Que : Saddle height and piriformis syndrome - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

06-20-2004, 05:18 AM

Does anyone know of a connection between low saddle height and piriformis
syndrome (sciatica from irritated/injured piriformis muscle deep in the
buttock) ? I believe I may have triggered such a problem this year.

I've just gotten over a 10+ week bout of sciatica. Normally I attribute my
attacks to a bulging lumbar disc, but this most recent episode began
differently. Prior to onset of the leg/back pain, I noticed a pain in the
left buttock. This began following a relatively short bike ride with
moderate hills, after I had lowered my saddle height for better power (i.e.
higher cadences) on the hills.

I stayed off the bike afterwards, but the pain only increased. Eventually it
became sciatica in the left leg. I am pain free now, and just beginning my
training riding for the year. :-(

Has anyone experienced a similar problem related to changes in saddle
height? Any suggestions as to how to avoid this? Should I raise my saddle to
the old setting?