What are common causes for buttock pain?

Buttock pain can stem from various sources, including:

Muscle strain: Overuse or sudden movements can strain the muscles in the buttocks, leading to pain and discomfort.

Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can become tight or inflamed, compressing the sciatic nerve and causing pain that may radiate down the leg.

Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the buttocks and legs, can cause buttock pain along with radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the leg.

Sacrum or coccyx injury: Injuries to the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) or coccyx (tailbone) can cause localized pain in the buttocks.

Piriformis or gluteal bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs) located near the piriformis or gluteal muscles can lead to buttock pain, especially with sitting or walking.

Hip osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the hip joint can cause buttock pain, particularly during weight-bearing activities or movements involving hip rotation.

Pelvic floor dysfunction: Dysfunction of the muscles in the pelvic floor can cause pelvic pain that may radiate to the buttocks.

Hamstring injury: Strain or tear of the hamstring muscles, which run along the back of the thigh and attach to the pelvis, can cause buttock pain, particularly with activities such as running or stretching.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Dysfunction or inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the sacrum to the pelvis, can cause buttock pain that may radiate into the lower back or thigh.

Referred pain: Pain originating from the lower back, hips, or pelvic organs can sometimes be felt in the buttocks due to the interconnected network of nerves in the area.

It’s important to check for structural causes of buttock pain, because an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial if you’re experiencing persistent or severe buttock pain.

Neurology evaluation including electrophysiology workup may be required if pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as leg pain or numbness.

Should the pain be caused by disc herniation or spinal deformity, spinal surgery may be indicated to fix the issue.