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Sciatica & Low Back Pain - How the Piriformis Muscle Causes Pain

by: PaulBoxcer
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Low Back Pain and Scaitica (where pain is felt travelling down the leg) are two different conditions. Having said that, they can be closely related with regards to their cause. One such similarity is a tight Piriformis muscle, which can be responsible for either condition.

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.

With the Sciatic nerve passing in such close proximity to the Piriformis muscle, it should come as no surprise that, if this muscle is tight, it will place increased stress upon the Sciatic Nerve, resulting in pain. As far as Low Back Pain is concerned, the reasons for pain are completely differrent. With the Piriformis muscle attatching to the Sacrum, if this muscle is tight, it will be continuously 'pulling' upon this bone.

At the very bottom of the back there is the Sacro-Iliac Joint. This is formed by the Sacrum and the Ilia (the specific part of the pelvis to which the Sacrum attatches to). If a tight Piriformis muscle continues to pull upon the Sacrum, this stress will also be felt upon the Sacro-Iliac Joint. It is this continuous stress across the joint which will lead to pain.

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.

If you find that your Sciatica begins in the buttock area and not the lower back, there is a reasonable chance it is the Piriformis muscle which is contributing to your pain. If this is a result of the Piriformis muscle being tight, it needs to be stretched.

It would be too difficult, and probably confusing, to try and describe a Piriformis stretch without the use of a diagram. Therefore, I have placed a link below which will show you how to stretch a tight Piriformis muscle.

However, another way to loosen up a tight Piriformis muscle is to apply some 'self massage'. You can do this with the use of a tennis ball or something similar:

The best thing to do here is to place the ball underneath your buttock, while lying on your back with your knees slightly bent. Using your body weight, as much or as little as you feel appropriate, gently 'massage' the ball into your buttock. The Piriformis muscle is situated approximately in the middle of each buttock.

This self massage exercise can be an excellent way of loosening up the Piriformis Muscle. However be careful, as it may also aggravate your Sciatica if the pain is still quite sensitive. This is because not only will you be massaging the Piriformis muscle, but also the Sciatic Nerve as it passes through or underneath it. Consequently, it may stir your pain up a little.

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.

About the Author

Paul Boxcer is a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapist.

Sciatica & Low Back Pain - How the Piriformis Muscle Causes Pain

About the Author

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