Pain radiating down the leg is often interpreted as sciatica or nerve problems – but in many cases the cause is something completely different: muscle tension and trigger points in the gluteal and hip region.
Sciatica or muscle tension – what's the difference?
True sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, usually by a herniated disc in the lower back. This typically causes a sharp, burning pain that follows the nerve's path down the leg, often accompanied by numbness or tingling.
Muscle tension and trigger points can cause very similar symptoms – an aching, radiating pain down the leg – without the nerve being involved. This is called referred pain, and it is far more common than many people think. Read about common places in the body where trigger points occur.
Piriformis – the main culprit
The piriformis is a small, deep muscle in the gluteal region that runs directly over the sciatic nerve. When this muscle is tense or contains trigger points, it can:
- Cause deep gluteal pain that radiates down the leg
- Pinch the sciatic nerve and cause nerve pain
- Create numbness and tingling in the thigh and calf
- Cause pain when sitting, walking, or climbing stairs
Other muscles that can cause leg pain
Piriformis is not alone. Gluteus medius and minimus can cause pain along the outside of the thigh, quadratus lumborum can radiate pain down into the buttocks and thigh, and hamstring trigger points cause pain in the back of the thigh. Read more about how massage can reduce lower back tension – which is often related to leg pain.
What helps?
Trigger point therapy targeting the gluteal and hip muscles is highly effective for this type of pain. Trigger point therapy does not treat injuries or make diagnoses.
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