Low back pain, hip pain and sciatica can result from a tight piriformis muscle. The piriformis runs from the sacrum (tailbone) to the femur (thigh bone), and is an external rotator of the hip. Its function is essentially to prevent the inward collapse of the leg during walking. It can become tight from lack of stretching (most common), overuse (especially with an overpronation foot dysfunction) and pregnancy.
Because the muscle crosses the sacroiliac joint and sits atop the sciatic nerve, a tight piriformis can cause low back pain, hip or sacroiliac pain, and sciatica. If you’ve never had sciatica, consider yourself lucky, because it is characterized by a sharp, electrical, burning pain that shoots down a leg, sometimes to the foot, causing numbness or tingling. Sciatica is not a pleasant situation and can be quite unnerving for the sufferer.
For sciatica caused by a tight piriformis muscle (as opposed to one caused by a herniated disk), you can try a simple stretch at home to get relief from the numbness, tingling and hip and low back pain that you might be suffering. Watch the video to learn the best low back pain exercises and stretches available. And while you are on the floor, pick up your phone and call your local sports chiropractor today. If you work or reside in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills or West Hollywood, chiropractic can be found a phone call away at 323-651-2464.
