Sciatica Support Group

Your doctor will do a physical evaluation and should be able to tell. With mine, she knew right away and then it was confirmed as a herniated disk. I don't know anything about the piriformis syndrome, but a herniated disk starts as excruciating and then lessens over time, hopefully heals itself. Mine is going on 9 weeks and I still cannot stand or walk without pretty bad pain. Some people heal in much less time, though, from what I understand.

An MRI can usually tell you if you have a herniated disk. Anyone w/sciatica pain should have this test done. It's not the most pleasant thing to have, but at least you'll have a better idea of what you're dealing with.

The piriformis muscle can trap the sciatic nerve, causing the same excruciating nerve pain as a herniated disk.

I'm curious....how did your doctor "confirm" your diagnosis as a herniated disk? I really, really don't want to undergo an MRI.....I'm really, really scared to that machine!!!! Can they just use a regular good-ole x-ray?

The MRI is really a nothing experience and not to be feared since it involves no radiation unlike CAT scans or X-rays. Having said this to learn that one has a herniated disk is minimally useful since many people with major deformities on their MRI have no pain while others with minimal deformitiy have major pain. One might best view the MRI back pain industry as similar to the military industrial complex which Eisenhower warned America against 50 years ago, though useful it contains much financial waste.And the results depends on the quality of the machine and skill of the person reading it. Beware if the results are simply automated.

I had to get a MRI before I knew any thing. I was really really scared too. But they said that was the only way. Just practice breathign and meditation before you go in! HUGS let us know what happens!

You should get an MRI to r/o disc herniation. I'm not sure how they diagnosis p.syndrome. Good luck. Carol

hi Karen,I am 28. I have 2 herniated discs myself which i only found out of that 7 months ago. but i have been have back pain for years. Lately, it just got wores and i feel numbness and tingling in my legs too. I was seeking treatment for the past 2 months. I feel help less. Really want to talk to someone. How are you feeling now?

i have had for 18 years after a serious injury when a frig almost landed on me and i pushed it back with all my strength

After complaining to several different doctors over a period of years I found a good doctor who sent me for an MRI right away. That's how they discovered the herniations & tear.
I didn't think the MRI was scary at all...a little loud but I've had 5 kids & nothing could be louder than that! lol
...also it's been going on almost 2 years since being diagnosed & my discs aren't "healing" at all!!! I wish mine would heal!!!!

I had no problem with the MRI. Just close your eyes and take calm breaths. If you are like me with a warped sense of humor, I told my friends that now I know what it is like to be a corn dog. You know, in a tube with your feet sticking out. I know, too goofy.