U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
Carrollton, VA
A 32-year-old female asked:

I've been doing stretches that are supposed to be good for sciatica and piriformis syndrome, but i always hurt more later, what could be the cause?

4 doctor answers7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Douglas Linville II
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 32 years experience
Wrong exercise: Then you're doing the wrong exercises. Some soreness is to be expected. Sciatica can result from arthritic spurs or herniated disc. Piriformis syndrome from nerve pressure in the hip. The two require a slightly different approach from a pt standpoint. Try referencing robin mckenzie "treat your own back" ($8.32 online). Seek a certified mckenzie pt if in doubt.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Mark Weston
Dr. Mark Weston commented
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 33 years experience
Pinched nerve will get worse with stretching disc herniation would worsen with stretching piroformis is a working diagnosis of exculsi
Apr 4, 2013
Dr. Laurence Badgley
General Practice 53 years experience
Pelvis joints: The idea that you have pyriformis syndrome is a speculation. You might have a dysfunctional sacroiliac joint, and the exercises might be stretching these joints. An osteopth can help you to figure this out. See my chronic pain board at quora.Com (free) where i discuss these issues.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Qamar Khan
Pain Management 19 years experience
Not good: If it hurts more afterwards, likely you could be irritating the issue more. I would suggest trying to get some relief of your pain first, then hit the exercises afterwards. Newer research is showing your body may not be working its hardest when your in pain and limiting your ability to heal. See a spine/pain specialist to see what can be done to help you get out of pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Adam Smith
Internal Medicine 19 years experience
About Spasm: Low back pain, sciatica and piriformis syndrome are most commonly the result of muscle spasm, the brain's protective response to perceived trauma -- usually rapid overextension of a muscle. Until the muscles are relaxed (water, heat and OTC naprosyn (naproxen) can help), stretching tends to recreate the direction and mechanism of irritation or perceived injury, and promote persistent spasm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 41-year-old female asked about a 39-year-old female:
How can u differentiate between sciatica pain & piriformis synrome? Pain above & down left buttock & leg hurts to stand sit lay
2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
A 37-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how is sciatica different from piriformis syndrome?
2 doctor answers10 doctors weighed in
A 43-year-old member asked:
Hi doctors, can you tell me what is sciatica-piriformis-syndrome?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 34-year-old female asked:
Can you explain what's this is diabetic radiculopothy sciatica piriformis syndrome?
2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Last updated Oct 3, 2017

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.