Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 3/26/2007

Question
Hi,
Thanx in advance for reading this:
So today, I was on my walking to work and I felt this sharp pain/electricity type feeling in my left buttock-mid to upper left hand region. Its been bothering me all day-not terrible pain but uncomfortable.
Of note, Ive had a cramp or charlie horse in my left calve for about two weeks that has just recently gone away. It was there for an unusually long period of time and just didnt "feel" right. Not sure if there is any relation but thought I would mention it none the less.
I am a 32 yr. old male in decent physical shape.
Lower back/buttock pain TERRIFIES me.
Now of course my whole back is starting to hurt-but im almost 100% sure its me overreacting to this little pain in my buttock.
Any idea on what this could be?
Thanx so much.
Avi

Answer
Dear Avi,

Well, I will make a guess to what you may be suffering from.  However, keep in mind that it is best to have it examine to have a definite diagnose.  

What you described may be an indication of piriformis syndrome.  What that mean is that the piriformis muscle, it is located at the buttock area under the glute (large buttock muscle)is tense and tight.  This could be due to the piriformis muscle compensating for the cramping of the calf muscle.  Since the calf muscle was in cramp, the piriformis muscle takes over more to stabilize the leg as you walk, run or stand.  Over time, it becomes tight to the point  of causing sharp pain.  Eventually, it will affect the low back and perhaps that explain the pain you are experiencing in the low back.  

The solution to this is to relax and stretch out the piriformis muscle as this will also reduce the pain of the low back.  Recommendations would include massage and heat to the area which is at the buttock and stretching of the muscle itself.

Piriformis stretching:  sitting on the floor both legs straight forward.  Cross the left leg over the right leg making a "4" position (the left ankle is right above the right knee cap).  Grab the right leg as you bend the right knee toward your chest and lie on your back on the floor.  As you pull the right knee to your chest, you should feel a "burning" sensation at the left buttock which is good.  Hold the position for about 30 to 40 seconds for the piriformis to loosen up.  To get more stretch, while in the same position, push the left knee downward away from your body and try to get it to flush with the right knee.  This should induce more stretching to the piriformis muscle.  You can do this as often as you like.

If the symptoms do not resolve or lessen, you may want to visit a chiropractor or acupuncturist to have a definite diagnose and proper management.