Trigger Points in butt + leg pain

[Rob Wilson]

I have been told that I have trigger points in the buttocks (gluteus minimus, piriformis) causing a lot of butt and even sciatica type leg symptoms. Has anyone else had this and how did they treat it? Thanks

[Harrison]

Rob,

This FAQ may help you -- it also includes some mechanical treatment options:

What are trigger points?
http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/showthread.php?t=8640&highlight=trigger+points

On another note, some patients who have chronic inflammatory diseases that cause arthritic syndromes, including trigger points, have benefited from both antimicrobial and enzyme therapies. This is tricky stuff though, as these are new treatment approaches and it may be difficult to find a doctor that can help in these areas. That said, these techniques could be the more appropriate and effective treatments. As usual, it depends on many variables.

As well, spine patients have to be very careful taking enzymes. Not only can they thin the blood (usually a good thing), but they can dissolve scar tissue and even “undo” the “right” healing and scarring that may be conducive to the recovery process. Extra care is needed, so talk to your doctor about these approaches if you have questions.

Also, if you’ve not read this article (see the PDF), it may be of some value:

Pathobiology of Neuropathic Pain - Good Article
http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9839

[JudyW]

I had pretty bad piriformis pain after my ADR. Especially when I started doing a lot of incline work in exercise. I had a piriformis injection that didn't do anything but I actually blame that on the neuro surgeon that did it. He was an idiot. I also used one of those hard foam rollers to dry and "free it up" but it did minimal to relieve it. Over time it has gotten much better. It can increase if I do too much incline on the treadmill. Good luck with yours.

[Rob Wilson]

The post ADR stenosis surgeries have greatly improved my leg pain. However if I overdo, I can still get some lingering low back, butt and leg pain. Could it be the ADR scar tissue, the hematoma from the blood clots in the iliopsoas muscle, the trigger points in the glutes/piriformis/iliopsaos?? Mostly likely YES YES YES. Or does it really matter since all could or are part of the problem. I have tried to tackle this with an all encompassing and expensive solution. I am trying trigger point massage, chiropractic, MAT next week, light stretching, acupuncture, and prolotherapy injections. I am determined to get better. Although I do get overzealous and get impatient.

I am seeing results and will narrow the therapy once I start seeing the main helpers. I am even doing some acupressure on my ADR scar area (this could be pulling on my iliopsaos muslce which could be pulling on my glutes which could be pulling on my piriforms!!!). You get the picture. I am scared to do any ultrasound in this area due to my blood clots though? Anyway I am now realizing that sciatica can come in many shapes and sizes.

[Harrison]

Rob, your questions are very specific as you’ve really been doing your homework. Sorry to ask more questions, but I’ve been meaning to ask you these for months…

• Are you on a blood thinner for the clotting issues you mention? If so, what?
• Do you have your INR measured regularly? Are you maintaining a certain INR range?
• Why is clotting still an issue? What’s the cause? (I know about the original surgical error; but why the repercussions)?
• Have you seen a medical massage therapist yet? They can do wonders on scar tissue and answer some of your questions.

I agree with your "YES,YES, YES" comment…these problems seem to rarely be isolated with just one factor.

[Rob Wilson]

Rob, your questions are very specific as you’ve really been doing your homework. Sorry to ask more questions, but I’ve been meaning to ask you these for months…

Are you on a blood thinner for the clotting issues you mention? If so, what? No
Do you have your INR measured regularly? Are you maintaining a certain INR range? No
Why is clotting still an issue? What’s the cause? (I know about the original surgical error; but why the repercussions)? There are 9 areas of the femoral that are 100% occluded and dead. My body has grown collaterals to compensate for these dead areas.
Have you seen a medical massage therapist yet? They can do wonders on scar tissue and answer some of your questions. Yes. I am going to try some injections into the scar tissue.
I agree with your "YES,YES, YES" comment…these problems seem to rarely be isolated with just one factor.

Thanks for asking.

[Liz]

Originally Posted by Rob Wilson

I am going to try some injections into the scar tissue.

hi Rob,

What type of injections are you undergoing for scar tissue? i've researched this extensively and this is this first i've heard of this.
Is what you're injecting supposed to dissolve the scar tissue? i've tried acupuncture, ultrasound, massage, enzymes (Vitalzym), all w/negligible results.

i hope this helps you and please let me know how it goes.

best,
Liz

[Rob Wilson]

How about neural therapy or mesotherapy?

[Liz]

thanks Rob, i'm not familiar w/either of these treatments... you're more progressive than i am! which one are you trying? I emailed the American Academy of Neural Therapy for a recommendation of a practitioner in my area so hopefully i'll get a lead. I'm going to ask my osteopath and injection doc about their effectiveness for scar tissue, risks, etc. It's a common affliction so if an injection would dissolve the scar tissue it would be amazing! I did come across one report of a woman developing more scar tissue after abdominal mesotherapy injections.

good luck w/your upcoming treatments.

best,
Liz

[Rob Wilson]

I am trying ultrasound and the neural injections. Also I am trying regular massage therapy.