Sciatica - Is it Piriformis Syndrome or a Herniated Disc? - Ask Doctor Jo

Sciatica symptoms can be caused by piriformis syndrome or a herniated disc. Here are some easy ways to help narrow it down, and some treatments for each. More sciatic nerve stretches & exercises: • Sciatica Stretches & E...
It’s important to know which one is causing the sciatica so you can treat it appropriately.
Piriformis syndrome is when the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle. Since the sciatic nerve runs down behind the leg and under the piriformis, if it is tight and pushing on the nerve, it can cause pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. An easy way to test if your piriformis is tight, is to lie on your stomach with your feet bent up to the ceiling. Let them drop down to the side. If one doesn’t go as far and feels tight, it could be piriformis syndrome.
Some piriformis stretches including the figure 4 and the knee to opposite shoulder should help loosen up the muscle and reduce symptoms.
A herniated disc can compress the sciatic nerve at the spine. To test this, you can lie on your stomach and prop up on your elbows. This might cause pain in the low back, and in the beginning, it might reproduce symptoms, causing pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. Though you might feel pain at first, one of the treatments is to hold this position, and the symptoms should start to go away.
Besides prone props, you can do prone press ups, and a cat/dog stretch in quadruped to help relieve the symptoms.
Related Videos:
Piriformis Syndrome Stretches & Exercises:
• Piriformis Syndrome St...
Herniated Disc Exercises & Stretches:
• Herniated Disc Exercis...
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Sciatica - Piriformis Syndrome or Herniated Disc? :
• Sciatica - Is it Pirif...
DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **kzbin.info*

[@normajunejalong]

Does anyone suffer from alternating sciatica?

[@mfigeroux]

I had hernia surgery when I was eighteen, I’m 39 now which stretches are best?

[@AskDoctorJo]

What kind of hernia? There are several kinds.

[@mfigeroux]

AskDoctorJo inguinal hernia

[@AskDoctorJo]

Are you having pain there, or are you just looking for general stretches? Since it's been so long since your surgery, it should be fine to do any stretches unless your doctor has told you not to do specific things.

[@GlynTaylor]

That piriformis stretch just instantly stopped the sciatica I've had for 3 days. I thought it was a herniated disc. I love you

[@AskDoctorJo]

Glad it helped.

[@ramleshrr6002]

How we know the pain is piriform or herniated,i have pain in my buttucks and to wake up back pain only

[@debkearney5445]

That stretch where you make 4 with the hurting side SAVED MY LIFE 2 years ago. I was suicidal from constant pain from a herniated disc & sciatica (both sides!) for months. Someone sent me a link to one of your videos and I couldn't do most of them, but I managed that one somehow and the relief was almost instant! as tough as it is for me to get on the floor, I do that one when I feel a knot forming and save myself weeks of pain. Thank you so much! Hours of PT and no one showed me that one.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. I'm so glad it helped. It can also be done on your bed or couch, it doesn't have to be done on the floor.

[@fiftyfive6677]

I have done these stretches for only one week and the pain in my left leg is almost gone. Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@alanchang5037]

how often do u do these stretches

[@stephanielakin4666]

Thank you for these videos! I have SI pain from psoriatic arthritis, and your videos help so much. My big problem is that when I lay on the floor to do the exercises, my dogs won't leave me alone and are smothering me with kisses. Princess is so well behaved!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! Mine are usually giving me lots of kisses when I am on the floor exercising too 🐾❤️

[@laramaemendoza2048]

It was 2am and i woke up feeling pain on my left side butt and found this video. It was a great relief. Thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@btsarmyfangirl3393]

Same I also feel pain for the first time when I wake up from bed

[@btsarmyfangirl3393]

Can you tell me your symptoms so that we can figure it out together

[@RB-ov7bi]

Thank you doctor Jo! I think I have both herniated disc and sciatica. Your stretches help. Thank you 🙏

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@XD-ci6jl]

PLEASE make videos for programmers. How to sit, good stretches, assistance exercises(which exercise are more important for us etc.). There's a ton of us out there with problems. Love your dog btw. (:

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks :-) I do have some desk stretches that might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXLUaqmMbMyeqNU

[@Jan-di1uo]

These exercises are okay providing a relatively fit and young but very difficult when you’re old and overweight

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I’ve had a ton of back problems; herniated disks, stenosis, sciatic pain on both sides and now I was chatting with a resident at work and he did a quick exam and said it’s most likely piriformis syndrome. It’s really stifled running, which sucks. Feels different than the normal sciatic pain, so I think he’s right. Recently saw my family practitioner and he missed it. He also missed acute diverticulitis, diagnosing it as a hernia. I nearly ended up with a colostomy on that occasion! Great content Dr. Jo!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks!

[@debramassaro2996]

This content is an amazing demonstration to aid in practitioner's examination!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks!

[@alcottdevalte7440]

I love these piriformis stretches, please keep showing them, super tnx

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome.

[@sandy6679]

After a week on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs I saw a nurse who said she thought it was a trapped sciatica nerve. Long story short, I found the above video of Dr Jo’s and quickly established that I was suffering from a herniated disc; the pain on trying to push up whilst facing the floor was indescribable! Two hours later I was walking pain free! Today I have done the same exercise and NO pain whatsoever. Now I just have cramp in the leg and some pain in the hip, so clearly I need to keep doing the exercise routine for the next couple of weeks etc. Thank you so much Dr Jo for your assistance -I’m not even on painkillers today!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! I'm glad they helped, and I hope you will be completely better soon.

[@michaelmadrid21]

I love this lady, she’s brought me so much pain relief

[@eip8423]

What if the pain is seems to be in front from top of the hips Thanks doc

[@peterwinkler8382]

Thank you! I've never had Piriformis Syndrome before, and your video helped me figure out the pain. I don't think I have a herniated disc, and I will continue using your stretches.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@christinelopez8640]

Wow!! Thank you so much!! I’ve been in excruciating pain & your video helped immediately!! God bless!! Thank you, thank you thank you! I will be doing these stretches every day.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You’re welcome!

[@beckyisza]

Wow!!! 6 years of on/off sciatic-ish problems that have only really started to get me down since I've taken up and fallen in love with running and all it took was the first 3 mins of this video and the piriformis test to tell me I certainly have a very tight muscle there on my problematic side! Thank you! 3 different osteopaths as well as GP visits didn't give me such a clear answer haha!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! Good luck.

[@kellysingh6158]

My right leg has been mostly numb for years and just one time trying this I can feel it!

[@derek58622003]

If your leg is numb, your probably dealing with nerve issues. Chances are your dealing with a disc problem. My leg went numb, they found 3 herniated discs..

[@ashspeaking7910]

I've seen hundreds of videos, Jo, and I can definitely say that YOURS is the best one ever, hands down .......... very simple, straight to the point, no fuss no muss! Thank you, Jo, you're amazing!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome!

[@vatsalyak7191]

Omg. Thank you so much for your videos. This exercise really helped me to get rid off my pain. Ur stretches are so useful.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks.

[@vatsalyak7191]

@@AskDoctorJo Jo do you have any video on to relieve cramps pain. I have been searching for that in your videos but I couldn't able to find it

[@writeon125]

My sciatic pain is in the front of my leg, not the back. Are the exercises the same for me?

[@Fabs361]

Amazing demonstration and explanation in this video! Currently in physical therapy and getting better!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! Glad you are getting better.

[@carolinemcallister1473]

I'm blessed to have found you! I stopped all movement due to sciatica pain, got injured, limped for months, and relearned to walk. My sciatica pain didn't start back up, until I started stretching different ways, so I stopped stretching; yet continued to walk. However, whatever I aggravated hasn't gone away. Thankfully, walking isnt a problem. Only, the discomfort I feel determines my quality and pace of my walk on that day. With all that said, this is the description of what I re-aggravated: *It's all on my right side from one spot in the lower right side spine(feels like a tiny buldge), to one spot in the middle right butt cheek, to one spot about the middle of right hip, then one spot on my lower right knee under the knee cap. I have no numbness and tingling while awake. Yet, if I sleep most of the night on my right side, I have been awakened with it. *Yesterday morning, I found your channel, and did some of your stretches. I had the best walk! Yet, I still feel the points of discomfort, mostly when I'm just doing around, and when I arise. *Could I have both issues, and should I continue stretching assuming I do? Thanks for your reply.

[@AskDoctorJo]

It's possible to have both, but I really don't know since I can't evaluate you. If you had some relief with the stretches, that's a good sign. Since it's been going on for awhile, it will definitely take a few weeks or more of consistent treatment for it to fully go away.

[@carolinemcallister1473]

@@AskDoctorJo Thanks for your reply.

[@sarahw6466]

I did this for like a week straight every night and morning and This made me feel SOOO much better

[@dannnyw111]

Wow.. I had what felt like a really tight bum cheek, and If I was to lay down on my back and just lift my leg up it would really hurt, I did the stretch where you lay down and pull your knee to the opposite shoulder, I couldn’t believe it.. instant relief ! Thankyou!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@shardarlar]

You explain the "McKenzie Method" so much better than he does in the books!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks :-)

[@vickylovesdolly]

Thank you for your help. I have started today, and am very positive . I have been suffering from these pains for a long time...

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@marlashaw]

Omg.. the stretch is awesome.. I am totally going to watch the rest of your videos on this topic

[@hariharshukla5928]

l am thank to you because I suffering from acl tear and meniscus tear I recover very fast in your exercise many many thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@nfri5108]

right to the point with great simple tips..thanks so much! NRF MD

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@drnandhinisdentalcare3365]

Superb Dr Jo.... You are amazing the stretch helped me relieve pyriform muscle strain.

[@saravanana736]

I suffered from sciatica 1year your exercise poses makes me feel good now it is more effective your's all stretches...👌

[@AskDoctorJo]

Glad they are helping.

[@EddyJames]

Very smart and informative. thank you so much for this video, out of about 100 that I viewed, this one nailed the info I need to take care of my problem. I am now one of your biggest fans :)

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome!

[@resonatingjas9167]

I'm in too much pain to do any of these things right now. 😂 I injured myself like 3 months ago and the pain has traveled all the way from my hip to my ankle (ankle/calf at the moment) and the pain has become unbearable at times.

[@calisthenicsnoob9990]

Hello I injured my lower back about 9 weeks ago squatting in the gym. I was squatting 200lbs with bad form, i felt and heard 2 pops in the lower back and immediately felt sharp pain almost in the tailbone area, and weakness in both legs resulting me dropping the bar. I felt extreme stiffness in my lower back. The ER dr did a physical assessment and xry and told me the bones are good and the space between the spine are good so she told me it was torn muscle. the stiffness got better over the next 4 days, i was able to go on my daily activity with mild discomfort, more discomfort if i stand still or bend down for long periods of time. After 7 weeks i felt about 85% back to normal during this time i was doing warm compress, tens machine, stretches. So i decided to goto the gym again, i did about 20min or cardio some bench press, pull ups and seated row thr next morning felt great, and i did stretches in the afternoon, but in the evening after getting up from sitting i felt pain in both gluts and stiffness in the lower bavk, and when i bend my knees i felt weekness in both legs, so now i am worried it is not just muscle torn. ( ps the symptoms after the initial injury was stifness in lower back no weakness in legs with bending, after this time it was mostly pain in gluts with some stiffness in lower back and weakness in legs with knee bending and also at times i may have felt tickling radiating to the back of the thigh) this was very random, it has now been about a week and its better once again, but dont know why it happened again without doing anything. Please help!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Unfortunately, that could be a number of things and I really don't know since I can't evaluate you. Is there any way you can go see a physical therapist in person?

[@calisthenicsnoob9990]

@@AskDoctorJo so do you suggest seeing a physiotherapist or goto the er again? What kind of evaluations would you normally do to differentiate between muscle vs disc problem? I did the test you mentioned in the video i didnt feel any discomfort for any of them, i also did another test where you lie flat on the ground and raise one leg then tip the toes forward, didnt feel anything other than the stretch feeling. But when i round my lower back (ie if i sit and totally relax and round my back to put all my weight on the lower back) i do feel pain in the lower back, but as the pain in the gluts dissipates the pain in this motion is almost gone too. Would this suggest it is most likely due to muscle problem?

[@calisthenicsnoob9990]

@@AskDoctorJo thx so much for replying btw

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. I would definitely go to a physio if you can. They will be able to spend more time with you, and do more manual tests vs x-rays or other imaging that might not show what you are looking for. Often just a good physical type exam with palpation of muscles/spine with movement will give us a good idea of what is going on.

[@calisthenicsnoob9990]

@@AskDoctorJo ok thank you!

[@sheryl318]

You did a great job. I was able to follow yoor exercises very easily.

[@lornabartlett2744]

Yes excellent thank you. This is the best great stretchs for me.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@ashleyzurn1407]

Your saving me with your video. Even after the first time I feel a difference going to do the stretches a few more times today and see how much better it can feel

[@AskDoctorJo]

I'm glad they are helping.

[@franciscomiranda6882]

Kind of hitting a brick wall here. A few things: 1)I have VERY flat feet, which have caused my knees to valgus 2)I have weak glute medius. So I’ve been doing pelvic drops. This has been helping. 3)but while doing these pelvic drops, I’ve noticed that when I tighten my right butt cheek, I get a pain at the spot where my hamstrings and glutes meet. 4)my right cuad is less developed than my left quad. When I flex both quads, I feel way more activation on my left than my right. 5)my right knee hurts. Lots. Especially after squats. I find that reverse lunges and box squats are healthier for my knees My point? My flat feet have caused my knees to cave in, causing knee pain. I’m working on my glutes medius to see about strengthening my hips and, therefore, addressing my femur from being unstable. But what about that pain behind my right leg where the bottom of my right cheek and the top of my right hamstring meet? Is that pain also causing the pain in my right knee and the underdevelopment of my right quad, specifically near the VMO area? Thank you!

[@tomschwartz4853]

I think I have both according to the specialist and therapy given. I am just refreshing some exercises. Thanks.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@purronnaspaw]

Hi Dr Jo ...you're a super teacher. You explain things so well with easy demonstrations. Thank you.! My best to you and your beloved doggies💙

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome! 🐾

[@tomthumb9839]

Good morning. Thank you for the video and the information. I have been taking your advise and using the exercises.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@dianevilleneuve7569]

Love you Dr Jo. You always make my day with your humour as well with all the stretches you provide. I actually do most of them. Merry Christmas to you and a safe Happy New Year.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!

[@Wallyman53]

Unfortunately I could only like your video once, but would have liked to push the thumbs up button a couple of hundred times ;-) Thank you for an informative video. I have sciatica right now and I’m trying to figure out if its ”real” sciatica or if my piriformis could be the culprit.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks :-) Good luck.

[@incrediblez394]

Awesome video. This confirms that I do have piriformis syndrome. I actually take a strap and wrap it around my foot while laying on my stomach and pull on the strap pulling the bent leg into external rotation and that hurts so much.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks.

[@lgestrella67]

Omg thank you so much for this info I needed it my bf he has a siatica hugss my dear

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@CarolinvonPetzholdt]

I’m suffering right now from piriformis. So painful 😢

[@biakds5800]

What about if it’s both? The first exercise feels good . All the exercises helped my pain 😩

[@wdtony]

I wish you were my physical therapist when I did 6 months of lower back PT. The therapist never tested for herniated disk. He said I couldn’t do the exercises if it was. Well, after 6 months I had an MRI - massive disk herniation at L5-S1. Surgeon ordered me to stop all exercises. I have pain, numbness and tingling down both legs. And in my “saddle region”. Yuck. I like your cat/dog exercise. Looks good for stretching without harming. Great informative channel.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! Sorry to hear your therapist wasn't thorough. Sadly our bodies can do many things, even if it's hurting it more. I hope they help.

[@catchmeifucan3977]

Thank you for posting this video glad I can cross the herniated disc off my list

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@kurtsmith5202]

I have both herniated disc and piriformos too I’m gonna try this to see if it will help

[@analarson2920]

Great tips will be doing these daily. Blessings

[@laurentlewandowski4859]

Tanks you so much for the piriform streches !

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@learnthrivecompassion422]

Not sure what worked but I performed all the movements in sequence with the video and my debilitating pain is gone. Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@reetikanaruka338]

Thank you so much Dr.Jo! I have started watching your videos couple months back and they have been very helpful and always works. Now my preteen girls are using your videos for stretching/yoga session (after their rigorous school PE) and they vouch the same experience as well. Now.. no more search on youtube/google as you are the BEST!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! I'm glad they are helping!

[@nickriggio8807]

awesome info Dr. Jo....

[@sejobl]

Very well explained and demonstrated! Thank you very much indeed.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome.

[@skhaug2457]

This helped me so much! Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@stonefaceBRC]

I think you just saved my life with the figure-4 move 😩

[@fredclervoyant3667]

I literally just did a few stretches of hers and, that pain I had felt like it got better and, honestly Siacati Nerve damages isn't no joke especially when it's cold snow rain oh man forget it.....

[@mariama2970]

My piriformis pain gets worse when I do weight bearing exercise like squats or deadlifts. And get unbearable at night when sleeping. I've tried these streches and my pain is gone , not sure if it was piriformis syndrome or haniated dic but this is amazing . I do it before my workout and after. Save mi from seeing a physio. Thank u.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@dirbakapil]

Golden exercises for pain

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks.

[@NS-lx4hx]

I'm in so much pain. As soon as I get out of this bed & off this heating pad I will try this. It hurts to stand up straight.

[@Agumveer12]

Trust me this will cure you for sure

[@amigurumi_loverph5354]

The stretch at 4:20 helped me with pain (right side) thanks

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@carlosfajardo34]

Thanks doctor. Jo. Big help for me. Cause I have sciatica pain.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@jdlewis7064]

It’s still hard for me to diagnosis. Most of the pain is from hip down to knee. Never to the foot. When I do a groin stretch, as in, sitting Indian still with bottom of feet together and push down on my knees to stretch the groin, that’s when I have the high level of pain. In the hip, butt, thigh area. Is that a sure symptom of one or the other?

[@frankb1928]

I have it sucks. Thanks for the educational video.

[@akhilak208]

Thank you that was helpful n pleasant esp the end with ur dog.. brings a smile to the pain 👍❤️

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome 🐾

[@krispadua8254]

I seriously thought the dog was floating at first hahahaha

[@AskDoctorJo]

:-)

[@lanlai5063]

Thank you Doctor Jo . I just watch some exercises about sciatica from you . I will try to do these . I had surgery a lumbar spine from last year [ September ] , and few months ago , the pain go back . I will see DR again [ tomorrow ] , and will see what 's he can do for my case ? I am senior now [ over 70 ] ...[ the pain go down to my left leg ] ...

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. If you can, you should ask your doctor for a physical therapy referral. Good luck.

[@zach_blackburn]

For a second I thought the dog was floating, but then I realized the white flooring goes back further than where the mat is.

[@BeverlyMaloy]

My right side is extremely tight! I also have a little foot drop!

[@lanlai5063]

Thank you DR JO . Last year after I have surgery . DR ask me to do therapy a bout 1 month . But no help . I try to do at home . And the winter come , after that I will have pain again [ L5 ] ...Now I live in Silver Spring MD . I scare will have another surgery again ...Last year DR did some surgery on my back , he did at clinic [ he say , a small surgery on my back , don't need to go hospital , and I go home the same day ] ...

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. I hope you feel better soon.

[@Knittyneeds]

Hi my Healing Doc. You once again solved a serious problem and I am truly grateful to you. In fact my Sciatica comes after my herniated disc operation. My operation in 2014 was a SUCCESS but I fell on my back many times on the terrace in winter. I also had this electrode monitor which was recommended for my 15 year old Newfoundland but never used it. Today I got it out and decided to use it. The pain is super severe on my hip and knee. I definitely will make use of this "pain remover" more often. You are so lovely and wonderful and always ready to help us. You are truly a blessing to me. Thanks for sharing and caring. Your fan from France.👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏💕

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! I'm glad you are getting some relief :-)

[@arungandhi2484]

Thank you so much doctor. It was really very helpful

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@fastcricket7635]

You are a mature physiotherapy mam I am suffering left lower back knee down the heel please make sure piriformis syndrome or herniated disk, sleeping time only left buttak pain walking time it's going down the heel....

[@suziemills2201]

My pain is awful . I have done every stretch possible and taking 1000 ml of Naproxen... nothing works 😬

[@AskDoctorJo]

Sorry to hear. Have you seen a physical therapist yet? Ever tried aquatic therapy? How about traction?

[@alexags151]

I actually had intense pain going over my leg, I could barely walk. But aquatic therapy for a month, helped me heal. It is smart suggestion with the Aquatic therapy, thank you!

[@verfresht]

Is it possible to have both? I think I do. The hernia has already been confirmed by MRI.

[@nimbusgaming8370]

He doc. Is Calf tightness on one side a sign of Piriformis syndrome as well and how should I treat it ? Stretching and foam rolling the area along with some exercises to strengthen the piriformis muscle ? I started to have these symptoms after I began working for Uber. Is it from sitting/driving all day. If so should I take a break a walk around every hour for about 10-15 minutes? Thanks you’ve helped me a bunch.

[@user-eg4zk4qi5x]

Plz reply... I am suffering from lower back pain from 15 years. Now I hear cracking sounds from the backbone sometimes and the lower back right side muscle are extremely swelled. Swelling went to right side hand to foot... I took anti-inflammatory medicines nd I am tired. Still my right side lower back muscles are extremely swelled... Plz say what's the problem with it. Plz recommended me treatment

[@tarajo367]

Thank you! This was so helpful!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@idkhehe658]

thanks very helpful , been feeling pins and needles

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@LinkSquish]

Thanks for this video. I'm still not sure which one I have. It started last week, I've never suffered from back pain before. I was cutting "I" beams on a band saw. As I pushed it to the mark to cut my left side lower back hurt & the next day I had pain down my leg. Only when I sit or lay on that side.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. Piriformis syndrome usually (not always) comes from sitting a lot, so that doesn't sound like how yours happened. It could be a disc issue, or just a strain to one of the muscles in your back. I hope some stretches and exercises help.

[@vanwhalls6308]

Thank you so much!!! I'm suffering fr extreme hip and glute and calves pain!!! I hope this will help!!! Your dog is so cute!! I have a small dog and we spoil her rotten!!!🌻😁👍❤

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! The pups say, woof and woof (thanks and hi) :-) I hope they help!

[@juliemilton3888]

I STARTING TO FEEL BETTER THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH DOCTOR JO. IVE BEEN IN SO MUCH PAIN FOR 8 WEEKS & NOT BEEN MANAGING TO SLEEP, & IVE BEEN DOING SHORT WORKS EVERYDAY BECAUSE MY 27 MONTHS OLD DARLING OF MY LIFE GOES TO NURSERY 4 DAYS A WEEK & ITS ONLY 10 MINS AWAY BUT AT FIRST IT WOULD TAKE ME LONGER TO LEAVE COS THE PAIN BUT NOW IM MANAGING A LITTLE FASTER EVERYDAYDAY SO THANK YOU DOCTOR JO, LOVE FROM JULIE & MY WEE STAR LEWIS.XX

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! I'm glad they have helped.

[@rthiaga]

Thank you very much for the awesome video. I feel much better after doing both the stretches. Can Sciatica be caused by both Piriformis and herniated disk? I am finding it difficult to sit on a chair or car seat for more than 30 mins. Does that mean my pain is because of Piriformis syndrome? Do you recommend an MRI scan?

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. It's possible to have both, but the best option would be to go see a physical therapist for an evaluation. They should be able to help you figure out which one it is.

[@catchmeifucan3977]

And stretching seems to activate more of the pain

[@AskDoctorJo]

With nerve pain, that sometimes does happen.

[@btsarmyfangirl3393]

Doctor can you tell me ,my pain in my butt come back whenever i bend over,and also my affected leg usually falls asleep than the other leg can you please help me to diagnose what it is 🙏🙏🙏

[@MahadiaLeBon]

i think i might have both :/ And none of these exercises help :((( Excellent explanation and presentation! Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome. Sorry none of them seem to help.

[@Annikichan]

Mahadia LeBon Maybe it’s neither? Could it be yet something else?

[@flamissia4]

I am in a country where there aren't any good chiropractors to get properly diagnosed. I have pain in my right glut and can no longer cross my right leg when I try to sit cross-legged. I don't seem to have a herniated disc, as I can easily go into "cobra pose" in yoga. But the figure 4 stretch causes extreme pain that makes it painful to walk for the next 3 days. So is it sciatica, or is it piriformis syndrome so severe that I can't do figure 4 and need to find a more gentle stretch? Thank you, Dr. Jo, I really appreciate your help.

[@alana4158]

Great stretches, will be trying these out! By chance, do you have any psoas muscle info/stretching?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks. I have a few. This one might be a good place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZO1kotsgpehqJo

[@sujaniwithanage2858]

I like your videos a lot n learnt a lot, tnx. Can you demonstrate few exercises for knock knees?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks. Yes, I have one for knock knees. You can find it at: kzbin.info

[@btsarmyfangirl3393]

Doctor can you tell me ,my pain in my butt cone back whenever i bend over,and also my affected leg usually falls asleep than the other leg can you please help me to diagnose what it is 🙏🙏🙏

[@Johneseed]

What is the difference between the Piri-formas and the Psoas muscle as there seems little difference in the stretches???

[@ech07as]

If I have both a disc bulge (L5-S1) & Piriformis muscle weakness, how do I know which one is causing the sciatica? Rolling a tennis ball on my upper hip with pressure on the pain point totally releases my sciatic leg pain.

[@AskDoctorJo]

If pressure points relieve the pain, it's probably more piriformis syndrome.

[@ech07as]

AskDoctorJo Appreciate the prompt response. Weirdly doing the McKenzie push ups also help reduced the sciatica but pressure points on the hip totally releases the pain. So I was a bit confused.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. It could be coming from both. It's not uncommon. Good luck.

[@timhorton4026]

Had to laugh when doing the diagnostic that begins around 1:23. Neither leg will roll out more that the slightest amount. Guess I need to be working on those piriformis stretches. Thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! Good luck.

[@okinawapunter]

in my personal opinion based on my own experience, very small dose of Amitriptyline is the best treatment for Sciatica. I can sleep without taking pain killer drugs like Aspirin, Panadol, Tylenol.

[@JanciDespainXD]

I have a herniated disc at L5-S1. My spine surgeon says this is unrelated to my sciatic nerve symptoms but I don't pass the test for piriformis syndrome (and regularly do piriformis stretches). Is it possible that and L5-S1 herniation can cause sciatica? Thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Weird that your surgeon would say that. The sciatic nerve comes out from L4 - S3. So, in my opinion, yes, it's possible.

[@nature1774]

Thanks for the video, From the demonstration I could tell I have periformis. The problem with my right leg: pain, tingling, numbing starts not so much when I'm sitting but especially when driving. I tried the familiar stretching exercises but in vain. Your explanation and suggested remedy will be highly appreciated.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@nature1774]

@@AskDoctorJo Thanks for your reply doctor, Once again I would like you to address the issue I raised concerning the troubles caused by piriformis when driving.

[@CryptoNewsTV]

I think I have both