Why do the back of my thighs and buttocks hurt?

Why do the back of my thighs and buttocks hurt?

When a person injures or overworks the piriformis muscle, it can press on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs down from the lower spine through to the buttocks and the back of the thigh. The pressure of the muscle on the sciatic nerve causes the pain known as sciatica.

How can you tell the difference between sciatica and piriformis syndrome?

In piriformis syndrome, buttock and hip pain is typically more common than lower back pain. In sciatica, the leg pain is usually greater than lower back pain and the pain may radiate into your toes. The affected leg may also feel heavy.

How do I know if I have sciatica or hip pain?

To determine whether you have sciatica, your doctor will ask you how the pain started and where exactly it is located. You may be asked to squat, walk on your heels or toes, or raise your leg without bending the knee. These muscle tests can help your doctor determine if it is the sciatic nerve that is irritated.

What does nerve pain feel like in buttocks?

Identifying a Pinched Nerve in Buttocks Some will feel a tingling sensation, similar to a limb being “asleep” and numbness that runs down the legs. Others may experience weakness in the legs, pain that radiates down the legs, or simply a deep pain in the buttock.

What does piriformis syndrome pain feel like?

Most commonly, patients describe acute tenderness in the buttock and sciatica-like pain down the back of the thigh, calf and foot. Typical piriformis syndrome symptoms may include: A dull ache in the buttock. Pain down the back of the thigh, calf and foot (sciatica)

When should I see a doctor for sciatic nerve pain?

Mild sciatica usually goes away over time. Call your doctor if self-care measures fail to ease your symptoms or if your pain lasts longer than a week, is severe or becomes progressively worse. Get immediate medical care if: You have sudden, severe pain in your low back or leg and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg.

How should I sleep with piriformis muscle pain?

If your doctor has diagnosed you with piriformis syndrome the best position is to lay on your back—Lay with a pillow under your knees and a circular object (such as a rolled up towel) under your low back for support. Click here for stretches that help alleviate piriformis syndrome.

Is the piriformis located on the posterior thigh?

The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttock (behind the gluteus maximus). The piriformis muscle: Starts at the lower spine and connects to the upper surface of each femur (thighbone)

How do you relieve posterior thigh pain?

Doctors typically follow the RICE theory for treatment of posterior thigh strains:

1. Rest.
2. Ice.
3. Compression.
4. Elevation.

Is walking bad for piriformis syndrome?

Overuse or repetitive movements, such as occur with long-distance walking, running, cycling, or rowing can lead to inflammation, spasm, and hypertrophy (enlargement) of the piriformis muscle. This can increase the likelihood of sciatic nerve irritation or entrapment.

What causes piriformis to flare up?

Piriformis syndrome is usually due to compression or contraction of the piriformis muscle on certain areas of the sciatic nerve; the most common risk factors are overuse or trauma from sports, but other conditions can cause the symptoms.

How do you get rid of thigh pain fast?

In most cases, thigh pain can be treated with home remedies such as:

1. ice.
2. heat.
3. over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
4. weight management.
5. moderating activity.
6. stretching and strengthening exercises for the pelvis, hip, and core.