Mailbag! Living with Piriformis Pain? Try This Solution!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 12, 2022
I spend a lot of time in pain, mostly thanks to my piriformis muscle. What exercises or supplements can you recommend?
–Johnny from Moab, UT
Johnny,
That dang piriformis muscle! It sure can cause a lot of pain.
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle – which connects the sacrum to the top of the femur (thigh bone) – pinches the sciatic nerve that runs down the outside of your leg.
People feel this pain as a literal pain in the butt! It can get worse with sitting, especially if you sit with the legs crossed in a figure four position (when you tuck your foot under your butt, or simply cross your leg over the other to look like the number four).
The problem isn’t with the piriformis muscle tightening, however. The true trigger is when the sciatic nerve runs through the belly of the muscle, which it does in about 15 to 20 percent of people.
A tightened piriformis squashes the sciatic nerve and creates the pain… and the pain can be severe.
The best way to treat this is to spend less time sitting in a chair – which may or may not be an option for some folks.
I like icing the area, as well as sitting on a tennis ball and moving it to the area that feels the most painful.
Trying a natural anti-inflammatory like Boswellia and curcumin can help, and taking Epsom salt baths is also a great idea.
Stretching is also a great way to get some relief. I like these videos by two goofy physical therapists who explain a way to reduce the pain.
If none of these suggestions work, try going to a chiropractor or a physical therapist who might use a variety of techniques to loosen up the muscle. Getting massage therapy can help as well.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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