Numbness due to sitting for too long

Numbness due to sitting for too long

Office workers who sit all day without doing any movement at all, drivers who drive long distances, and young people who play online games all day while facing the screen non-stop are susceptible to feeling numbness in the pelvis and buttocks area when sitting.

It could be that you are experiencing piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is a condition associated with tension or irritation of the piriformis muscle, a muscle located in the pelvic area, which functions to assist hip rotation.

This condition can cause unpleasant symptoms, including numbness or pain in the buttock area, especially for those who often sit for long periods of time. Additionally, the piriformis muscle can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness, and tingling along the back of the leg and into the leg (similar to sciatic pain).

Typical piriformis syndrome symptoms may include:

• Dull pain in the buttocks pain in the back of the thigh, calf and foot (sciatica)

• Pain when climbing stairs or inclines increased pain after prolonged sitting reduces the range of motion of the hip joint.

These symptoms may worsen after prolonged sitting, walking, or running. However, symptoms usually subside after lying on your back.

The cause of piriformis syndrome is not yet known. However, several factors are thought to cause this syndrome, such as:

• Muscle spasm of the piriformis muscle, either due to irritation of that muscle or irritation of nearby structures such as the sacroiliac or hip

• Muscle tightening, in response to injury or spasm

• Swelling of the piriformis muscle itself or irritation of nearby structures, such as the sacroiliac or hip joints

• Muscle tightening in response to injury or spasm

• Swelling of the piriformis muscle, due to injury or spasm

• Bleeding in the piriformis muscle area

Prevention in dealing with piriformis syndrome

So that these symptoms do not suddenly continue and get worse, you must at least anticipate piriformis syndrome from now on. First, warm up first to minimize stretching of the piriformis muscle. Do it regularly to reduce muscle spasms.

Second, correct and readjust your sitting posture. Avoid the habit of sitting for too long in one position which can worsen the condition of piriformis syndrome. Changing your sitting position, which you can adjust alternately, certainly helps prevent excess pressure on the piriformis muscle, which is your support in pressing your position when sitting.

If the symptoms of piriformis syndrome still persist, don't take it lightly. Get yourself checked immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

Pain that has lasted for several weeks or more.

• Sudden onset of severe pain accompanied by muscle weakness or a sensation of numbness in the legs.

• Pain that occurs immediately after an injury.

• Difficulty in holding urine or defecation.

• Pain that appears intermittently and hinders daily activities.

• The presence of muscle weakness, especially around the pelvic area, may be a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be evaluated by a health professional.

• Pelvic pain affects sleeping comfort. If this continues, immediately consult a doctor

Piriformis syndrome can be a source of discomfort and mobility problems when carrying out daily activities.