Running Piriformis Syndrome: EP’s Sciatica Clinic

The piriformis is a large and powerful muscle beneath the gluteal/buttocks muscles. It runs from the bottom of the sacrum, where the base of the spine and pelvis converge to the top of the femur. This muscle plays a critical role in running motion; it helps externally rotate the hips and upper leg outward, provides hip flexibility and stability, and stabilizes the pelvis. The sciatic nerve passes next to, over, under, or through the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis contracts or spasms, it can irritate, become entangled and compress the nerve, resulting in painful symptoms. This can lead to various problems and is how piriformis syndrome occurs.

Running Piriformis Syndrome

The proper function of the piriformis muscle is essential for athletes who participate in running sports. Repetitive activities, like running, can fatigue the muscle and irritate and inflame the nerve.

Symptoms

Piriformis syndrome can be challenging to diagnose because it can be confused for a herniated disc, sciatica, a proximal hamstring strain/high hamstring tendinitis, or lower back problems. A few symptoms that can help determine whether the piriformis is the cause include:

Sitting, Stairs, Squatting Discomfort or Pain

• Individuals don’t always experience discomfort while running.
• Instead, it’s sitting, climbing stairs, and squatting where pain symptoms present.
• Pain while running, specifically an overstretched sensation when going up a hill or increasing speed, is more associated with a proximal hamstring strain.

Tenderness

• The area around the piriformis is tender.
• Applying pressure can cause discomfort or pain around the area and radiate down the leg.

Centered Pain

• Piriformis syndrome is usually felt in the middle of the glutes.
• A proximal hamstring strain typically causes non-radiating pain at the bottom of the glutes, where the hamstrings connect to the pelvis.

Causes

• Pelvic misalignment.
• Pelvic misalignments created by other conditions, like a tilted pelvis, functional leg-length discrepancy, or practicing unhealthy posture, make the piriformis work harder to compensate, which leads to tightness and/or spasms.
• Sudden increases in distance or workout intensity can worsen any weakness in the piriformis and other gluteal muscles.
• Continuing to run, which is possible, can worsen and prolong the condition.
• When running, the muscle’s signal transmissions are interrupted by inflammation and/or compression and cannot synchronize with each other.
• The result is the inability to withstand the repetitive strain of running.
• Not warming up with glute-activation exercises increases the risk of running piriformis syndrome.

Chiropractic Treatment

Resting may not be enough to alleviate piriformis syndrome. This is especially true if the problem involves spine and pelvic misalignment. Chiropractic can provide significant relief from running piriformis syndrome. A combination of spinal, pelvic, and extremity adjustments, therapeutic massage, MET, decompression, stretches, and anti-inflammatory nutrition will take the pressure off overly tight areas, realign the body, and maintain nervous system function.

• Running form could be evaluated and checked for leg-length discrepancies and muscle-strength imbalances.
• Running can continue if the individual can do so without pain or symptoms.
• But it is recommended to avoid slanted surfaces, which increase the risk of pelvic misalignment.
• Avoid long runs, which increase the chance of overload and fatigue.
• The goal is to relax and release the piriformis.
• If it’s impinging on the sciatic nerve, loosening and releasing the muscle will significantly lessen radiating pain.
• Orthotics may be recommended for excessive overpronation or inward movement of the foot when landing.

Other treatments to stop piriformis spasms.

• Ice and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can be used during acute phases when the area is tender.
• Work out tight spots using a foam roller or percussive massager.
• Stretching and loosening the muscle before and after runs can help it relax and increase blood flow.
• Stretches like pigeon pose and standing figure four and exercises like side planks with a leg lift are recommended.

Building a Stronger Body

References

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Kraus, Emily, et al. “Piriformis Syndrome With Variant Sciatic Nerve Anatomy: A Case Report.” PM & R: the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation vol. 8,2 (2016): 176-9. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.09.005

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