Driver's leg syndrome is also known as piriformis syndrome which is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, which is located in your buttock region, becomes tight or spasms, putting pressure on your sciatic nerve that runs beneath it.
The driver's leg syndrome or piriformis can result in pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks and down the leg.
The exact causes of piriformis syndrome are unknown.
Suspected causes include muscle spasm in the piriformis muscle, either because of irritation in the muscle itself or irritation of a nearby structure such as the sacroiliac joint or hip.
Tightening of the muscle, in response to injury or spasm can also cause piriformis syndrome.
Management and Treatment for Piriformis syndrome include.
A few days of rest.
Home exercises to stretch or strengthen the piriformis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Massage, as complementary medicine.
Medications that relax the muscles.
Piriformis syndrome physical therapy that focuses on stretching and strengthening the piriformis.
When driving it's important to consider your driving posture and make sure that the curve of your lower back is not flattened due to a slouched posture.
This posture compresses the discs which can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing radiating pain down the leg.
You may find that piriformis syndrome comes and goes, depending on your activity level.
Try to recognize the activities that seem to trigger it.
That way, you can be sure to do exercises to stretch the piriformis muscles before and after those activities.
When you have piriformis syndrome you should avoid activities that cause pain, such as biking or running.
You can resume these activities after the pain is gone.
Be sure to use proper form and equipment when doing sports or other physical activities.
The piriformis can become tight due to sitting for long periods or being overworked due to repetitive motions.
Stretching the piriformis muscle can help to alleviate discomfort and prevent further tightness.
To stretch the piriformis, people can perform sitting or lying stretches.
Walking is a great, low-impact way to relieve pain from piriformis syndrome.
Walking can help strengthen your piriformis muscle while also reducing muscle tightness and spasms.
If you're beginning a new walking routine, take it slow!
Start with a distance or time you feel comfortable with, then build from there.