top of page
Writer's pictureAdam Whatley

Is my buttock pain caused from sciatica? Dynamic Osteopaths, Birmingham.

Buttock pain can be uncomfortable and concerning to say the least. If this occurs for more than a couple of days it is important to find the root course before it gets worse, particularly if the onset is insidious.

Most causes of buttock pain are not always serious and do not lead to serious complications, but in some cases, there may be an underlying reason that needs treatment to relieve symptoms. What is pain in the buttocks?

There are many reasons why people might feel pain in their buttocks and this area is prone to injury. 

Sciatica and buttock pain

Sciatica is a common cause of pain in the buttocks and often travels down the leg. Sciatica often occurs from a variety of reaasons. 

What causes of sciatica 

Sciatica can occur due to compression of an existing nerve root from the spine but can also by caused by the piriformis muscle deep in the buttocks that irritates the sciatic nerve as it travels through the buttock muscles. Sciatic pain may be associated with numbness or tingling in the legs or feet that may worsen sitting or bending forward. But symptoms can be mixed again. As mentioned before very often occurred by prolapsed or herniated disc, causing sciatica pain. Sciatica happens more often in people in their 40s and 50s, as age related degenerative changes take place. Thai then causing pressure on the sciatic nerve and nerve roots causes the pain known as sciatica. 

The most common causes of pain Impact / Bruising  Injuries to the buttocks may occur, for example, for example due to sports related impact, or due to a slip. A lump may appear first then swelling, and tenderness that should subside. Eventually, the area will heal, and the bruise will fade.

Muscle strain Muscle strain is another common cause of buttock pain. The muscles in the buttocks are known as gluteus group. Excessive contraction or overstretching can pull these muscle groups causing pain.

What are the signs of a muscle strain?

- local tenderness and stiffness - associated swelling - difficulty contacting the muscle

A muscle strain or pull often occurs when someone partakes in exercise without warming up first, or due to a sudden movement. Hip Bursitis / Gluteal Bursitis  Bursitis is inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that help to protect and cushion the bones and aid to reduce friction where soft tissue rub against each other.  The most commonly effected areas for bursitis are the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows so where are lot of movement occurs. Even so, bursitis can also occur in the buttocks when it is called ischial bursitis. Symptoms of ischial bursitis can be: Pain when sitting or lying down. Pain in the back of the thigh. Pain of contraction of the hamstrings (hamstring insirtion). Often this type of bursitis in the butt bone area occurs if a person who sits on a hard surface for an extended period. An injury to the buttocks can also lead to this condition. 

Herniated disc

Discs in a person's spine can become herniated if the outer layer of the disc tears, allowing some of the inner material to slip out. When this happens, the disc can press on the existing spinal nerves, which can be painful and also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area and down the leg. Degenerative disc disease In older people, the discs in the back can become weaker and worn down, due to progressive dehydration. As this happens, the discs becomes less effective in dealing with compression and the spinal bones can begin to rub against one another. This can cause pain in the buttocks and thighs, as well as numbness and tingling in the legs. Symptoms may worsen upon sitting, bending, or lifting. 

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction The sacroiliac joint is a joint that connects the bottom of the spine to the pelvis and often this sacroiliac joint can  become inflammed. If the sacroiliac joint does become irritated or inflamed a person may experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, and upper legs. Walking, running, and going upstairs can make the pain worse,  also turning over in that. This joint can also be related often to instability. Specific strengthening rehabilitation exercises are advised. Spinal Arthritis Arthritis of the spine is a common Progressive degenerative condition.  This condition affects millions of people each year. Arthritis can occur due to the joints becoming worn down, as a person gets older. Some types of arthritis occur because the immune system begins to attack the joints. Arthritis causes joints to stiffen and can be very painful. If this occurs in the hip joints, pain can radiate to the buttocks, though keeping the joint moving, physical therapy, and medication can all help and improve the flexibility of the joint.

Other symptoms may include a cyst or an abscess, Vascular disease 

  Find out more about possible causes of buttock pain and how it can be treated.

Located in Birmingham and Warwickshire

01564330773

bottom of page