Lauren Walker – All Fit/All Ages Gym
The way people describe it is like a “toothache in my rear end”. We have all heard of sciatica. It’s pain that starts in the buttocks and runs down one or both legs. Sciatica is usually caused by pressure or irritation of nerves in the lower back. One condition that causes pressure on those nerves is called piriformis syndrome. The piriformis helps the thigh move side to side. A muscle spasm can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause symptoms. The result is piriformis syndrome.
Sciatica is the primary indication of piriformis syndrome. Symptoms vary from person to person. The discomfort may be felt in another part of the body, such as the back of the leg. This is known as referred pain.
Common Symptoms Include:
numbness and tingling in the rear end that may extend down the back of the leg
tenderness of the muscles in the buttocks
difficulty sitting comfortably
pain while sitting for extended periods of time
pain in the buttocks and legs that can worsen with activity
A compressed disk in the lumbar spine irritates the nerve and can refer pain to the rear end. Assessment of the muscles in and around the pelvis will determine if there is in fact tightness of the hip and glute. Muscle tightness will cause compression of the nerves in the spine. If you suffered a direct injury to the hip, this can also be a cause of your pain.
Any high-intensity repetitive action such as running can irritate and exacerbate your pain. Sitting for extended periods of time can also cause compression. This is a very common problem. Knowing the signs and symptoms to look for can help pave the way to your healing.