Maybe Your Butt Pain Is The SIJ?
If you missed it, go check out this article where we described common causes of Deep Gluteal Syndrome (DGS). This is when the sciatic nerve is entrapped as it exits the pelvis and travels through the deep structures of the buttock in the back part of the hip.
Could Your Buttock Pain Be Due To A Sacroiliac Joint Problem?
As a refresher, this picture shows the piriformis muscle located in the middle of your buttock. The star marks the most common site of pain and tenderness. The shaded area shows where you can experience referred pain from the injured muscle.
Pain is typically focused in the buttock but may extend down the leg.
But wait a minute, check out this picture, which shows where you can experience pain if your sacroiliac joint is a problem.
Do you notice that the areas you can feel pain are similar?
SIJ sprains and strains are quite common and can indirectly result in entrapment of the sciatic nerve. Remember the Piriformis muscle crosses the SIJ so if you injure the joint and the body responds by tightening the piriformis muscle, entrapment of the sciatic nerve can occur.
Buttock pain is common and needs to be properly assessed and diagnosed before you can hope to figure out which treatments will be best. Watch the video below as Dr. Batinić assesses and treats Dr. Gord’s wonky SIJ problem.
Summary
Buttock and Sciatica-type pain can have numerous causes, all grouped under a Diagnosis of Deep Gluteal Syndrome (formerly Piriformis Syndrome). Sacroiliac joint sprains, strains and dysfunction can be contributing as the Piriformis muscle, which crosses the SIJ, can tighten and entrap the sciatic nerve.
We recommend reaching out to one of our trained practitioners at our Calgary clinic. We offer chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage, and more to help you assess your buttock pain or sciatica. You can request an appointment now by clicking here.
