I know the problem maybe now I can fix it. Going on 6 months of constant pain from sciatica
Classic PS I think from getting in and out of a manual transmission pickup feeding cows every day for months. Thanks for the video explaining the difference it was very helpful!! :)
Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain using simple self movement tests & a step-by-step approach without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide
i'd very much appreciate your input. i'm having mild back pain and a bit more intense sciatica in my piriformis. the pain in my leg basically ends in the glutes even though it seems like my right calve muscle is cramping bad (my hamstring doesn't seem to bother me and it's only in my right leg). Nothing in my toes. seems to be affected by coughing. i had a portion of my l5/s1 cut out about 5 years ago. back then my pain never left or improved at all. it was intense. i basically wake up now sore with my piriformis tight but my back can feel fine, walking and moving feels better than sitting. there's moment's when i almost have no pain at all and sometimes the pain goes to the side of my lower back (maybe where a SI joint might be) and my piriformis feels fine. been 6 weeks so far. but i can also do the leg raise fairly easy. any advice is appreciated.
I think mine is low back. I really thought that it was PS, but I noticed pain on both sides on Yoga movement we did this morning and I also feel pain on the right along the spine just above the right dimple.
@@drcharliejohnson Chiropractic adjustments, yoga, only to find I am usually more messed up after Yoga. Chiro gave me stretches to do, I.e. Arm & Shoulder, Pigeon-Towd deep knee bend,Knee to Chest Stretch, Spinal Extension, Circular Neck Rotation (have lots of neck shoulder issues), Neck Rotation with Flexion Extension, Deep breathing and Postural Side Bending.
@@1321FunnyGirl oh no- sorry to hear. Would you be interested in working with me directly? No pressure- but sounds like current approach is not working. If so, first best step would be to set up a time to chat to see if/how I can help… Would you would be open to this?
I have had leg pain since February finally got an appointment with the Physio who diagnosed Piriformis syndrome, which made sense as during lockdown I was doing a lot of sitting, however none of the exercises worked and the flossing motion caused more pain and discomfort afterwards. Recently though I have had trouble standing up straight after sitting and the straight raise leg test was also very painful - now thanks to this I know I have a herniated disk and may have to go back to Physio for treatment and advice.
PIRIFORMIS but not sure. The 'good leg' caused pain when doing the lying on the floor with knee flexed and raising the 'bad' leg? Also, just recently did a lot of moving and lifting of heavy boxes with no physical help and started the 10,000-plus steps daily. hard to move around for repositioning in bed. Standing and bearing full weight on the right(bad) side is painful. Going to stop the typical stretching after the walking ; ; any suggestions for that other than the 2 you show in your "stop stretching" video? Your videos are so easy to understand and informative. Thank you for taking the time to help those of us who simply do not wish to go the 'other' route.
I just discovered your channel. I was searching on RUclips yesterday to find something on PIRIFORMIS S. And today? Your channel was recommended. Glad I clicked on it. I'm in therapy now. I just started therapy last week. I've been going through pain since the last week of Nov. I thought it was just a sprain, pulled muscle, etc. And just let it be. It got better and after the new year? It got worse. Your video was very thorough, informative and explained everything in detail; the difference in the conditions, types of pain with each one, etc. I already did the side exercise, you recommended. I'm so exhausted from this and just want to go back to my normal routine. I feel hopeless someday's and keep wondering, will I ever get better. THANK YOU for all the information.
Thank you so much for this explanation! I was diagnosed with piriformis, but PT wasn't working. After doing your tests, I definitely have a disc issue, when I bent over backways and sideways and pain shot down the back of my leg, the lightbulb went on. Now I know the correct path to take.
Hey Mary- yup, it's your back! Let me know if you're interested in some help (I consult with folks worldwide). I'd be happy to review your case and lay out a plan to get you back to 100%. No pressure, but if you think that would be helpful- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Hang in there! Dr. Charlie
No it's not necessarily correct. Bending pull on the nerve causing movement next to the inflamed muscle. Trust your diagnosis not some random guy on net
@@VictoriaEvelise hey! Thanks for watching. As I hope you can imagine- it’s difficult to give a price without knowing even if/how I can help and without details of your case. There is no one set cost. As prices are dependent upon details of your specific case. That being said, I don’t feel it’s fair to charge people without feeling fully confident I can help… which is why I offer to personally review your case and have you chat with us so that we can determine if we can help and what that would look like… including finances. Make sense?
Thank you doctor Charlie Johnson. I think with your flowchart it helped me pinpoint my problem. Years ago when I was 1st out of high school I was feeding hay into a fbeatbump lifting and twisting, It caused a severe muscle spasm in my lower back on the right side. It has given me problems on and off since that time. Also had a water skiing accident and completely toward 2 of the hamstring muscles off of my pelvis. Now I'm having butt pain On the right side. Sometimes down to my toes. It definitely is affecting my lifestyle. Using your flow chart or listening to it I feel it's probably a disk problem even though it feels like it's the performance problem. I hope you can respond but I understand if you can't but I can imagine how busy you are. So thanks for the good work and I look forward to hearing more of your videos. John burback
hey John! thanks for watching man- and for sharing your story. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. Does sound disc related (most likely). What are you currently doing for treatment? No pressure, but would love to see if/how I can help. If you’re interested- feel free to set up a time to chat- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Hang in there John! Dr. Charlie
Great video! I've had horrible buttock/left leg pain for many months and my doctor says it's a disc problem after seeing results from my MRI. But I'm not convinced because I have absolutely no back pain and after watching your video, my symptoms are all PS, not herniated disc. So doc says disc but your video says PS...do you have any comments on how I should treat my aching piriformis? My daily pain level is a 9!
Hey! Thanks for watching! Honestly (and I hope you can understand)- difficult to give specific recommendations without knowing more about your specific case. What caused your pain? Are you open to my help? No pressure- but if you’re interested, I’d love to see if/how I can help. Best first step to do that would be to set up a time to chat 👉🏻 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Thanks again for checking out my channel! ❤️
I am a chiropractor using Applied Kinesiology (as originated by Dr. George Goodheart, the developer of AK) and of course, whole spine adjustments. I test the strength and flexibility of the piriformis as well as hamstring and iliopsoas for every low back and leg pain patient. I appreciate this video as well as the others by PTs and chiropractors concerning low back and all the other maladies humans suffer. Always good to go over the basic anatomy.
Thanks much Dr. Charlie, your flow chart and video were extremely helpful in diagnosis. I originally thought my sciatica was from PS due to overuse from long distance running, and this really confirms that. I also have a THR in that hip joint, so my flexibility on that side is more restricted. My doctor ordered an x-ray of my spine which showed moderate compression in L5/S1, and unfortunately for me, he is convinced that THIS is the cause and says there 's no way you have PS, it's so rare, you probably have back pain, etc. But disc compression at that spot is apparently a pretty common part of the aging process (I'm in my 50s), so I don't put a lot of weight into his opinion, esp. because I've never had back pain, and the back movements you suggested here did not cause any pain down the leg. I just started seeing a PT who did some functional movement tests and also thought it was PS, not a disc issue. My doctor wants a spinal MRI (very expensive) to confirm the disc compression and then to get an epidural if the pain continues. I'm definitely against that if it's a PS condition! Though I am reading a lot that a coritisone shot into the P muscle itself can help with pain relief. Will continue with PT exercises for now, thanks again!
Hey Bob! Happy Sunday! Thanks a million for watching and for your support! If ya haven't already- feel free to grab a copy of my entire DIY Diagnostic Guide at www.drcharliejohnsonpt/com/DIYGuide Let me know if ya get stuck or have specific questions- here to help! Dr. Charlie
Just wanted to say thank you Doc. Your DIY better than an MRI Guide helped me narrow down that it was indeed Sciatica and not Piriformis Syndrome. I decided to lay off the typical stretches and have just done the press ups almost exclusively and they've been helping over the past couple days.
I was always very flexible in my youth, (later diagnosed with hypermobility of the spine), first injury was a fall off the uneven parallel bars in gymnastics when I was 16, I landed on my side and popped my sternum. Then when I was 27 I slipped on a restaurant kitchen floor and grabbing for a half wall to catch myself, I completely threw my back out of line and was flat on my back for months, then I got rear ended and hurt my neck, then I got broad sided by a pick up truck in the driver's side door and ruptured disks from neck to butt and tore the ligaments up and down my spine and was out of commission for a year, all this by age 35. I managed to survive all of this without surgery because I had a good chiropractor from the onset. I'm a bit older now and good body mechanics have kept me on my own two feet. I live with the coming and going of all these irritants, I live with knowing that one wrong move and I could be paralyzed for the rest of my life, (cervical stenosis, I hear the disks popping and crunching with every neck movement). If I listed my MRI verified diagnoses you would never believe I was still living a semi normal life. Good body mechanics is a must and making your movements on purpose not out of reflex. You have to think before you move and move with purpose and change your habits, eat right so your body has the energy and nutrients it needs to heal itself.
Hey Kimberly! Sorry to hear about your husband… not fun. Is he open to help virtually where he can learn how to solve this himself (with some help of course)? I do consult with folks internationally. No pressure- but if he is, first step would be to set up a time to chat to see if it’s a fit and I can review his case. He could do that by visiting: www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply 👍
Great program! I have been having an ongoing nerve pain at the ball of my left foot. It is especially painful after going for a long walk. I'm going to a chiropractor and podiatrist, but I'm still have pain. It seems to be caused by the L5 nerve. But is it the piriformis? It doesn't hurt in my back though. In the past I had many episodes of sciatic nerve pain with severe buttocks and back pain with locking up.
Hey! So, it may be… but difficult to say without more info. Have you checked out this video… it’s possible your back is causing your foot stuff! ruclips.net/video/B6HoL18QWpg/видео.html
@@drcharliejohnson thank you - presently I am trying to have short walks. Also some gentle stretches and as I am overweight I am starting to seriously consider how important it is that losing weight could help me in this area. I am not generally a fan of surgical or pharmaceutical interventions if I can avoid them.
@@Slarti awesome! Good for you 👍 No pressure, but if you get stuck on your healing journey, I’d be happy to review your case and see if/how I can help. Hang in there!
Hey, doc, awesome video, thank you! In your clinical experience what would be the average recovery period for a PS flare? It seems to be taking weeks and months, no? Also, how can I access the PS exercise you personally recommend - do you have a video on it? Thanks in advance!
great video, I fell on my back/hip area, martial arts training 5 days ago, I instantly felt sciatica symtoms and left class early. When my sciatica symptoms really flare up (butt, back of leg and calf) the only thing that relieves pain is when I stretch my glute muscles (figure 4 stretch) and stretch my hamstrings. Reproducing pain can give direction to PS vs spine issues, how about what reduces pain? Can glute and hamstring stretches reduce sciatica symptoms from a disc problem? Or Only PS? thanks!
I know this is an old video, but maybe people are still reading the comments. I had a microdiscectomy done 10 years ago. It worked great had no issues for 10 years running, hiking, dancing, walking, jumping, weights I mean you name it life was great. Until exactly 3 weeks ago I woke up with a sore stiff lower back. Pain went away about 45 days later but now I’m left with not sciatica“ but odd, weird sensations, running down the side of both of my legs down to the top of my speech, I’ve done all the testing in this video and test negative for all but yet walking now symptoms and it’s driving me crazy trying to figure out what it could be. No sciatica pain, no throbbing pain no sharp pain no electricity like pain no numbness no loss of strength but yet I have this sensation that comes and goes mainly comes 60% of the day both size of my leg down to the top of my feet on the outer side.
This is fantastic, thanks so much. It's so hard to find clear information like this and there is so much conflicting and muddled information available online, and from various professionals. As for my story, I have some minor dull low back pain and bad sciatica at the S1 position. i'm positive for all the PS symptoms, plus I have trouble straightening up, really painful to cough or sneeze, I cannot walk without a limp, and I cannot bend forward at the back without reproducing pain. I have my MRI soon but I'm pretty certain it will come up as some form of disc herniation.
What were the results of your MRI? How are you now? What did you do to get better? My story is very similar to yours. Thank you for any details you can share!
@SarahMae-jd6xi my recovery has been a long one. Now I suffer from periods of mild sciatica and back pain, and periods of no pain at all. My mobility is now unaffected. there were periods where I had no symptoms, however I went back to exercise too quickly and put myself back a number of times. Also I have a job which requires I sit all the time, which has massively hindered me. What I would say is give your body time, and don't expect to measure your own recovery against someone else, everyone is unique and everyones story is slightly different. Best of luck on your recovery, I send you best wishes and hope.
Pretty sure with your help, I’ve now pin pointed it is just an L5 and Si problem. This current phase has lasted 3.5 years now, with out full relief. One thing I can never find an answer to though. I always have a nerve pain and weakness when standing and lifting knee straight up, same if doing sitting straight leg raise. Same weakness nerve pain with side leg raises no matter how much I exercise them. Mainly on my left side but does switch to right side occasionally.
Have gone to specialists and have had scans that pinpoint my problem to t11 serious hernia, l4 crushed vertebrae form a fall, and osteoporosis from former medication. Had been a serious weight lifter until the age of 60, when then found the t11 problem, and now at 75 I have helped my gardener remove a heavy mower from his truck resulting in severe pain in lower back, just above the buttocks area (on both sides). No leg pains. Have concluded this is also related to disc/nerve compression and do not want another doctor's visit. Having seen your videos I am impressed with your approach and explanations. Have not tried the exercises tests yet as it has oly been a few days since this accident and am taking ibuprophen to help reduce the pain. Any thoughts here would help.
hi, dr johnson. a little bit longer, so sorry for that. according to your algortihm i have piriformis syndrome at left. but i have also l4 l5 disc hernitaion at left. i feel buttock, groin pain and rare leg pain. besides i have no pain on my back and buttock with any movement. finally i want to ask that the groin pain can be caused by piriformis? why do i feel pain while i feel pain my buttock? disc herniation or piriformis ? thank you so much doctor. best regards.
PS will NOT cause groin pain. L4 disc problem can absolutely refer pain to the groin. Hip joint issues also commonly refer pain to the groin. Sound like, based off what you've provided, that back is most likely referring pain to groin/causing everything. Make sense? What are you doing for treatment?
@@drcharliejohnson Firstly, thank you so much for the answer. I have understood that exactly. My hip MR is clear. Actually, i have suffered from that (l4-l5 protrusion @left) about for 10-15 years. I did go to physical thearpy for 3 times. The last one (1 monts ago) is mainly focused on trigger points on my buttock, because i don't feel back pain. I really feel better now. But the pain is not gone completely. Interestingly, i feel so much buttock and groin pain(left bottom abdominal) in rest, at weekend, in cold weather and after long sleeps, but i feel little pain while i am working without long sitting. I did also go to Manuel Therapist. It didn't work. The therapist told me that your problem is hip stability not disc herniation and added continue to exercises. My neurosurgeon suggesting not surgery for pain. So i dont want to go the surgery and searching the another ways. Now i am plan continuing to exercies and go to PT session after 6 monhts. I am confused with what to do. The pain is decreasing so slow.. I am really grateful for your support and patient.
@@FinansalTeknik glad it made sense. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. No pressure, but are you open to some help? This is my specialty. Would love to chat to see if/how I can help. If interested, best first step is to set up a time to chat - www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
This helped me understand a depper understanding on this. I defentily have the disc issue, due to over working out. I got PT but its a very slow process as my PT stated. wooo this pain is bad. When is it time to get a MRI vs XRAY if PT does not solve the issue? Heal time from minor injure could be up to 6 months i hear. Either way thanks for posting this information. Much appreciated.
I had 2 herniated disk 12 years ago I'm a healthy 44 year old man. They removed the the gel that had come out of disk area L4 and L5 I believe. Over the years certain things would irritate it but I would always stop and take a break and it was rare that any pain lasted very long. I did end up with some nerve damage down the right side of my upper leg and butt it's always been numb since the surgery. 4 days ago I was pouring a concrete driveway and the option to stop was not an option as it was just my girlfriend and I so I pushed it and was either raking and shoveling concrete or bent over leveling it out. That night I started getting a deep pain in my right butt cheek and for the last 3 days I have had some pretty good pain going down my right leg. It stops just past the knee but I can walk about 15 or 20 steps at best before I have to bend over and relieve the pressure which it only stops it slightly for a second then the deep pain in my right cheek starts right back up. I had my face boiled off by a radiator exploding in my face and went home for 4 hours without a problem before my family forced me to go to the hospital where they immediately airlifted me to harbor view medical center. I handled that pain for 10 hours before receiving any pain medication without a problem and I walked around for 2 years with those herniated disk before going to a chiropractor who did and adjustment and the next morning the lower half of my body was completely numb which is why I ended up getting the surgery that same day. Apparently it was more serious that I thought. This hurts pretty good and I have an astounding threshold for pain. I don't use and form of pain medication never have and I'm not a fan of hospitals. Do you think it's related to my herniated disk form 12 years ago or is it a sciatica issue?. I am not feeling any pain in the back or lower spine it's all in my butt cheek and back of my thigh down to my knee about? I know your going to tell me to go see a doctor but that's really not an option for me at this time so I'm combing the internet looking for ways to deal with this on my own.
Hey Marc. Sure, not super uncommon to have multiple aches and pains at once. back pain + migraines... neck + back/butt pain etc. What are you currently doing to treat it?
Back. But wow I could have sworn I had PS, even my PT suggested that, but stretching the muscle didn't help. In your test I found all three bending backwards tests caused my butt and back leg pain (down S1 zone). But neither of the PS tests caused the pain Time to go back to checking disc. Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction!!
Dr. Johnson. Very helpful information. My wife has on-going pain in the Lumbar-Sacrum area that her doctors haven't been able to determine the cause. I suspect Piriformis Syndrome. And what's going on with the stairway in your video background that seems to go nowhere?
HAHA- stairs to nowhere! FIREWALL between commercial and residential- so they are blocked off... just go strait to ceiling... weird I know. Sorry to hear about wife- appreciate you watching my stuff. For sure a tricky area. Most of my clients have seen many other providers and still can't crack the code... Are you guys (you/your wife) open to help? No pressure, but would love to chat to see if/how I can help your wife (this is my specialty... literally all I treat). If so, you can set up a time to chat at- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Thanks Chris! Let me know if ya have other questions!
@@drcharliejohnson It's tricky I find. Physio exercises which did help to strengthen a bit. Hydro pool for decompression. However after 6 months my bulge is the same. Specialist still suggesting surgery. I just purchased a pull up bar to hang 6 seconds here and there (its hard to do more) I find that my si joint doesn't like it, so I do very short hangs. I am desparate to decompress my spine but its just not budging. I am thinking now I need to increase my flexibility in hips and pelvis first before I add lots of decompression exercises
@@KingsDaughter. sounds like you're a bit confused about what to do... quite normal actually. Are you open to some help from me to see if you can prevent surgery?
@@drcharliejohnson Yeah it is very confusing for sure. thank you for your offer. I am currently searching some answers myself from videos like yours, to see if I can work it out myself as I've spend a lot of money on this injury already.
I believe I have both. As every one of these chart descriptions is what I deal with, It's just the severity that may differ at times. Is that possible? Do you have a neck video as well? As I have C3/4 C5/6 and C6/7 disc bulging, numbness, tingling and the feeling of being stabbed with a knife in my right trapezius muscle, headaches (top of skull, front and temples) and pain at base of skull mostly right side for all of these issues.
Hey Tania! Not likely to have both... more likely one thing causing both (most upstream) back issue being highest probability. My exclusive specialty is helping people with unresolved back, butt, sciatica pains- so, no do not have any current neck videos... but I do have some much older ones buried inside my channel! Hope this helps!
Thank you, Dr Johnson. Your method convinced me I do not have sciatica. I was diagnosed with bursitis of the hip, and the pain seems to be very similar to pirifomis. I am not totally convinced that the problem is bursitis of the hip so I was wondering if there is a flowchaart which might convince me one way or the other?
Hey! Thanks for watching… for sure- check out my DIY Diagnostic Guide if you haven’t already. You can download it here 👇 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYGuide Let me know what you learn- okay?!
Hey Chris! Definitely sounds nerve related. Could be many causes of this (disc could be one). Are you currently getting treatment for this? No pressure, but would be happy to review your case and see if/how I can help you. Hang in there!
@@drcharliejohnson thank you for the reply, Doc. I had about a month of treatment via a chiro/PT. Symptoms worsened over that time. Treatment included stretches at home (e.g. ankle over knee and pull leg to opposite shoulder, 90-90 stretches, wall sits) and electro/heat therapy, massage gun and adjustment in the office. Nothing was helping. I just started doing flossing and the hydrogen exercise on my own yesterday. Too soon to tell yet but I'm hopeful. Where are you located?
@@chriss.3476 hey! Sorry to hear initial PT made ya worse. Makes sense that that approach aggravated the problem. To be clear- it's not too soon to know if what you're doing is working. You should know IMMEDIATELY in the moment if a motion/input is helpful or not- as you should see an immediate improvement in function. But you'll need to follow a process to appreciate this immediate change. I'm based in Pennsylvania- but am 100% virtual and consult with folks worldwide... so, no barrier there if you're interested.
Have, seemingly performing, daughter is a pilates expert, been getting deep tissue massage, knee issue, pain, on same side as aching butt cheek, after massages, seems to help, but aggravation for days, this last massage Monday, she worked heavily on lower back and performing, felt good, knee relief, yesterday I bent over and wrenched lower back. Could barely walk. Seemed better after taking ibuprofen and arnica cream, but too much movement, now I am hurting and it concerns me, a other issue is when I bend over or lift in the past, I would feel tired in the lowerback girdle area, would radiate all in lower back, and be painful, would have to sit down, but not had this lower back pain like this, where I can't walkwell, noticed that it it is directly related to the right side issue, that happens ago with a hike a d afewdays later, after driving, sitting would be in excruciating pain all down the right side from butt cheek to foot, my life has never been the same. I am also off balance and use to fall easily on my knees, was walking more, in a quandary? I feel right now a slight ache on right side inner lower back next to the butt crack.
Thank you for the very informative flow chart. I have Back issue. The problem came from a fall during a 2019 snow/ice storm. Landed flat on my back. Nothing showed on xray at that time but slowly crept in with chronic piriformis pain. Now I definitly have sciatca on my right side with L5-S1 locations.Not alot of pain in the back but a little stiffness. I've seen PT and Chiropracter and had a second xray where there was a shadow appearance in the second to last disc. I am wondering if your programs will help with this extreme pain where meds have masked and stretches help but will not go away completely. The other treatments are breaking the bank!
Hey Karen! Sure thing- glad you found it helpful 👊🏼 Not sure if I can help- but if you’re open to it- I’d love to chat and see. If you’re interested- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply. 👊🏼👍
I have watched so many videos on back/sciatica and this is by far the most easily understandable one i have seen yet to make me understand my condition. I had a Sciatica( herniated disc) back late last year that my Shin still bothers me at time , feels like i have shin splints all the time . I wonder if this could be caused from Nerve damage ? I was bed ridden for 6 wks .. i now ice my back 3x a day and it seems to help alot .. Great video
I must be a strange case. When I wake up in the morning and I stand up, the back of my leg hurts and also nu butt. After 5 min to 30 min the pain gets less. Still, putting socks on the leg hurts. Driving my bike to work is not painfull but I definately feel my leg. In de at work all pain is gone. Any test I do in your flowchart does not hurt. Only sitting down die longer times reproduce the symptoms. Standing up out of a chair or car hurts because i can 't straighten my leg
Good question. Yes, anything is possible- but when it comes to diagnostics- the most upstream problem is the most likely source of pain and should be considered the cause of any downstream problems (until proven otherwise). So, if back issue is present- it can cause and should be considered the primary source of the buttock pain as well! Make sense??
Hey Lily! Awesome! So, best first step would be to block out a time on our calendar- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Then- follow instructions to submit your case for review (a formal “Case Review” as I call it). If, after reviewing your case, I don’t feel confident I can help- I’ll just letcha know. Sound good? 👍🏻 Hang in there.
Very useful, however all the tests and my belief now that I have heard about PS for the 1st time in 35 years of back problems. Point to a PS PROBLEM However it does give me a crocked back. I have had what I feel is a muscle in spasm in my right buttock for 2 years. Chiro’s have ‘corrected ‘my back but never got rid of my muscle in spasm. On a trip to the UK I saw a well respected Phsio who never mentions PS and had me lying on my back on the floor with my legs on a chair for hours per day for 2 weeks to try an reduces inflamed nerves. Then a senior surgeon who felt it was a disc problem L2-L3 which was indicated in a MRI. However I had a split flight from the UK back to the Philippines of over 14 hours sitting in the plane.. I assumed I would be struggling to walk comfortably after that however to my surprise with the exception of slight uncomfort in bed and getting up the muscle spasm had gone and over 2 weeks I started to get my balance and strength back. However for some unknown reason it came back when I was out shopping. This is when researching my problem I came across PS I AM CERTAIN. My muscle goes into spasm when I sleep in bed. Or lying on my back for treatment . I am planning to try and replicate my flight back to see if I can fix it again. Any pointer welcomed
Hey Clive! Sorry to hear man. Thanks for watching. Appreciate you sharing your story. Have you watched my other content on PS? May find something there… Otherwise, hopefully you can understand that it’s difficult to solve this with a quick recommendation without knowing more specifics and troubleshooting stuff. No pressure, but would you be interested in chatting with me to see if/how I can help? If so, please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and set up a time to chat 👍 Sound good?
@@drcharliejohnson hi does sound good and I am expecting and want to have a private appointment post the free chat but so as not to waste our time I would like to know your rates upfront if you don’t mind. Thanks regards Clive
hi Dr. Charlie, I have been watching and following your videos for long time...these are just great, however, even after following the diagrams and all steps, I am still not clear what the source and reason might be, I have been struggling with the low back/left side of hip area/sciatica/butt/leg...anyway, question from me: can piriformis syndrome cause also groin pain? or rather from herniated disc? I underwent a Sono check yesterday and they said it is clean...btw. what exercise do you recommend for L5/S1 hernie? thanks, Jiri from Czech
Hey Jiri! Thanks for the follow and for commenting! No worries, pretty common actually- to not have clear symptoms that match something perfectly. How long have you had this?
@@drcharliejohnson well, it started sometime mid of 2020, after I was more intensively training for 1/2 Ironman distance, so spent more time on road bike which, btw, I think was the reason of my current issues..I think I did have bad bike position, did not do proper bike fitting...since then the pain remained, I stopped systematic training..but It did not improve, rather the opposite
@@jirinekuza8995 sorry to hear man! Are you interested in some help? No pressure, but would love to see if/how I could possibly help you. If you're open to that- feel free to set up a time to chat with me... www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Hang in there!
@@drcharliejohnson Hi Dr. Charlie, I am sorry for responding late, I was sick for one week...I would love to get some advise and help, of course, how ? :)
@@jirinekuza8995 oh no- sorry to hear. Happy New Year by the way! Glad you're a bit better. Awesome- yes, best first step would be to set up a time to chat- to see it it's a fit to work together. You can schedule this chat by visiting my call calendar here: www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Feel better and hope to chat soon! Charlie
Great explaniation of the 3differences..Thank you so much.i dont know what i have yet going to extray on whensday.but i think is Sciatica pain it burns so muchat the frant can wear shoes or pants. I will se your explanation igen it is so good like so Thanks very much.
Hello, Great information and videos. Im new yo your channel and I am new to this pain. Ok, here is my issue. I just turned 50. My pain began about a few monthes ago in my right butt cheek and right thigh. It mostly hurt while in bed and turning from lying flat position to either side. After about 2mos it went away. It's been about 3mos or more free of pain. Now, this past Saturday I felt pain in my lower back about waistline slightly more to the right of my lower back, then it went away. Then the next day, Sunday I have excruciating pain in my my right butt cheek and runs down half way through my right thigh. All day I have this pain. Last night in bed it was painful to sleep on my back and right side. I woke up today this morning with the same pain in my my right side buttcheek my thigh and now my calf and lower right side of my back. The calf pain feels like a cramp wanting to come on but no cramp. I was able to lay on my right side with moderate pain this morning as well. So what is going on, do I have a sciatic nerve issue? Thank you.
I was diagnosed by an Ortho of having a herniated disc, after the diagnosis, I chose to have some treatment with a Chiro and showed my Xray and MRI , the Chiro now is doing to get my disc back or at least get it inside the spine space. Somehow I can still feel the tingling sensation and butt pain on the left cheek, I told them(both the Ortho and Chiro) that I had a seated crunch injury that I felt a tore in it. It subsided after 2mos of not doing anything but after sometime of prolonged walking and standing pain in my left butt is getting painful and unbearable that I needed to see an Ortho. (I always sit down in my job, that I may have forgotten to stretch and still work out in the gym) Fast forward I signed up for 12 sessions in the Chiro and it is my 4th session now and I can still feel pain in my left butt and tingling sensation on my left leg. I am thinking I may have both since I have an MRI bulge with the L4/L5 and no back pain just painful in the left butt as PS?
I have not so much upper back pain. I have left leg back side numbness and numbness on the bottom of foot to my toes. The real problem is cramping which wakes up at night and cramps so hard I can't stand up. I believe this piriformis problem. I have gone to a back doctor he says that L4 to L5 are herniated disc's and that they have healed. But numbness continues with cramps. I started exercises and it has helped a lot. But still numbness. I want know if I am on the right track.
so great! what a way to figure out what you have....I can now straighten my right leg so I know my problem is getting better but i still have tingling and a numb foot a lot......I think i was in a leg press with too much weight on and caused my problem with that...is that something you see? and would too much weight push out my disc? great videos...you are terrific!
Hey Janelle! Thanks for watching! I would say yes- lifting injuries are common…. But honestly, there are so many causes of this stuff. With the right motions, strategies, and time- your disc should heal 👍 Let me know if you need more help 👊🏼
@@drcharliejohnson that is fantastic to hear!..i didnt want to think surgery or anything....thanks for answering me so quickly...I really appreciate your help and will continue to get great info from your vids...thanks!!
hey doctor i just wanted to find out is piriformis relatively rare ? is it like a really easy to get condition? and if the piriformis is inflammed due to a trauma do the strenthening exercises help or should one wait for the inflammation to come down and then strengthen ? would love a reply thanksss
This is such an informative video. I have butt pain and now I know it’s from a L3 disc problem. I get this pain in the center of my back along with butt pain. I’m now doing Sciatica stretches. In your opinion, will this help?
Hi Dr. Charlie...I am a 60 year old housewife and was diagnosed 10 years ago with a Grade 1 Spondy. In 2015 I had a lamenectomy to scrape bone away from my nerve that was giving me extreme back pain. Stenosis. This was great and I have been living with my Spondy and being active and careful. I am a very active outdoors person and as of September 1 I woke up with extreme butt pain that goes down my leg to calf. It hurts like hell and I don’t know what to do. With all this Covid stuff going on I don’t want to go to the hospital and am sitting and crying in silence everyday but still moving. What have I done. I have watched almost all your videos but can’t seem to determine what is wrong. My back doesn’t hurt but my butt is on fire and down my leg and when I sit down it spasms intensely until it calms down about 30 minutes later? Please Help! 😢
Hey! Thanks for watching. Yes- I teach people all over the world how to use movement as medicine 👍. If you’d like to apply to work with me- please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply. Look forward to it!
Yes is it. Fairly confident now that I have piriformois and God is it dibilitating. Got it after deadlifting moderately light weight (~275 lbs for 5-6 reps).
Hey! Sorry to hear. Hang in there. No pressure, but would love to see if/how I can help. If you’re open to it, feel free to visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and set up a time to chat with us.
Hello Dr. Charlie. I got injured on my lower left back side because of a seated cable row exercise in the gym. Is there a way to contact you online. I have been experiencing pain in the left side for 3 months since I got injured and I'm getting confused from watching so many videos. Please let me know how can I contact you or book an appointment online? Thank you
Hey! Thanks for watching- appreciate it. Sorry to hear- for sure, best first step would be to set up a time to chat to see if/how I can help. Easiest way to do that is to visit my calendar - www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Sound good? Hang in there!
@@drcharliejohnson thank you very much for the quick response. I already booked an appointment and now I'm going to apply the instructions. Thanks again Dr. Charlie 🙏
My back doesn't hurt unless I push down on it but I've been having buttocks pain and leg pain for a couple of years now, only on my right side. I just started to notice leg tingling and numbess on my feet. Would you consider that ps or disc problem because I don't have any back pain unless I push down on it, either laying down or while I'm standing. My doc said I have sciatica and that was it. Went through physical therapy and it didn't help at all. Hoping to get a different perspective. Thank you
Got it. If you haven't check it out yet... I'd recommend you review my thorough "Better Than An MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide" (get it for free here -> www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide)... that may bring you more clarity of what's going on. what did physical therapy look like when you went? (what did they have you doing?)
@@drcharliejohnson thank you. I will definitely check it out. During my visits, my physical therapist had me do stretches, strengthening my core, and laser pain relief.
Hi Dr. I have had lower back pain since many years and now the pain radiates in the piriformis muscle on the left side too. I want to know what exercises I should avoid so that the pain doesn't worsen and what exercises will help me strengthen my Lower back and piriformis muscles. Also, does the piriformis muscle pain ever go away or do I have to just manage the symptoms all my life?
Hi Dr. Charlie. My name is Del. Thank you for your video and your clear information. I have decided my condition is pertaining to "Piriformis Syndrome ". I have this shooting pain in my left but check which travels down my leg, thigh, calf and into the sole of my foot. This pain prevents me from walking for even 15 minutes. I have been trying the single knee raised up and bent closer to the right arm and this gave me a ease of the pain. I am hoping that after a few weeks I will get some good relief. God bless you. I will keep you updated with my progress as time goes by.
I have symptoms of both herniated disc and piriformis. I do not have shooting pain down my leg but when I do the exercises for Piriformis, it definitely is pain in my buttocks. It does not travel or shoot down my leg. How do I treat it or which one do I treat? When I lift my leg, the pain is in the front of my leg in the groin area. I’m not sure which exercises to do. Many thanks, Rebecca
![Stop All Back, Piriformis & Sciatica Pain Exercises! [Until You Watch This]](/img/1.gif)
Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide
Hi! Just downloaded the guide and watched this video. Been in agony for the last 5 months. Ortho specialist said it was PS but no signs of it in the MRI. Went to chiro, did PT and dry needling and nothing has worked. Pain management Dr also said he thinks it’s PS and gave me a steroid shot in the PS muscle a week ago. I didn’t want to go that route but I was desperate. And it still doesn’t feel much better. After watching your video I tried the straight leg test and could barely lift my good leg without it hurting my bad leg, which you said is 95% herniated disc. I also can’t sneeze or cough without being terrified of the pain. I don’t feel much back pain tho. I mostly feel it in my butt and down my leg to my foot. I’m just so confused. Based on your video it seems obvious it’s a herniated disc but they are convinced it’s PS. I’m so frustrated because this ha completely halted my life. Any thoughts or suggestions would be so appreciated!
@@SarahMae-jd6xi hey! Thanks for watching my video and checking out my guide. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. Does sound disc related and I have a hunch but would need more details.
No pressure, but are you open to potentially working together?
I’d be happy to review your case and see if/how we can help and what’s going on. No pressure, but if you’re interested- please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and select a time to chat with us.
Okay?
Hang in there Sarah!
Thank you!
Dear Dr. Charlie Johnson,
I’m a bit confused. I’m trying to diagnose whether it’s PS (piriformis syndrome) or a disc problem.
I don’t have pain in my lower back or in my back in general,
the pain doesn’t move from one side to the other,
when I sit for about 20-30 minutes, I have a small issue when I get up, but it’s not in my back, rather I feel more tightness in the gluteal area and leg,
when I cough or strain myself or sneeze, I generally feel a very mild discomfort in the gluteal or piriformis area, but not in my back,
my back isn’t crooked,
I can move my back forward, backward, left, and right without pain.
Also, the exercises you showed during the piriformis test were positive for me because when I lie down and place my right leg (the one that hurts) over my left, and start pulling it towards my shoulder, I feel tightness and pain in the piriformis. Additionally, my biggest issue is sitting, because when I sit, I feel pain in the piriformis but not in the lower back, and after sitting for a longer time, the pain spreads down the thigh and calf all the way to the ankle and heel, and I often feel tingling in my heel when sitting for too long.
If you ever get a chance to see my comment, I would be very grateful if you could briefly reply whether you think my issue is related to the piriformis or a disc problem.
P.S. When I warm up my lower back and gluteal area with a wool belt, I notice it feels better, as well as when I do stretching exercises.
Had gone to so many chiropractors, PTs and massage therapists but bar none, you are the most common sense and articulate doctor out there both in real life and on the internet. Been telling everyone I know to check your channel. Thank you.
indeed
💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯
I had a slipped disc serious bulge at L4 L5 and I tried everything physio therapy massage everything that I could throw it's way I did full diet change and I was still using 4 to 6 gabapenton per day I flew to Thailand and had to do business class because of the length of flight to see a recommended Thai lady I have been here for 8 days now I'm staying for 6 weeks and I've seen this lady every day I am now free from gabapenton use I use 1muscle relaxer and 1 pain killer Thai medicine each day,she identified my problem as being in a totally different place although the MRI showed the disc prolapse she said it has been caused by extremely tight fascia in my right leg mainly in the location of the hamstring she did the most painful therapy I have had which left me bruised basically from knee to hip give or take a few places but the results are amazing I am confident that before I fly back this issue will be sorted,I feel the western way of dealing with things is treating the problem but that will present again unless you treat the cause.
Brilliant! Putting it all together on a diagnostic flowchart simplifies things, prevents useless anxiety, avoids unnecessary tests and saves a lot of time and expense. May your tribe increase, Dr. Charlie Johnson!
Thanks a million!
Absolutely brilliant and you've helped me differentiate what has been extremely baffling with my hip, buttock and sciatica pain. I guess I'd hoped it was piriformis syndrome but all the tests point to a herniated disc. You've been more helpful than the MDs, Chiropractors and massage therapist---and I've been to many. Thank you Dr. Charlie
Thanks Cheryl! Glad I could help you so far 👍. Now just gotta get you up to full speed! 💪🏻. Hang in there!
I’ve been watching your videos for like 3 hours now. I am beyond frustrated with my medical care, was complaining of low back pain for years and years and now I have excruciating hip pain when hiking and walking, greater trochanter area pain. I need a diagnosis and a plan of action. It’s impacted everything in my life and my super active work and lifestyle!
Sorry to hear! Appreciate you checking out my content! Are you open to a different approach?
Would love to see if/how I can help.
No pressure, but if you're interested, I'd love to review your case and see if I can help... you can schedule a time to chat here- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
I thought my problem was piriformis syndrome, and flowchart and tests confirmed that. Thank you for the clear explanation!
Hey Leslie! Thanks for watching- glad it helped!
What are you currently doing for treatment?
After completing several test I've confirmed that I have a back issue for sure. Excellent job
Thank god for people like you , I’m struggling with nerve pain
Well the bend to the right fires the pain off - my butt then the outside of my ankle and foot. I've dealt with this since the beginning of the year. A month or so of excruciating pain while trying to walk (sitting brings relief but lying down does not so sleep disturbance is a problem) and then it gradually goes into remission only to come back after a month or so. MRI shows a variety of issues - disc bulges, stenosis, arthropathy, synovial cyst(?). Oddly, and thankfully, riding my bike is virtually pain free. I appreciate your thorough and matter of fact approach.
Hey Chris - thanks for watching. Are things getting any better?
What are you currently doing to solve this?
Hello Dr Charlie, please keep bringing videos for treatment of different orthopedic issues
Dr., Thanks for posting your many videos. I especially appreciated your "decision tree" guide. I"m a 67 year old malel that has had 3 lumbar laminectomies since 1990 to deal with herniated discs (L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/SI). I was miserable prior to surgery for all 3, and pain free for many years after each of the 3 surgeries. Two weeks ago I began having pain in my right hip/groin, no back pain, and no pain at/lower than my knee. Your decision tree w/ "does it hurt to do this exercise vs. that excercise?") helped me identify 2 possible sources: SI Joint or Hip Arthritis. Have appointment with a well-recognized pain MD in a few days to confirm the problem and suggest treatment strategies. I'll be able to walk into the appointment with better insights into my pain that I can share w/ the MD. At this point I want to hear a medical Dx, but I will continue to review your resources. Thanks again. Greetings from Pawleys Island, SC.
Hey Rob! Thanks for watching- sorry to hear about what you're going thru...
Would love to hear how the appointment goes- if you're willing to update!
Thanks
Great and informative video. I’ve had the hardest time figuring out what is wrong with my back. Now I’m 99% sure it’s a herniated disc. Thank you for your help Dr. Johnson. Now that I know the problem maybe now I can fix it. Going on 6 months of constant pain from sciatica
Definitely Piriformis. Location and movement test confirm that. Thank you for this video, Charlie!
Glad it was helpful, Ramona!
Classic PS I think from getting in and out of a manual transmission pickup feeding cows every day for months. Thanks for the video explaining the difference it was very helpful!! :)
Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain using simple self movement tests & a step-by-step approach without needing expensive images or a specialist?
🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide
i'd very much appreciate your input. i'm having mild back pain and a bit more intense sciatica in my piriformis. the pain in my leg basically ends in the glutes even though it seems like my right calve muscle is cramping bad (my hamstring doesn't seem to bother me and it's only in my right leg). Nothing in my toes. seems to be affected by coughing. i had a portion of my l5/s1 cut out about 5 years ago. back then my pain never left or improved at all. it was intense. i basically wake up now sore with my piriformis tight but my back can feel fine, walking and moving feels better than sitting. there's moment's when i almost have no pain at all and sometimes the pain goes to the side of my lower back (maybe where a SI joint might be) and my piriformis feels fine. been 6 weeks so far. but i can also do the leg raise fairly easy. any advice is appreciated.
I think mine is low back. I really thought that it was PS, but I noticed pain on both sides on Yoga movement we did this morning and I also feel pain on the right along the spine just above the right dimple.
@@1321FunnyGirl sounds like back to me! What have you tried to solve it?
@@drcharliejohnson Chiropractic adjustments, yoga, only to find I am usually more messed up after Yoga. Chiro gave me stretches to do, I.e. Arm & Shoulder, Pigeon-Towd deep knee bend,Knee to Chest Stretch, Spinal Extension, Circular Neck Rotation (have lots of neck shoulder issues), Neck Rotation with Flexion Extension, Deep breathing and Postural Side Bending.
@@1321FunnyGirl oh no- sorry to hear. Would you be interested in working with me directly? No pressure- but sounds like current approach is not working.
If so, first best step would be to set up a time to chat to see if/how I can help…
Would you would be open to this?
Best informational video, thank you sir
Welcome! 👊🏼👍
I have had leg pain since February finally got an appointment with the Physio who diagnosed Piriformis syndrome, which made sense as during lockdown I was doing a lot of sitting, however none of the exercises worked and the flossing motion caused more pain and discomfort afterwards. Recently though I have had trouble standing up straight after sitting and the straight raise leg test was also very painful - now thanks to this I know I have a herniated disk and may have to go back to Physio for treatment and advice.
Glad I could help Jonathan! 👊🏼. Do you have any specific questions for me?
This is my specialty 👍
I have exact same scenario as you, every word you said resonated exactly to my story
Do you have back pain or sitffness as well or no?
Thanks for explaining the difference between a disc and piriformis!!
You got it Donald!
Glad I could help.
Do you have any questions for me?
-charlie
This is such a helpful video. Great explanation of the 3 differences.
Lumbar Thoracic junction, piriformis/sciatic pain. THANK YOU for all you teach. Much to rehab.. if even possible.
PIRIFORMIS but not sure. The 'good leg' caused pain when doing the lying on the floor with knee flexed and raising the 'bad' leg? Also, just recently did a lot of moving and lifting of heavy boxes with no physical help and started the 10,000-plus steps daily. hard to move around for repositioning in bed. Standing and bearing full weight on the right(bad) side is painful. Going to stop the typical stretching after the walking ; ; any suggestions for that other than the 2 you show in your "stop stretching" video? Your videos are so easy to understand and informative. Thank you for taking the time to help those of us who simply do not wish to go the 'other' route.
I just discovered your channel. I was searching on RUclips yesterday to find something on PIRIFORMIS S. And today? Your channel was recommended. Glad I clicked on it.
I'm in therapy now. I just started therapy last week. I've been going through pain since the last week of Nov. I thought it was just a sprain, pulled muscle, etc. And just let it be. It got better and after the new year? It got worse.
Your video was very thorough, informative and explained everything in detail; the difference in the conditions, types of pain with each one, etc. I already did the side exercise, you recommended. I'm so exhausted from this and just want to go back to my normal routine. I feel hopeless someday's and keep wondering, will I ever get better. THANK YOU for all the information.
Thank you so much for this explanation! I was diagnosed with piriformis, but PT wasn't working. After doing your tests, I definitely have a disc issue, when I bent over backways and sideways and pain shot down the back of my leg, the lightbulb went on. Now I know the correct path to take.
Hey Mary- yup, it's your back! Let me know if you're interested in some help (I consult with folks worldwide). I'd be happy to review your case and lay out a plan to get you back to 100%.
No pressure, but if you think that would be helpful- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Hang in there!
Dr. Charlie
No it's not necessarily correct. Bending pull on the nerve causing movement next to the inflamed muscle. Trust your diagnosis not some random guy on net
@@drcharliejohnsonwhat is the cost?
@@VictoriaEvelise hey! Thanks for watching. As I hope you can imagine- it’s difficult to give a price without knowing even if/how I can help and without details of your case. There is no one set cost. As prices are dependent upon details of your specific case.
That being said, I don’t feel it’s fair to charge people without feeling fully confident I can help… which is why I offer to personally review your case and have you chat with us so that we can determine if we can help and what that would look like… including finances.
Make sense?
This is the only video that made it clear for me. Thank you!
You got it Mike! Let me know if you’re interested in some help.
Dr. Charlie
Thank you doctor Charlie Johnson. I think with your flowchart it helped me pinpoint my problem. Years ago when I was 1st out of high school I was feeding hay into a fbeatbump lifting and twisting, It caused a severe muscle spasm in my lower back on the right side. It has given me problems on and off since that time. Also had a water skiing accident and completely toward 2 of the hamstring muscles off of my pelvis. Now I'm having butt pain On the right side. Sometimes down to my toes. It definitely is affecting my lifestyle. Using your flow chart or listening to it I feel it's probably a disk problem even though it feels like it's the performance problem. I hope you can respond but I understand if you can't but I can imagine how busy you are. So thanks for the good work and I look forward to hearing more of your videos. John burback
hey John! thanks for watching man- and for sharing your story. Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. Does sound disc related (most likely). What are you currently doing for treatment?
No pressure, but would love to see if/how I can help.
If you’re interested- feel free to set up a time to chat- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Hang in there John!
Dr. Charlie
Great video! I've had horrible buttock/left leg pain for many months and my doctor says it's a disc problem after seeing results from my MRI. But I'm not convinced because I have absolutely no back pain and after watching your video, my symptoms are all PS, not herniated disc. So doc says disc but your video says PS...do you have any comments on how I should treat my aching piriformis? My daily pain level is a 9!
Hey! Thanks for watching!
Honestly (and I hope you can understand)- difficult to give specific recommendations without knowing more about your specific case.
What caused your pain?
Are you open to my help?
No pressure- but if you’re interested, I’d love to see if/how I can help.
Best first step to do that would be to set up a time to chat 👉🏻 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Thanks again for checking out my channel! ❤️
I am a chiropractor using Applied Kinesiology (as originated by Dr. George Goodheart, the developer of AK) and of course, whole spine adjustments. I test the strength and flexibility of the piriformis as well as hamstring and iliopsoas for every low back and leg pain patient. I appreciate this video as well as the others by PTs and chiropractors concerning low back and all the other maladies humans suffer. Always good to go over the basic anatomy.
That guy sure can raise his leg!
OMG I HAVE A HERNIATED DISC!!! Thanks Doc 😃
Thanks much Dr. Charlie, your flow chart and video were extremely helpful in diagnosis. I originally thought my sciatica was from PS due to overuse from long distance running, and this really confirms that. I also have a THR in that hip joint, so my flexibility on that side is more restricted. My doctor ordered an x-ray of my spine which showed moderate compression in L5/S1, and unfortunately for me, he is convinced that THIS is the cause and says there 's no way you have PS, it's so rare, you probably have back pain, etc. But disc compression at that spot is apparently a pretty common part of the aging process (I'm in my 50s), so I don't put a lot of weight into his opinion, esp. because I've never had back pain, and the back movements you suggested here did not cause any pain down the leg. I just started seeing a PT who did some functional movement tests and also thought it was PS, not a disc issue.
My doctor wants a spinal MRI (very expensive) to confirm the disc compression and then to get an epidural if the pain continues. I'm definitely against that if it's a PS condition! Though I am reading a lot that a coritisone shot into the P muscle itself can help with pain relief. Will continue with PT exercises for now, thanks again!
Great explanation and flow charts. Thank you so much for the information.
Hey Bob! Happy Sunday! Thanks a million for watching and for your support! If ya haven't already- feel free to grab a copy of my entire DIY Diagnostic Guide at www.drcharliejohnsonpt/com/DIYGuide
Let me know if ya get stuck or have specific questions- here to help!
Dr. Charlie
Very educational and understandable. you made it so easy, thank you
You're welcome!
Great video, I have pain down my right leg ,more on the inside below the knee and on the inside that beside shin bone. no lower back pain
need help
Just wanted to say thank you Doc. Your DIY better than an MRI Guide helped me narrow down that it was indeed Sciatica and not Piriformis Syndrome. I decided to lay off the typical stretches and have just done the press ups almost exclusively and they've been helping over the past couple days.
Awesome! So glad I could help you ❤️👊🏼
Привет 🤝, наши проблемы схожи. Похоже Вы правы- надо укреплять мышцы спины, чтобы уменьшить стеноз.
I was always very flexible in my youth, (later diagnosed with hypermobility of the spine), first injury was a fall off the uneven parallel bars in gymnastics when I was 16, I landed on my side and popped my sternum. Then when I was 27 I slipped on a restaurant kitchen floor and grabbing for a half wall to catch myself, I completely threw my back out of line and was flat on my back for months, then I got rear ended and hurt my neck, then I got broad sided by a pick up truck in the driver's side door and ruptured disks from neck to butt and tore the ligaments up and down my spine and was out of commission for a year, all this by age 35. I managed to survive all of this without surgery because I had a good chiropractor from the onset. I'm a bit older now and good body mechanics have kept me on my own two feet. I live with the coming and going of all these irritants, I live with knowing that one wrong move and I could be paralyzed for the rest of my life, (cervical stenosis, I hear the disks popping and crunching with every neck movement). If I listed my MRI verified diagnoses you would never believe I was still living a semi normal life. Good body mechanics is a must and making your movements on purpose not out of reflex. You have to think before you move and move with purpose and change your habits, eat right so your body has the energy and nutrients it needs to heal itself.
Where can my husband find someone like you? He has been to 4 different clinics and multiple injections, Accupunture, chiropractor, PT, everything.
Hey Kimberly! Sorry to hear about your husband… not fun.
Is he open to help virtually where he can learn how to solve this himself (with some help of course)?
I do consult with folks internationally.
No pressure- but if he is, first step would be to set up a time to chat to see if it’s a fit and I can review his case. He could do that by visiting:
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply 👍
Great program! I have been having an ongoing nerve pain at the ball of my left foot. It is especially painful after going for a long walk. I'm going to a chiropractor and podiatrist, but I'm still have pain. It seems to be caused by the L5 nerve. But is it the piriformis? It doesn't hurt in my back though. In the past I had many episodes of sciatic nerve pain with severe buttocks and back pain with locking up.
Hey! So, it may be… but difficult to say without more info. Have you checked out this video… it’s possible your back is causing your foot stuff! ruclips.net/video/B6HoL18QWpg/видео.html
Thank you - very helpful in determining that I have sciatica that is a back problem.
Welcome! Glad I could help! What are you doing for treatment?
@@drcharliejohnson thank you - presently I am trying to have short walks. Also some gentle stretches and as I am overweight I am starting to seriously consider how important it is that losing weight could help me in this area. I am not generally a fan of surgical or pharmaceutical interventions if I can avoid them.
@@Slarti awesome! Good for you 👍
No pressure, but if you get stuck on your healing journey, I’d be happy to review your case and see if/how I can help.
Hang in there!
Hey, doc, awesome video, thank you! In your clinical experience what would be the average recovery period for a PS flare? It seems to be taking weeks and months, no? Also, how can I access the PS exercise you personally recommend - do you have a video on it? Thanks in advance!
A lot of work for you …thank you
You got it, Jack. Thanks for watching!
great video, I fell on my back/hip area, martial arts training 5 days ago, I instantly felt sciatica symtoms and left class early. When my sciatica symptoms really flare up (butt, back of leg and calf) the only thing that relieves pain is when I stretch my glute muscles (figure 4 stretch) and stretch my hamstrings. Reproducing pain can give direction to PS vs spine issues, how about what reduces pain? Can glute and hamstring stretches reduce sciatica symptoms from a disc problem? Or Only PS?
thanks!
I know this is an old video, but maybe people are still reading the comments. I had a microdiscectomy done 10 years ago. It worked great had no issues for 10 years running, hiking, dancing, walking, jumping, weights I mean you name it life was great. Until exactly 3 weeks ago I woke up with a sore stiff lower back. Pain went away about 45 days later but now I’m left with not sciatica“ but odd, weird sensations, running down the side of both of my legs down to the top of my speech, I’ve done all the testing in this video and test negative for all but yet walking now symptoms and it’s driving me crazy trying to figure out what it could be. No sciatica pain, no throbbing pain no sharp pain no electricity like pain no numbness no loss of strength but yet I have this sensation that comes and goes mainly comes 60% of the day both size of my leg down to the top of my feet on the outer side.
My comment has nothing to do with the video. I am perplexed by the staircase that seems to go nowhere.
LOL
I couldn’t hear anything else he said after I read your comment 🤦🏽♀️😂
@@relaxbeenatural Roflololol. He hearted the comment, but gave zero explanation.
Me too😂😂
Well... You have great observations
This is fantastic, thanks so much. It's so hard to find clear information like this and there is so much conflicting and muddled information available online, and from various professionals.
As for my story, I have some minor dull low back pain and bad sciatica at the S1 position. i'm positive for all the PS symptoms, plus I have trouble straightening up, really painful to cough or sneeze, I cannot walk without a limp, and I cannot bend forward at the back without reproducing pain. I have my MRI soon but I'm pretty certain it will come up as some form of disc herniation.
What were the results of your MRI? How are you now? What did you do to get better? My story is very similar to yours. Thank you for any details you can share!
@SarahMae-jd6xi my recovery has been a long one. Now I suffer from periods of mild sciatica and back pain, and periods of no pain at all. My mobility is now unaffected. there were periods where I had no symptoms, however I went back to exercise too quickly and put myself back a number of times. Also I have a job which requires I sit all the time, which has massively hindered me. What I would say is give your body time, and don't expect to measure your own recovery against someone else, everyone is unique and everyones story is slightly different. Best of luck on your recovery, I send you best wishes and hope.
@@SarahMae-jd6xi the scan came back l5-s1 disc herniation and l4-l5 disc bulge..
Thank you so much! I definitely know it’s a disc problem now thanks to you after weeks of thinking periformis.
Sure thing michelle! Glad I could help!
Let me know if ya have any other questions or are interested in some help! Hang in there!
Looks like I have a back problem L4 L5 disc. Thanks. Now I know.
Pretty sure with your help, I’ve now pin pointed it is just an L5 and Si problem. This current phase has lasted 3.5 years now, with out full relief.
One thing I can never find an answer to though. I always have a nerve pain and weakness when standing and lifting knee straight up, same if doing sitting straight leg raise. Same weakness nerve pain with side leg raises no matter how much I exercise them. Mainly on my left side but does switch to right side occasionally.
Hey Shaun! thanks for watching!
Have you seen any specialists to try and resolve this- or just DIYing things?
Have gone to specialists and have had scans that pinpoint my problem to t11 serious hernia, l4 crushed vertebrae form a fall, and osteoporosis from former medication. Had been a serious weight lifter until the age of 60, when then found the t11 problem, and now at 75 I have helped my gardener remove a heavy mower from his truck resulting in severe pain in lower back, just above the buttocks area (on both sides). No leg pains. Have concluded this is also related to disc/nerve compression and do not want another doctor's visit. Having seen your videos I am impressed with your approach and explanations. Have not tried the exercises tests yet as it has oly been a few days since this accident and am taking ibuprophen to help reduce the pain. Any thoughts here would help.
Do this test! It worked for me and pain is already gone!
hi, dr johnson. a little bit longer, so sorry for that. according to your algortihm i have piriformis syndrome at left. but i have also l4 l5 disc hernitaion at left. i feel buttock, groin pain and rare leg pain. besides i have no pain on my back and buttock with any movement. finally i want to ask that the groin pain can be caused by piriformis? why do i feel pain while i feel pain my buttock? disc herniation or piriformis ? thank you so much doctor. best regards.
PS will NOT cause groin pain. L4 disc problem can absolutely refer pain to the groin. Hip joint issues also commonly refer pain to the groin. Sound like, based off what you've provided, that back is most likely referring pain to groin/causing everything. Make sense?
What are you doing for treatment?
@@drcharliejohnson Firstly, thank you so much for the answer. I have understood that exactly. My hip MR is clear. Actually, i have suffered from that (l4-l5 protrusion @left) about for 10-15 years. I did go to physical thearpy for 3 times. The last one (1 monts ago) is mainly focused on trigger points on my buttock, because i don't feel back pain. I really feel better now. But the pain is not gone completely. Interestingly, i feel so much buttock and groin pain(left bottom abdominal) in rest, at weekend, in cold weather and after long sleeps, but i feel little pain while i am working without long sitting. I did also go to Manuel Therapist. It didn't work. The therapist told me that your problem is hip stability not disc herniation and added continue to exercises. My neurosurgeon suggesting not surgery for pain. So i dont want to go the surgery and searching the another ways. Now i am plan continuing to exercies and go to PT session after 6 monhts. I am confused with what to do. The pain is decreasing so slow..
I am really grateful for your support and patient.
@@FinansalTeknik glad it made sense.
Sorry to hear about what you’re dealing with. No pressure, but are you open to some help? This is my specialty. Would love to chat to see if/how I can help.
If interested, best first step is to set up a time to chat - www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
I seem to have the herniated disc’s problem. Thank for such distinctive clarifications!
Great video thanks!
Just one question .. how come your staircase doesn’t lead anywhere?? 🙄
This helped me understand a depper understanding on this. I defentily have the disc issue, due to over working out. I got PT but its a very slow process as my PT stated. wooo this pain is bad. When is it time to get a MRI vs XRAY if PT does not solve the issue? Heal time from minor injure could be up to 6 months i hear. Either way thanks for posting this information. Much appreciated.
I had 2 herniated disk 12 years ago I'm a healthy 44 year old man. They removed the the gel that had come out of disk area L4 and L5 I believe. Over the years certain things would irritate it but I would always stop and take a break and it was rare that any pain lasted very long. I did end up with some nerve damage down the right side of my upper leg and butt it's always been numb since the surgery. 4 days ago I was pouring a concrete driveway and the option to stop was not an option as it was just my girlfriend and I so I pushed it and was either raking and shoveling concrete or bent over leveling it out. That night I started getting a deep pain in my right butt cheek and for the last 3 days I have had some pretty good pain going down my right leg. It stops just past the knee but I can walk about 15 or 20 steps at best before I have to bend over and relieve the pressure which it only stops it slightly for a second then the deep pain in my right cheek starts right back up. I had my face boiled off by a radiator exploding in my face and went home for 4 hours without a problem before my family forced me to go to the hospital where they immediately airlifted me to harbor view medical center. I handled that pain for 10 hours before receiving any pain medication without a problem and I walked around for 2 years with those herniated disk before going to a chiropractor who did and adjustment and the next morning the lower half of my body was completely numb which is why I ended up getting the surgery that same day. Apparently it was more serious that I thought. This hurts pretty good and I have an astounding threshold for pain. I don't use and form of pain medication never have and I'm not a fan of hospitals. Do you think it's related to my herniated disk form 12 years ago or is it a sciatica issue?. I am not feeling any pain in the back or lower spine it's all in my butt cheek and back of my thigh down to my knee about? I know your going to tell me to go see a doctor but that's really not an option for me at this time so I'm combing the internet looking for ways to deal with this on my own.
I have piriformis syndrome type symptoms and related neck and shoulder pain, all on the left side. Ever heard of this? Thanks!
Hey Marc. Sure, not super uncommon to have multiple aches and pains at once. back pain + migraines... neck + back/butt pain etc. What are you currently doing to treat it?
Back.
But wow I could have sworn I had PS, even my PT suggested that, but stretching the muscle didn't help.
In your test I found all three bending backwards tests caused my butt and back leg pain (down S1 zone).
But neither of the PS tests caused the pain
Time to go back to checking disc.
Thanks so much for pointing me in the right direction!!
You got it Lord! Glad i could help- let me know if you have other questions. Good luck!
@@drcharliejohnson You are a life saver!! Doing my PT exercises for bulging disc reversed my sciatica pain!!
Can't thank you enough WOW
@@lordw9609 awesome! So glad I could help. Yeah- can be tricky. Way to watch and apply 👊🏼
Dr. Johnson. Very helpful information. My wife has on-going pain in the Lumbar-Sacrum area that her doctors haven't been able to determine the cause. I suspect Piriformis Syndrome. And what's going on with the stairway in your video background that seems to go nowhere?
HAHA- stairs to nowhere! FIREWALL between commercial and residential- so they are blocked off... just go strait to ceiling... weird I know.
Sorry to hear about wife- appreciate you watching my stuff. For sure a tricky area. Most of my clients have seen many other providers and still can't crack the code...
Are you guys (you/your wife) open to help? No pressure, but would love to chat to see if/how I can help your wife (this is my specialty... literally all I treat).
If so, you can set up a time to chat at- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Thanks Chris!
Let me know if ya have other questions!
Your material is amazing! Very insightfull.
I have both 🥺 actually si joint issue and bulging disc.
Great video thank you!
Sure thing Sasha!
Thanks for watching. What are you doing for treatment?
@@drcharliejohnson
It's tricky I find.
Physio exercises which did help to strengthen a bit. Hydro pool for decompression. However after 6 months my bulge is the same.
Specialist still suggesting surgery.
I just purchased a pull up bar to hang 6 seconds here and there (its hard to do more) I find that my si joint doesn't like it, so I do very short hangs.
I am desparate to decompress my spine but its just not budging.
I am thinking now I need to increase my flexibility in hips and pelvis first before I add lots of decompression exercises
@@KingsDaughter. sounds like you're a bit confused about what to do... quite normal actually. Are you open to some help from me to see if you can prevent surgery?
@@drcharliejohnson
Yeah it is very confusing for sure.
thank you for your offer.
I am currently searching some answers myself from videos like yours, to see if I can work it out myself as I've spend a lot of money on this injury already.
I believe I have both. As every one of these chart descriptions is what I deal with, It's just the severity that may differ at times. Is that possible?
Do you have a neck video as well? As I have C3/4 C5/6 and C6/7 disc bulging, numbness, tingling and the feeling of being stabbed with a knife in my right trapezius muscle, headaches (top of skull, front and temples) and pain at base of skull mostly right side for all of these issues.
Hey Tania! Not likely to have both... more likely one thing causing both (most upstream) back issue being highest probability. My exclusive specialty is helping people with unresolved back, butt, sciatica pains- so, no do not have any current neck videos... but I do have some much older ones buried inside my channel!
Hope this helps!
@@drcharliejohnson Great! Thankyou for taking the time to reply. Ill check out your other vids. 👍
Thank you, Dr Johnson. Your method convinced me I do not have sciatica. I was diagnosed with bursitis of the hip, and the pain seems to be very similar to pirifomis. I am not totally convinced that the problem is bursitis of the hip so I was wondering if there is a flowchaart which might convince me one way or the other?
Hey! Thanks for watching… for sure- check out my DIY Diagnostic Guide if you haven’t already. You can download it here 👇
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYGuide
Let me know what you learn- okay?!
Doc, thank you for posting this.
I have the described pain in both legs, so when i do the seated test, each leg i raise hurts in that leg. Thoughts?
Hey Chris! Definitely sounds nerve related. Could be many causes of this (disc could be one).
Are you currently getting treatment for this? No pressure, but would be happy to review your case and see if/how I can help you.
Hang in there!
@@drcharliejohnson thank you for the reply, Doc. I had about a month of treatment via a chiro/PT. Symptoms worsened over that time. Treatment included stretches at home (e.g. ankle over knee and pull leg to opposite shoulder, 90-90 stretches, wall sits) and electro/heat therapy, massage gun and adjustment in the office. Nothing was helping. I just started doing flossing and the hydrogen exercise on my own yesterday. Too soon to tell yet but I'm hopeful.
Where are you located?
@@chriss.3476 hey! Sorry to hear initial PT made ya worse. Makes sense that that approach aggravated the problem. To be clear- it's not too soon to know if what you're doing is working. You should know IMMEDIATELY in the moment if a motion/input is helpful or not- as you should see an immediate improvement in function. But you'll need to follow a process to appreciate this immediate change.
I'm based in Pennsylvania- but am 100% virtual and consult with folks worldwide... so, no barrier there if you're interested.
Have, seemingly performing, daughter is a pilates expert, been getting deep tissue massage, knee issue, pain, on same side as aching butt cheek, after massages, seems to help, but aggravation for days, this last massage Monday, she worked heavily on lower back and performing, felt good, knee relief, yesterday I bent over and wrenched lower back. Could barely walk. Seemed better after taking ibuprofen and arnica cream, but too much movement, now I am hurting and it concerns me, a other issue is when I bend over or lift in the past, I would feel tired in the lowerback girdle area, would radiate all in lower back, and be painful, would have to sit down, but not had this lower back pain like this, where I can't walkwell, noticed that it it is directly related to the right side issue, that happens ago with a hike a d afewdays later, after driving, sitting would be in excruciating pain all down the right side from butt cheek to foot, my life has never been the same. I am also off balance and use to fall easily on my knees, was walking more, in a quandary? I feel right now a slight ache on right side inner lower back next to the butt crack.
Great video Dr. Charlie. This really makes it clear. Awesome charts! 👏
Thank you for the very informative flow chart. I have Back issue. The problem came from a fall during a 2019 snow/ice storm. Landed flat on my back. Nothing showed on xray at that time but slowly crept in with chronic piriformis pain. Now I definitly have sciatca on my right side with L5-S1 locations.Not alot of pain in the back but a little stiffness. I've seen PT and Chiropracter and had a second xray where there was a shadow appearance in the second to last disc. I am wondering if your programs will help with this extreme pain where meds have masked and stretches help but will not go away completely. The other treatments are breaking the bank!
Hey Karen! Sure thing- glad you found it helpful 👊🏼
Not sure if I can help- but if you’re open to it- I’d love to chat and see.
If you’re interested- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply. 👊🏼👍
I have watched so many videos on back/sciatica and this is by far the most easily understandable one i have seen yet to make me understand my condition. I had a Sciatica( herniated disc) back late last year that my Shin still bothers me at time , feels like i have shin splints all the time . I wonder if this could be caused from Nerve damage ? I was bed ridden for 6 wks .. i now ice my back 3x a day and it seems to help alot .. Great video
Glad it was helpful! Yeah, “shin splints” likely due to nerve issue
Great presentation 👏
Thanks for watching!
No clue for me, I'm too freaked out by the STAIRS TO NOWHERE that nobody else seems to see!!
I saw that too!
Does piriformis cause discomfort in calf? How do you relieve the calf discomfort? I’ve been icing it.
I must be a strange case.
When I wake up in the morning and I stand up, the back of my leg hurts and also nu butt. After 5 min to 30 min the pain gets less. Still, putting socks on the leg hurts. Driving my bike to work is not painfull but I definately feel my leg. In de at work all pain is gone. Any test I do in your flowchart does not hurt. Only sitting down die longer times reproduce the symptoms. Standing up out of a chair or car hurts because i can 't straighten my leg
So informative. Thank you
welcome!
best video I've seen. Have to find out more
Great video, Can one have both issues ?! !! I believe I do. The only thing that helps me is walking or lying flat on floor
Good question. Yes, anything is possible- but when it comes to diagnostics- the most upstream problem is the most likely source of pain and should be considered the cause of any downstream problems (until proven otherwise). So, if back issue is present- it can cause and should be considered the primary source of the buttock pain as well!
Make sense??
Dear Charlie,
Thank you very much for answering to my reaction!
Yes, I would like to have a chat! How do we organise this? Best wishes, Lily 🌟
Hey Lily!
Awesome! So, best first step would be to block out a time on our calendar- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Then- follow instructions to submit your case for review (a formal “Case Review” as I call it).
If, after reviewing your case, I don’t feel confident I can help- I’ll just letcha know.
Sound good? 👍🏻
Hang in there.
Very useful, however all the tests and my belief now that I have heard about PS for the 1st time in 35 years of back problems. Point to a PS PROBLEM However it does give me a crocked back.
I have had what I feel is a muscle in spasm in my right buttock for 2 years. Chiro’s have ‘corrected ‘my back but never got rid of my muscle in spasm. On a trip to the UK I saw a well respected Phsio who never mentions PS and had me lying on my back on the floor with my legs on a chair for hours per day for 2 weeks to try an reduces inflamed nerves. Then a senior surgeon who felt it was a disc problem L2-L3 which was indicated in a MRI. However I had a split flight from the UK back to the Philippines of over 14 hours sitting in the plane.. I assumed I would be struggling to walk comfortably after that however to my surprise with the exception of slight uncomfort in bed and getting up the muscle spasm had gone and over 2 weeks I started to get my balance and strength back.
However for some unknown reason it came back when I was out shopping. This is when researching my problem I came across PS
I AM CERTAIN. My muscle goes into spasm when I sleep in bed. Or lying on my back for treatment . I am planning to try and replicate my flight back to see if I can fix it again. Any pointer welcomed
Hey Clive! Sorry to hear man. Thanks for watching. Appreciate you sharing your story. Have you watched my other content on PS? May find something there…
Otherwise, hopefully you can understand that it’s difficult to solve this with a quick recommendation without knowing more specifics and troubleshooting stuff.
No pressure, but would you be interested in chatting with me to see if/how I can help?
If so, please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and set up a time to chat 👍
Sound good?
@@drcharliejohnson hi does sound good and I am expecting and want to have a private appointment post the free chat but so as not to waste our time I would like to know your rates upfront if you don’t mind.
Thanks regards Clive
hi Dr. Charlie, I have been watching and following your videos for long time...these are just great, however, even after following the diagrams and all steps, I am still not clear what the source and reason might be, I have been struggling with the low back/left side of hip area/sciatica/butt/leg...anyway, question from me: can piriformis syndrome cause also groin pain? or rather from herniated disc? I underwent a Sono check yesterday and they said it is clean...btw. what exercise do you recommend for L5/S1 hernie? thanks, Jiri from Czech
Hey Jiri! Thanks for the follow and for commenting! No worries, pretty common actually- to not have clear symptoms that match something perfectly. How long have you had this?
@@drcharliejohnson well, it started sometime mid of 2020, after I was more intensively training for 1/2 Ironman distance, so spent more time on road bike which, btw, I think was the reason of my current issues..I think I did have bad bike position, did not do proper bike fitting...since then the pain remained, I stopped systematic training..but It did not improve, rather the opposite
@@jirinekuza8995 sorry to hear man! Are you interested in some help?
No pressure, but would love to see if/how I could possibly help you.
If you're open to that- feel free to set up a time to chat with me... www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Hang in there!
@@drcharliejohnson Hi Dr. Charlie, I am sorry for responding late, I was sick for one week...I would love to get some advise and help, of course, how ? :)
@@jirinekuza8995 oh no- sorry to hear. Happy New Year by the way! Glad you're a bit better. Awesome- yes, best first step would be to set up a time to chat- to see it it's a fit to work together. You can schedule this chat by visiting my call calendar here: www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Feel better and hope to chat soon!
Charlie
Great explaniation of the 3differences..Thank you so much.i dont know what i have yet going to extray on whensday.but i think is Sciatica pain it burns so muchat the frant can wear shoes or pants. I will se your explanation igen it is so good like so Thanks very much.
Welcome! thanks for watching!
Hello, Great information and videos. Im new yo your channel and I am new to this pain. Ok, here is my issue. I just turned 50. My pain began about a few monthes ago in my right butt cheek and right thigh. It mostly hurt while in bed and turning from lying flat position to either side. After about 2mos it went away. It's been about 3mos or more free of pain. Now, this past Saturday I felt pain in my lower back about waistline slightly more to the right of my lower back, then it went away. Then the next day, Sunday I have excruciating pain in my my right butt cheek and runs down half way through my right thigh. All day I have this pain. Last night in bed it was painful to sleep on my back and right side. I woke up today this morning with the same pain in my my right side buttcheek my thigh and now my calf and lower right side of my back.
The calf pain feels like a cramp wanting to come on but no cramp. I was able to lay on my right side with moderate pain this morning as well. So what is going on, do I have a sciatic nerve issue?
Thank you.
I was diagnosed by an Ortho of having a herniated disc, after the diagnosis, I chose to have some treatment with a Chiro and showed my Xray and MRI , the Chiro now is doing to get my disc back or at least get it inside the spine space. Somehow I can still feel the tingling sensation and butt pain on the left cheek, I told them(both the Ortho and Chiro) that I had a seated crunch injury that I felt a tore in it. It subsided after 2mos of not doing anything but after sometime of prolonged walking and standing pain in my left butt is getting painful and unbearable that I needed to see an Ortho. (I always sit down in my job, that I may have forgotten to stretch and still work out in the gym)
Fast forward I signed up for 12 sessions in the Chiro and it is my 4th session now and I can still feel pain in my left butt and tingling sensation on my left leg. I am thinking I may have both since I have an MRI bulge with the L4/L5 and no back pain just painful in the left butt as PS?
Thanks for this video, educating
Glad it was helpful!
I have not so much upper back pain. I have left leg back side numbness and numbness on the bottom of foot to my toes. The real problem is cramping which wakes up at night and cramps so hard I can't stand up. I believe this piriformis problem. I have gone to a back doctor he says that L4 to L5 are herniated disc's and that they have healed. But numbness continues with cramps. I started exercises and it has helped a lot. But still numbness. I want know if I am on the right track.
Great video. I have bilateral sciatica but MRI was totally negative. Can this still be discogenic? Thanks!
R u able to sit without pain or sleep on your back ?
Me even walking i get thé sciatic nerves pain from Hip to heel
amazing doc ...thank you so
much for sharing your knowledge ...
You got it!
@@drcharliejohnson been taking painkiller but still little bit annoying and try my best to move little more and streaching...Thank you once again..
Great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!
so great! what a way to figure out what you have....I can now straighten my right leg so I know my problem is getting better but i still have tingling and a numb foot a lot......I think i was in a leg press with too much weight on and caused my problem with that...is that something you see? and would too much weight push out my disc? great videos...you are terrific!
Hey Janelle! Thanks for watching!
I would say yes- lifting injuries are common…. But honestly, there are so many causes of this stuff. With the right motions, strategies, and time- your disc should heal 👍
Let me know if you need more help 👊🏼
@@drcharliejohnson that is fantastic to hear!..i didnt want to think surgery or anything....thanks for answering me so quickly...I really appreciate your help and will continue to get great info from your vids...thanks!!
hey doctor i just wanted to find out is piriformis relatively rare ? is it like a really easy to get condition? and if the piriformis is inflammed due to a trauma do the strenthening exercises help or should one wait for the inflammation to come down and then strengthen ? would love a reply
thanksss
I have SI joints problem. No ‘disc-type’ material left. No disc material left at L5/S1.
This is such an informative video. I have butt pain and now I know it’s from a L3 disc problem. I get this pain in the center of my back along with butt pain. I’m now doing Sciatica stretches. In your opinion, will this help?
Hi Dr. Charlie...I am a 60 year old housewife and was diagnosed 10 years ago with a Grade 1 Spondy. In 2015 I had a lamenectomy to scrape bone away from my nerve that was giving me extreme back pain. Stenosis. This was great and I have been living with my Spondy and being active and careful. I am a very active outdoors person and as of September 1 I woke up with extreme butt pain that goes down my leg to calf. It hurts like hell and I don’t know what to do. With all this Covid stuff going on I don’t want to go to the hospital and am sitting and crying in silence everyday but still moving. What have I done. I have watched almost all your videos but can’t seem to determine what is wrong. My back doesn’t hurt but my butt is on fire and down my leg and when I sit down it spasms intensely until it calms down about 30 minutes later? Please Help! 😢
That sounds terrible. Did you ever figure it out?
Piriformis - awesome video.
Thanks Shallow Hal!
Do you take patients from overseas? I'm from australia and I wish to book an appointment.
Hey! Thanks for watching. Yes- I teach people all over the world how to use movement as medicine 👍. If you’d like to apply to work with me- please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply. Look forward to it!
I think it is herniated disc’s. Excellent distinctions made; thank you!
Quick question… what if I raise my good leg and feel it on my left glute but not my legs? Is that still sciatic nerve or disc issue ?
sounds mostly consistent with disc issue!
Yes is it. Fairly confident now that I have piriformois and God is it dibilitating. Got it after deadlifting moderately light weight (~275 lbs for 5-6 reps).
Hey! Sorry to hear. Hang in there.
No pressure, but would love to see if/how I can help. If you’re open to it, feel free to visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and set up a time to chat with us.
Great information
Hey Linda! Thanks so much- appreciate you watching.
Any specific questions for me?
Hello Dr. Charlie. I got injured on my lower left back side because of a seated cable row exercise in the gym. Is there a way to contact you online. I have been experiencing pain in the left side for 3 months since I got injured and I'm getting confused from watching so many videos. Please let me know how can I contact you or book an appointment online? Thank you
Hey! Thanks for watching- appreciate it. Sorry to hear- for sure, best first step would be to set up a time to chat to see if/how I can help. Easiest way to do that is to visit my calendar - www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
Sound good?
Hang in there!
@@drcharliejohnson thank you very much for the quick response. I already booked an appointment and now I'm going to apply the instructions. Thanks again Dr. Charlie 🙏
My back doesn't hurt unless I push down on it but I've been having buttocks pain and leg pain for a couple of years now, only on my right side. I just started to notice leg tingling and numbess on my feet. Would you consider that ps or disc problem because I don't have any back pain unless I push down on it, either laying down or while I'm standing. My doc said I have sciatica and that was it. Went through physical therapy and it didn't help at all. Hoping to get a different perspective. Thank you
Got it. If you haven't check it out yet... I'd recommend you review my thorough "Better Than An MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide" (get it for free here -> www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide)... that may bring you more clarity of what's going on.
what did physical therapy look like when you went? (what did they have you doing?)
@@drcharliejohnson thank you. I will definitely check it out. During my visits, my physical therapist had me do stretches, strengthening my core, and laser pain relief.
Hi Dr. I have had lower back pain since many years and now the pain radiates in the piriformis muscle on the left side too. I want to know what exercises I should avoid so that the pain doesn't worsen and what exercises will help me strengthen my Lower back and piriformis muscles. Also, does the piriformis muscle pain ever go away or do I have to just manage the symptoms all my life?
Hi Dr. Charlie. My name is Del. Thank you for your video and your clear information. I have decided my condition is pertaining to "Piriformis Syndrome ". I have this shooting pain in my left but check which travels down my leg, thigh, calf and into the sole of my foot. This pain prevents me from walking for even 15 minutes. I have been trying the single knee raised up and bent closer to the right arm and this gave me a ease of the pain. I am hoping that after a few weeks I will get some good relief. God bless you. I will keep you updated with my progress as time goes by.
Outstanding Video.
Thanks a million Robin!!
I have symptoms of both herniated disc and piriformis. I do not have shooting pain down my leg but when I do the exercises for Piriformis, it definitely is pain in my buttocks. It does not travel or shoot down my leg. How do I treat it or which one do I treat? When I lift my leg, the pain is in the front of my leg in the groin area.
I’m not sure which exercises to do. Many thanks, Rebecca