painful sciatica but no prolapsed disc?

Hi,
Anyone got piriformis syndrome? Anybody even heard about it? It is supposed to be rare but if anyone has, I would be so  greatful for any response ? Mine is posttraumatic piriformis syndrome. (fell onto my bum, over 2 yrs ago) Really it is SCIATICA but the sciatic nerve is trapped at the point in the bum where the piriformis muscle crosses it, NOT higher up in the spine as in disc prolapse. The symptoms are similar, but no back pain, just bum, hip and groin pain.
Because of the rareness of PS? I was diagnosed, by a highly regarded neurosurgeon, with degenerative disc disease (DDD) My sciatica includes numbness, vice like gripping pain and electric shock zaps etc the usual and not nice, both of my feet are nearly completely numb on the soles. How on earth can sciatica it be due to DDD without any nerve impingement? ? ?  NON shows on my MRI scan! (I wonder just how rare tho!  Maybe PS could explain a lot of sciatica in anyone where no disc prolapse is apparent)
I has take a long hard slog to get here, where at least I am happy with the PS diagnosis.This diagnosis was made by a young physiotherapist, I always knew it wasn't my back. I had a microdiscectomy ( L5 S1) 7yrs ago so I know that pain too well.
I still can't get my consultant/spine surgeon to agree with this diagnosis. He doesn't believe it exists! Of course his diagnosis 'TRUMPS' any lowly physiotherapists, even tho I know it's just plain wrong. I think Dr's around the world are more clued up on piriformis syndrome than those in the UK. Ok, it's rare, but it's not even on the NHS website!.
I think I may need an op to remove scar tissue and leisions from the muscle as all conservative therapies have not worked. Acupuncture was a nightmare. Haven't had the botox injection tho' yet (next step). I have also heard that MR neurography scan could officially identify this syndrome as it shows the nerve image. Anyone had MR Neurography? ? or know about that kind of scan?
Love to hear from you
Thanks Helen

[Kalvin]

I'm sorry, I really don't know anything about piriformis syndrome, although I do have a couple questions about it. What exactly are the conservative treatments for this, and does this syndrome typical present with bi-lateral pain? It sounds terrible, I don't envy you. I had a TLIF @ L4-5 several years ago because of very severe sciatica. I couldn't imagine having pain in both my legs and feet. Is there a surgical procedure to correct this nerve compression?

I also want to take this opportunity to offer you a belated Welcome to our forum, we need to have an introduction thread on this board. There are so many people that come here looking for advice, help or someone to listen to their story, and I'm sure that all the people you have responded too are greatly appreciative of your time and help. Although many do not state it, and hopefully the time you spend here will benefit you in some way as well.

Take Care

[helenlegs11]

Thanks for your reply and welcome Kalvin,Appreciated. In answer to your questions.. . conservative treatment includes specific stretching excercises, myofacial massage and acupuncture into the muscle. When that fails, botox injections and then surgery. I would say that it depends on how the syndrome manifests itself as to whether bi-lateral or not. Sports people can suffer from it by overuse, and often bi-lateral, but then the conservative treatment does work effectively for them, especially if they get a propper diagnosis.However, even if they stop exercise for a while the muscle usually stops the spasm. Conversley, the muscle can spasm if being frequently compacted as with lorry drivers,etc and the same conservative treatment applies.
The weird thing is if it is posttraumatic, the trauma is very often a minor occurance. All I did was fall on my bum, but then kept on goining (stupid) and ended up in a complete muscle bound spasm, (unable to move in bed for 4 days).. Then, apparently, a haematoma forms,( I had a lump there for about 3 months).Then, scar tissue and lesions can form, especially the problem is not properly diagnosed.
My second side (LH) did not develop until 4 months or so after my fall and thankfully is not to the same intensity as the RH side.
I am just waving my piriformis syndrome placard. LOL. I can't believe it is as rare as all that.(I don't want to be rare) I think it can also run in conjunction with disc related problems, so I am just making people aware it could be part of their unexplained symptoms, But as you say you have not heard about it and I see that you have been a member here for some time. I have read some of your answers which are most informative and must be of massive help to the inquirer.
Thank goodness for the internet. It has been more helpful to me than anything else. One good thing has come of my placard waving tho' I posted a piriformis enquiry on our national health sevice (NHS) website and  someone googled PS after reading my post. She did the exercises and was pain free after a few days. If only it was that easy for the rest of us. Happy posting, and thanks again.