Piriformis/deep gluteal syndrome is a condition that affects the piriformis muscle and can cause pain in the buttocks, hips, and lower back. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated by the piriformis muscle. This condition can make activities such as sitting, standing, and walking painful. Many people who suffer from this condition wonder if it hurts more at night. In this blog post, we will explore whether piriformis/deep gluteal syndrome hurts more at night and what you can do to alleviate your symptoms.
There are several reasons why piriformis/deep gluteal syndrome may hurt more at night. Firstly, when you lie down, your body weight is distributed differently than when you are standing or sitting. This redistribution of weight can cause additional pressure on the affected area, leading to increased pain. Secondly, during restful sleep cycles, muscles tend to relax further which may lead to muscles tightening up around the hip area causing additional irritation.
It’s important to note that sleeping positions play an important role in managing your symptoms. For instance, sleeping on your back with a pillow underneath your knees may help relieve pressure on your hips and lower back while positioning yourself in a fetal position may help keep pressure off of your hips throughout the night.
Another factor that contributes to increased pain at night is overuse of muscles during the day which causes them to fatigue. When these fatigued muscles are put under stress again during sleep cycles they often become more inflamed leading to increased pain levels.
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are effective treatments for piriformis/deep gluteal syndrome that can help alleviate pain both during the day and at night. A physiotherapist or chiropractor will work with you to identify any underlying issues and create an individualized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. These treatments may include stretching exercises, massage, and acupuncture.
In addition to physiotherapy/chiropractic care, there are several self-care techniques you can use to help alleviate your symptoms at night. For instance, applying heat or ice packs to the affected area before bed can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can also try taking a warm bath before bed as it helps relax muscles and reduces tension in the body.
In conclusion, piriformis/deep gluteal syndrome can hurt more at night due to changes in weight distribution during sleep cycles and overuse of muscles during the day leading to fatigue and inflammation. However, there are ways to manage your symptoms both during the day and at night. Physiotherapy/chiropractic care coupled with self-care techniques such as heat/ice therapy can be effective in alleviating pain associated with this condition. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional who will create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs for optimal symptom relief.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sakshi Rupani, BPT, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
