Nerve, Back & Buttock Pain When Walking
Sciatica causes pain to radiate down the sciatic nerve, whether it be a mild weakness in the buttocks or leg, or a more intense pain felt all the way down the leg. Either way, the feeling can be exacerbated by exertion such as walking, or it may come on when sitting or standing in a certain position, says Rod Dunn, Ph.D., of the Sciatica Clinic. But several other conditions cause similar pain, so seek medical assistance for a proper diagnosis.
Pseudo-Sciatica
If you suffer lower back pain, but not pain in the thigh, you might have pseudo-sciatica – that is, pain referred from the smallest of the gluteal muscles: the gluteus minimus, says Dunn. Walking too far or too fast can trigger pseudo-sciatica, as can an imbalanced gait caused by walking over uneven ground or painful blisters or other injuries.
Piriformis Syndrome
Pain Above the Knee Cap With Running
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Lying deep in the buttocks, the piriformis muscle allows the hip to rotate outward and controls how far the hips move inward when walking. Sustained tension can exacerbate sciatica or damage the SI joint, which lies between the spine and the pelvis. As it has similar symptoms to a herniated disk, it is important to correctly diagnose piriformis syndrome so as to avoid unnecessary surgery, says Dunn.
Other Conditions
The powerful iliopsoas muscle is what enables the hip to move, but only athletes usually suffer tension here, as the muscle lies so deep. Nevertheless, symptoms are similar to those of sciatica. Those who practice long-distance running – especially hill running – are more likely to suffer hamstring syndrome, or tendonitis, than walkers, according to the Pain Clinic website, but the symptoms are similar to sciatica. Tendonitis is typified by pain at the front of the sitting bone.
- The powerful iliopsoas muscle is what enables the hip to move, but only athletes usually suffer tension here, as the muscle lies so deep.
- Those who practice long-distance running – especially hill running – are more likely to suffer hamstring syndrome, or tendonitis, than walkers, according to the Pain Clinic website, but the symptoms are similar to sciatica.
How to Avoid
Sciatica & Hamstring Pain
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Although no one knows the exact cause of sciatica or related conditions, you can lower your risk of suffering by strengthening your core. Rod Dunn suggests you lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Slowly tip your pelvis toward your belly button, flattening your back, and loosening the curve in your lower back. You will notice your abdominals have contracted and your tailbone has lifted from the floor.
Arch your lower back so your stomach sticks out. Examine these two extremes, and then find somewhere between the two. This is your neutral position. From neutral, inhale deeply and relax your abdomen. Exhale and draw in your belly button. Hold for 10 seconds then release and repeat 10 times. If you continue to suffer pain when walking, speak to a doctor.
- Although no one knows the exact cause of sciatica or related conditions, you can lower your risk of suffering by strengthening your core.
- If you continue to suffer pain when walking, speak to a doctor.
Related Articles
References
- Sciatica Clinic: Rodd Dunn Welcomes You to the Sciatica Clinic
- The Pain Clinic: Functional Anatomy
- Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2020 Jan 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
- Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2020 Mar 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/
- Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2020 Jan 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
- Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2020 Mar 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. Updated August 13, 2019. ninds.nih.gov
- Verwoerd AJH, Mens J, El Barzouhi A, Peul WC, Koes BW, Verhagen AP. A diagnostic study in patients with sciatica establishing the importance of localization of worsening of pain during coughing, sneezing and straining to assess nerve root compression on MRI. Eur Spine J. 2016;25(5):1389–1392. doi:10.1007/s00586-016-4393-8
- Koes BW, van Tulder MW, Peul WC. Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ. 2007;334(7607):1313–1317. doi:10.1136/bmj.39223.428495.BE
- Chen MR, Wang P, Cheng G, Guo X, Wei GW, Cheng XH. The warming acupuncture for treatment of sciatica in 30 cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2009 29(1):50-3.
- Lawrence DJ, Meeker W, Branson R, Bronfort G, Cates JR, Haas M, Haneline M, Micozzi M, Updyke W, Mootz R, Triano JJ, Hawk C. Chiropractic management of low back pain and low back-related leg complaints: a literature synthesis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2008 31(9):659-74. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.10.007
- Bell J. Massage therapy helps to increase range of motion, decrease pain and assist in healing a client with low back pain and sciatica symptoms. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2008 12(3):281-9. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.01.006
Writer Bio
Laura Parr began her professional writing career in 2008 contributing to websites such as Travelbox, 1stop and Traveldojo. She now writes health and fitness-related articles. Parr earned a diploma of adult nursing from the University of Brighton, followed by a postgraduate certificate in public health from the University of Manchester.