Differential diagnoses include
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Sacroiliitis
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Lyme disease
- Neoplasm impinging on nerve root
Management plan:
After a thorough discussion of investigation and treatment options, the following management plan was agreed:
- Piriformis injection if any suitable target was identified on ultrasound knowing that she could ask for the procedure to be stopped at any point if she found it too painful
- Referral to Pain Psychology service for guided self-help with pain management
Follow-up
She returned for her follow-up appointment six months later. She had had an ultrasound of her piriformis which showed potential impingement of her sciatic nerve. A local anaesthetic and steroid injection was performed which much improved her symptoms.
She had purchased a book recommended by the Pain Psychology team [1] but had decided to work through the exercises in it by herself rather than using their Guided Self-help service or attend sessions with a psychologist. She felt this was also making things more manageable.
She had attended a baby session at her local swimming pool with her daughter and granddaughter and been inspired to join their exercise in water classes. She had also joined a weight management group and was pleased with the progress she was making.
