Running is a great way to get exercise and many enjoy the exhilaration of a good run. Whether you are training for a race, burning off some excess energy, or trying to get into better shape, you don’t want pain destroying your desire to hit the track. We’re going to take a closer look at the chain reaction that leads to nerve pain in the legs for many runners, and then we’ll discuss some solutions.
What Causes Leg Nerve Pain for Runners?
Whether running or even going for a light jog, the large gluteal muscles should be activated. Just like you flip on the lights when entering a room, the glutes should be engaged fully while running. The problem is that the repetitive force of striking the ground with one’s foot over and over while running can shift the hips and pelvis. Once these are out of alignment, a chain of events is set in motion that leads to nerve irritation and leg pain.
The problem starts when misaligned hips and pelvis cause the piriformis to have to work as you run. Under normal circumstances, this muscle isn’t used during a running or jogging motion. When this muscle switches from being relaxed to activated during a run, problems begin. Because of its close proximity to the sciatic nerve, an activate piriformis can irritate the sciatic nerve and cause shooting pain that affects the glute, lower back, hip, leg and even foot on one side. What can you do to counteract this painful process?
How Runners Can Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain
There are two important factors in relieving this pain.
- Chiropractic Adjustments – An adjustment that returns the hips and pelvis to a normal position can allow the piriformis to turn off during running and relax the way it should. This, in turn, should relieve the irritation that was being caused to the sciatica nerve. Once the irritation is taken away, symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling should also be resolved.
- Exercise the Glutes – By strengthening the glute muscles, the hips and pelvis become less likely to misalign during a run. With the proper muscle groups strengthened and activated, the adjustment should hold, thereby preventing recurring pain.
Hip and Pelvis Adjustments to Relieve Nerve Pain for Runners
If you are a runner and are dealing with pain, numbness, or tingling down one leg, an adjustment may be what you require to get back on track. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ward today to get the relief you need from sciatica. Just call (703)672-1661 to get started.
