Sciatic Pain and Runners

Ask anyone who runs and chances are they have either dealt with sciatic pain or know another runner who has.  Back pain and sciatic pain in particular are a common complaint among runners. 

Sciatic pain is caused by a number of things.  As it relates to most runners who experience sciatica, it is either caused by Piriformis Syndrome or herniated disk.  Runners are particularly prone to those two issues which in turn can cause sciatic pain. 

Let’s take a look at them both individually.

Piriformis Syndrome.  The Piriformis is a muscle in the buttocks/hip region which in the majority of the population lies just over the top of the sciatic nerve.  In a smaller portion of the population the sciatic nerve runs through the Piriformis.  The sciatic nerve is a long nerve which begins at the base of the spine and runs through the hip and down the back of the leg. 

Piriformis syndrome is thought to occur when the Piriformis muscle becomes tight and compresses the sciatic nerve causing pain, numbness and impaired mobility in extreme cases.  This tightening of the Piriformis muscle can be caused by a muscular imbalance, muscle tightness, and overpronation – all of which are caused by running and genetics.  Thus the link between sciatica and runners.

It is important however to point out that sciatica isn’t a diagnosis but rather a symptom of a condition like a herniated disk or Piriformis Syndrome.

Herniated disks are common amongst the population in general however long hard runs tend to compress the spine and herniated disks can occur.

What’s the solution?

For many runners dealing with sciatic pain the solution is to simply grin and bear it.  Others pop pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication like they’re candy.  If the pain is caused by a herniated disk and rest doesn’t seem to do the trick then some doctors will recommend surgery. 

Other people prefer to treat the problem rather than the symptom and will seek physical therapy, manual therapy, massage, and chiropractic treatments in an effort to loosen the muscles, strengthen the core, gluteus and leg muscles, and correct the body’s inability to compensate. If you are a runner and you suffer from sciatic pain you will definitely want to learn more about muscle imbalance therapy for treating your sciatica.

Proper running form and well fitting running shoes are also helpful in preventing future sciatic flare ups however the most effective treatments focus on back and whole body strengthening and care.