That annoying pain in your lower back and buttocks which stems from prolonged hours of sitting at your desk could be because of piriformis muscle spasms. Most people who work from home may agree that breaks are not as frequent and formal. Workspaces are sometimes not ergonomically correct thereby causing significant strain on muscles. For instance, sitting on a hard chair instead of a well cushioned chair for long hours puts a lot of pressure on the piriformis muscle. This could also lead to secondary injuries like inflammation of the sciatic nerve which sits very close to the piriformis muscle.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
This is a condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms, causing buttock pain. When the sciatic nerve is irritated, the pain and numbness that travels down the back of the leg if the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle runs from the lower spine to the top of the thigh bone, and the sciatic nerve runs right under it.
Causes Of Piriformis Syndrome:
- Overuse- Prolonged sitting, long hours of running
- Lack of proper warm-ups before physical activities
- Inflammation in the piriformis from trauma
- Weakness of piriformis muscle and other muscles around the buttocks
Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome:
- Pain in the low back and buttock that worsens with prolonged sitting
- Pain, tingling, and/or numbness into the buttocks/hip
- Pain that travels down the back of the leg
- Difficulty and pain with squatting, walking, running, climbing stairs
Treatment For Piriformis Syndrome
Symptoms get better with appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises. However, it is important to get assessed by a professional for proper diagnosis and appropriate management as it can be easily mistaken for a condition known as sciatica. Connect with us today at Panther Sports Medicine if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome.
