Sciatica & Low Back Pain - How the Piriformis Muscle Causes Pain
Although Low Back Pain & Sciatica are two separate conditions, with the former relating to pain felt in and around the Lower Back region and the latter describing pain wihch travels down the leg, they share a lot of similarities with regards to their cause. One of several common causes between them is a tight Piriformis muscle.
Deep within the buttock region is where the Piriformis muscle can be found. It is actually attached to the Sacrum, and then travels outwards where it attaches to the outside of the hip. As the Sciatic Neve passes through the buttock area, it travels through, or underneath, the Piriformis muscle.
A tight Piriformis muscle will place increased stress upon the Sciatic Nerve as it passes through or underneath it, potentially aggravating the Sciatic Nerve and causing pain. On the other hand, as far as Low Back Pain is concerened, it is the constant 'tugging' upon the Sacrum, caused by the tight Piriformis muscle, which is the problem.
This continuous stress being placed upon the Sacrum, by a tight Piriformis muscle, actually has an influence upon the Sacro-Iliac Joint. This joint is situated in the Lower Back region and is made up of the Sacrum and the Ilia (the Ilia being a specific part of the pelvis which forms the other half of this joint). Therefore, pain may well occur due to the repeated stresses across this joint.
The Lumbar Spine is therefore not the only potential source of pain for this region, it may be the Sacro-Iliac Joint which is responsible instead or as well as it. Typically, this pain is felt a little lower than 'normal' Low Back Pain, although this is not always the case. In addition to this, just above the buttock area there is a little dimple (for most, but not everyone) either side of the mid-line. If it feels as if your pain is coming form here, it may be the Sacro-Iliac Joint which is responsible for your pain.
Aggravation to the Sciatic Nerve, anywhere along its length, can result in Sciatica. However, if a tight Piriformis muscle is the cause of your pain, the chances are the 'focus' of your pain is going to begin in the buttock region. If this is the case, the Piriformis muscle will need to be stretched.
Towards the bottom of this page, you will find an active link which will show you a couple of nice gentle stretches for the Piriformis muscle.
There are alternatives to stretching, or maybe I should say additions to stretching, which are very effective at making this muscle more supple. One way is by using a small ball, such as a tennis ball:
Lie yourself on your back with your knees bent. Place the ball approximately in the middle of buttock on the side which needs to be massaged (this is approximately where the Piriformis muscle is). From there, gently 'roll' the ball by moving / rotating your buttock, so that the ball gently massages the area underneath.
Due to the close proximity of the Sciatic Nerve to the Piriformis muscle, it is important you take care while performing this exercise. If you are too aggressive, you may simpy end up aggravating the Sciatic Nerve and therefore making your pain worse.
Do not worry yourself at all if you do happen to stir your pain up. I can assure you it will settle back down again. Nevertheless, this is your body's way of informing you that you are taking things forward a bit too fast. Stop performing that particular exercise until things settle down a little. When they have, feel free to start this exercise again, only this time make sure you are not quite as aggressive!
Exercises such as stretching and massage are an excellent way of loosening up a tight Piriformis muscle. Consequently, if it is tightness in this muscle which is responsible for your pain, your pain should soon begin to resolve itself.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
About the Author
Paul Boxcer is a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapist.
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by: PaulBoxcer
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