Piriformis Syndrome & Deep Bucket Seat

[Ross_328i_sport]

Good morning,

Strange one…..

Having recently being diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome , I’m wondering if any other folk have being diagnosed with this and have found ways in which they are able to continue to race cars without pain or numbness in their legs that use deep bucketed seat’s?

I have raced a multitude of cars ranging in styles from Citroen 2CV’s, M3, Caterham, Funcup, Formula Vee and in anything with a deep bucketed seat (Caterham and Formula Vee) have right leg numbness ranging from mild to severe pain and no feeling in my right leg. The Caterham is by far the most painful and begins to occur after 5 hard laps and my concern is in relation to complete loss of feeling and having an accident.

I’ve engaged a physio and having MRI within a week but from what I’m hearing the main aggravating issue is the angle at which my thigh is to the ground. Both the Formula Vee and Caterham have molded seats.

I’m relatively tall 6ft 2 thus will not be helping to get my legs flatter however I’m wondering if any others have experienced similar and have found solutions other than changing car to a more saloon orientated car.

I’ve had some thoughts personally to try and improve the Caterham none of which are tested but wondering if any others have experienced similar and found any mods that relief the pain: -

- Putting hole in seat where Piriformis muscle is (mimicking the cushion you can buy, only difference is in deep bucket seat would this be useful as pelvis is rotated)
- Changing master cylinder to require less effort
- Changing brake pedal to require less force (Pivot point)

Cheers
Ross

[Whoozit]

Sorry to hear that. I got it out of the blue last year.

It will depend where the nerve is being irritated. Although the main pain may be in the buttock, the root could be further up the back. Worth trying adjustments to the angle of the lower back, maybe a strap on cushion. Fixed bucket seats aren't forgiving.

The good news is it usually reduces in severity by itself, even going completely. Taking regular ibuprofen to reduce the swelling/irritation will help, may take several weeks.

Edited by Whoozit on Tuesday 23 May 14:42

[Belle427]

id let the physio advise first, may be that some stretches for flexibilty will help but they are a horrible area pain wise.
ive always had aches.in mine and find stretching and the use of a dense massage roller can help.
let them advise first though.