22 Effective Sciatica Exercises for Pain Relief
One of the lesser-known but significant causes of sciatic nerve pain is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a small, deep muscle located in the buttocks that plays a crucial role in hip rotation and stability. Unfortunately, in some people, the sciatic nerve runs directly beneath or even through this muscle, making it vulnerable to compression if the piriformis becomes tight or inflamed. When the piriformis muscle spasms or tightens, it can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms similar to sciatica, including pain that radiates from the lower back into the legs. This type of pain can feel particularly sharp when sitting for long periods or when engaging in activities that require hip movement, such as running or climbing stairs. Stretching the piriformis muscle can be incredibly beneficial in relieving this pressure. Regularly incorporating targeted stretches and self-massage techniques can help loosen the muscle, improve mobility, and significantly reduce sciatic nerve irritation.
