*PREVIOUS POST*
Tom
Nov 25, 2009 - 4:18PM
Quote Reply
Soreness after stretching
Either Jesse or Steve -
I've recently had deep buttock pain in my left buttock with accompanying left side sciatica pain that runs all the way down my left leg for about 2 months. The pain is not bad enough to keep me from working but I'm ready to get rid of it.
I work in a fairly physical blue collar environment, assumed it was a typical muscle strain and figured I'd eventually "work my way through it". Well I haven't!
I recently went to see my doctor. First he tried acupuncture. When that didn't work he injected me in the buttock which temporarily helped but when the pain/sciatica came back he X-rayed me. Nothing showed up on the X-ray but the doctor said I may be suffering from piriformis syndrome. I asked about an MRI but he said I didn't need one.
About the same time the pain/sciatica started I took a fairly hard fall going down some stairs and landed on my left buttock. I can't tell you for sure whether there is any connection between the fall and my buttock pain/sciatica but think you should have this information. There IS a possibility I injuried my piriformis muscle in the fall.
I researched piriformis syndrome throughly and through my research found your website. I am very excited about what you guys are doing.
Anyway...the point of this post. I've been doing the piriformis exercises and they help plus self massage trying to break up trigger points. Unfortunately the next morning I'm very sore & the sciatica is bad. After I move around the pain gets better but I seem to be taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back.
My goal is a permanent solution and cure to my piriformis/sciatiaca and I don't seem to be getting there.
Your suggestions?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dan Monahan
Nov 26, 2009 - 5:27AM
Quote Reply
Re: Soreness after stretching
Hi Tom
This is quiet a common scenario with most people. What I would suggest is going a little lighter on the stretching, try not to force the stretch too much, and concentrate and breathe on allowing the muscle to relax naturally, otherwise you may trip the mechanism we have in out muscles that stop us from stretching too far called the "Stretch reflex". Basically the body will worry that we are going to push the muscle too far, and so slams on the breaks to protect the muscle from tearing!!
But when we do stretch forcefully, we can cause slight micro tears in the muscles, which is simialar to weight training, so this could be what is causing the pain the next day in your piriformis.
Same goes for the trigger point work, if you apply too much pressure the muscle will go into spasm, causing further tightness and therefore you are doing the opposite of what you are trying to acheive, and that is relax the muscle.
I would suggest warming up prior to stretching, a 5minute walk if you can, or even light jogging on the spot, or exercise bike etc...Then perform some light trigger point work, and then stretch the muscles immediately after!!
Also ensure you are drinking plenty of water, because when we work on trigger points, we flush out alot of toxins, and so it helps to drink water to help flush out these toxins!!
You may find 1 day on 1 day off more beneficial in the early days, to allow the muscles to take advantage of the new stretching and trigger points, I know that is what helped me originally.
Take care and all the best getting rid of your pain!
Dan
______________________________________________________________________________________
Tom
Nov 26, 2009 - 11:00PM
Quote Reply
Re: Soreness after stretching
Thanks Dan! I really appreciate your interest and your time. I will take and use your advice.
And...I agree...you're right! Common sense ALWAYS seems to be what solves a problem.
Thanks again.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dan Monahan
Nov 27, 2009 - 10:08AM
Quote Reply
Re: Soreness after stretching
No problem at all Tom!!
Please post back soon and let us know how you are getting on, any improvements, or changes etc.
Take care
Dan