Hamstring Syndrome, Sciatica, and Chiropractic

The hamstring muscles are three muscles in the back of the thigh. The sciatic nerve goes through or around and down the legs into the feet. Hamstring syndrome is a condition where injury or spasm apply pressure compressing the sciatic nerve.

• The nerve can become pinched between the hamstring muscles and the pelvic bone or the band of tissue that connects the hamstring muscles.
• This can cause discomfort, tingling, numbness, and pain down the back of the leg, hip, buttock, and into the foot.
• Pain can present when sitting down or stretching the hamstrings.
• Pain reduces when lying flat on the back.

Hamstring syndrome

This condition could be the result of wearing and tearing to the back muscles and hamstring muscles. It is often seen in individuals that play sports involving running, kicking, and/or jumping. But it can happen to anyone from some awkward leg motion causing the muscles to spasm that can twist around the sciatic nerve or pull on it, causing various symptoms. A doctor or chiropractor will diagnose the condition by examining the symptoms, physical activities, and leg. Most individuals diagnosed with hamstring syndrome report discomfort or pain where they sit down. The pain gradually worsens when performing physical activities, regularly sitting, and when flexing the knee. Hamstring syndrome usually gets better within a few weeks with proper rest and home care. A doctor or chiropractor will recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles.

Home care

• Ask the doctor or chiropractor about taking over-the-counter pain medication:
• Acetaminophen – Tylenol
• Ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin
• Naproxen – Aleve
• Read and follow all label instructions.
• Use an ice pack on the pain area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days or until the swelling goes down.
• After 2 or 3 days, if the swelling is gone, apply heat.
• Use a warm water bottle, heating pad, or warm cloth over the area.
• Avoid sitting if possible, unless it feels better than standing.
• Take short walks to keep the muscles stretched.
• Don’t do anything that causes symptoms to worsen.
• Return to normal physical activities slowly.
• If symptoms do not improve, then contact a doctor or chiropractor.

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Body Composition

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Short-term effects of coffee

• Coffee increases short-term blood pressure slightly.
• Caffeine falls under stimulants, or substances that excite the systems throughout the body.
• Ingesting caffeine can cause the body to experience increased excitement, especially in the cardiovascular system.
• This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise
• Then it lowers back down to baseline levels for most healthy individuals.
• It is recommended to drink coffee in moderation, safe for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

References

de Ridder, Roel et al. “Neurodynamic sliders promote flexibility in tight hamstring syndrome.” European journal of sports science vol. 20,7 (2020): 973-980. doi:10.1080/17461391.2019.1675770

Matsuda, Dean K. “Editorial Commentary: Proximal Hamstring Syndrome: Another Pain in the Buttock.” Arthroscopy: the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery: official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association vol. 34,1 (2018): 122-125. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2017.08.260

Park, Jung Wee et al. “Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain.” The bone & joint journal vol. 102-B,5 (2020): 556-567. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.102B5.BJJ-2019-1212.R1