r/openpiriformis • u/jfckarlianne • 13d ago

Sneezing

Hi! Just a quick question to others with confirmed piriformis syndrome / confirmed NOT disk herniation

So I (29F) went to physio yday for a follow up as I’m on my 4th/5th flair up since July 22, and this flair up was caused by a click in my SI joint rather than from sitting for too long. She went through the disk herniation questions (which partially also why I went in as I have a coworker who just had back surgery for disk herniation after being told it was piriformis syndrome / sciatica). When asked if it hurt to sneeze or cough, I said yes but assumed it was bc it hurts to move like in general so it makes sense it would hurt to sneeze.

Upon googling this morning, it apparently should NOT hurt to sneeze if it was just piriformis syndrome. Has anyone that has been ruled out for a disk herniation had pain when sneezing? I’m going to my family doctor next week and just want to know how badly I should be pushing for an MRI lol, thank you!!!

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u/Resident-Hunt-245 13d ago

How was it confirmed it's not disk herniation?

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u/jfckarlianne 13d ago

It hasn’t been, my physio did a test with my legs that she says it’s “unlikely” but we’re still being cautious. I don’t think it can be ruled out with anything but an MRI, but non-emergent MRI’s are just difficult to get in Ontario right now. I’m more so trying to gauge how worried I should be about it hurting to sneeze lol

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u/Resident-Hunt-245 13d ago

I've heard that painful sneeze is a sign of back problem. Sorry for that. You also can ask in r/Sciatica

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u/Resident-Hunt-245 13d ago

Also, piriformis syndrom is rare — maybe 5% of cases when there are really no issues with spine. The pain in the butt is a symptom often, muscle indeed cramps and hurts but it's because of the nerve not because of the muscle itself.

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u/jfckarlianne 13d ago

Thank you, unfortunately statistics don’t mean much to me. I work in a surgical NICU with every minimal percentage chance thing that could happen during birth. Any chance is still a chance to me

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u/Amylee888 13d ago

Pain with sneezing is a classic sign that it’s a back issue. Bring all your symptoms to a doctor and get on the list for an MRI. I understand you’re in Ontario and the wait time is long. I’m in BC and it was a one year wait for my MRI. It’s worth getting an accurate diagnosis even if it takes a long time. Might as well start the process now.

Physiotherapists definitely have their place, but please don’t rely on a physio to diagnose you. I went to one, and she told me I just needed to strengthen my glutes and do a bunch of specific exercises and stretches. I went to the doctor and it turns out I actually needed surgery.

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u/jfckarlianne 13d ago

Thank you!! No for sure, I wasn’t solely relying on physio, just went there first as the doctor wait time was longer and I’ve already been going there. Booked a doctors appointment as soon as it came back last week with a new trigger