What is false runner's sciatica

Have you recently experienced severe pain in the buttock during a training session, since then, it has become more and more intense until you are forced to take a strict rest. The symptoms resemble those of sciatica, but the diagnosis does not fit. What if it was a runner's fake sciatica?

The piriformis is one of the muscles that provide stability to the pelvis. It connects the sacrum and the top of the femur, so it plays an essential role in all running sports. During the stride, it performs a reflex contraction to ensure the rotation of the leg. This recurrent contraction can lead to a disturbance that causes pain, which is known as false runner's sciatica or piriformis syndrome. A pinching sensation on the top of the buttock that radiates to the side of the thigh, the intensity of which can be accentuated by prolonged sitting, trampling and of course trail running.

Intensive training, for example, preparation for an important race can be the cause of piriformis syndrome. This means that an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are essential if we are to recover our physical abilities quickly.

Causes of runner's sciatica

To determine the causes of runner's sciatica, it is important to understand the function and location of the piriformis. For about 80% of the population, the sciatic nerve passes under the muscle. There are other anatomical variations, the sciatic nerve can pass through or around the piriformis muscle. In all cases, these more or less direct anatomical relationships are the cause of the acute pain.

Piriformis muscle hypertrophy can be caused by several factors :

• direct trauma
• repeated heavy pronation
• considerable stress on the gluteal muscle
• a lack of stretching
• the practice of asymmetrical sports
• Physical deformities can also cause piriformis muscle hypertrophy.

Early treatment is necessary to understand the origin of the disorder and to promote recovery.

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How to effectively relieve runner's sciatica

There are many solutions for to relieve pain associated with piriformis syndromeThis starts with physical fitness. Regular deep massages to relax the muscle coupled with stretching and flexibility exercises help you to release tension on the piriformis. Strengthening the muscles allows you to better manage the positioning of the stride and avoids overstressing the muscle.

In parallel, STIMCARE Sport patches allow you to significantly reduce the use of painkillers. By reducing inflammation, the patch acts directly on the area of pain. Place a patch on the buttock muscle, on the path of the sciatic nerve, to release muscle tension (see "Tuto "Relieve the discomfort of the pyramidal muscle"). A therapist trained in the use of STIMCARE patches can offer you tailor-made support to enable you to resume your sporting activities in the best possible conditions. Consult us for a list of trained therapists near you.

Piriformis syndrome, also known as runner's sciatica, can be very painful and disabling for an athlete. Regular physical preparation adapted to your objectives can help prevent this type of muscular disturbance. Coupled with a therapeutic follow-up, STIMCARE Sport patches will quickly relieve you so that you can regain the pleasure of effort without pain.