Buttocks pain is a common complaint that can have many different causes. The good news is that in most cases, buttock pain resolves on its own or with simple home treatments. Understanding the various causes and treatments can help you find relief.
Common Causes of Buttocks Pain
Here are some of the most common reasons for buttocks pain:
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg. It is often caused by a herniated disk or bone spur compressing part of the nerve. Along with buttock pain, sciatica can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the leg and foot.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle located deep in the buttocks can sometimes compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to similar symptoms as sciatica. Piriformis syndrome tends to cause pain and tingling in the buttock itself.
Muscle Strain
Repeated heavy lifting, sports injuries, or falls can overextend or tear the large gluteal muscles in the buttocks. This can cause anything from mild to severe pain depending on the severity of the muscle strain.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the spine, hips, or pelvis can contribute to pain and stiffness in the buttocks. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the joints in the pelvic region.
Tailbone Injury
Falling hard on the tailbone (coccyx) can bruise or fracture it. Tailbone pain when sitting is the hallmark symptom.
Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually develops near the tailbone at the top of the cleft between the buttocks. A pilonidal cyst can become infected and filled with pus, causing pain, swelling, and redness.
Bone Tumor
Rarely, cancer that starts in the bones of the pelvis can cause pain in the buttocks or lower back. Some types, such as Ewing’s sarcoma, are more likely to arise in children and teens.
When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience:
– Severe, unrelenting buttock pain
– Pain, numbness or weakness in the leg/foot
– Difficulty controlling the bowels or bladder
– Unexplained weight loss along with buttock pain
– Pain that wakes you up at night
– Pain, swelling, or redness in the buttocks along with fever
These symptoms can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Prompt evaluation is especially important if the pain starts after a fall or injury to the spine or pelvis.
Self-Care and Home Treatments
For mild or moderate buttock pain likely caused by muscle strain or arthritis, the following self-care measures may help provide relief:
Rest
Avoid any activities that aggravate the pain, such as heavy lifting, running, or excess walking. Take a break from prolonged sitting.
Ice or Heat
Ice helps relieve pain and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the painful area for up to 20 minutes, 3-4 times per day. Alternatively, try a heating pad or warm bath to relax the muscles.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can ease inflammation and pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) also helps relieve pain.
Stretching and Exercise
Gentle stretches for the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes can help reduce muscle tightness. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling can help strengthen muscles without further strain.
Massage
Ask a massage therapist to focus on the piriformis, gluteal, and low back muscles. Massage can help relax the muscles and increase blood flow.
Posture and Support
Pay attention to posture and use cushions for support when sitting to reduce pressure on the buttocks. Place a pillow between the knees when sleeping on the side.
When Can I Expect the Pain to Go Away?
The time it takes for buttock pain to resolve depends on the underlying cause:
| Condition | Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Muscle strain | 1-4 weeks |
| Piriformis syndrome | 2-6 weeks |
| Sciatica due to herniated disk | 6-12 weeks |
| Sciatica due to spinal stenosis | 4-6 months with treatment |
| Pilonidal cyst | 2-4 weeks afterdrainage |
| Arthritis | No cure, but can manage symptoms |
For chronic conditions like spinal stenosis or arthritis, buttock pain may come and go over time. With proper treatment, flare-ups can be minimized and long periods of remission achieved.
Acute injuries like muscle strains or pilonidal cysts often resolve fully with conservative treatment like rest, ice, medication, and time. However, if the pain becomes worse or persists for many weeks unchanged, further evaluation and treatment may be needed.
When to Try Physical Therapy
If home treatments do not improve your buttock pain after 2-4 weeks, making an appointment with a physical therapist can help. A physical therapist can:
– Identify movements or activities that aggravate your pain
– Massage and stretch tight muscles
– Use ultrasound, heat, or electrical stimulation to relax muscles
– Recommend specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles
– Improve posture and body mechanics
– Fit you for support belts or orthotic devices
Physical therapy is often helpful for sciatica, piriformis syndrome, muscle strains, and arthritis. Your doctor may be able to give you a referral.
Medical Treatments
For moderate to severe cases of sciatica and piriformis syndrome that do not improve with conservative treatment, injections or surgery may be considered:
Steroid Injections
Injecting a steroid medication like cortisone alongside a local anesthetic can reduce inflammation and pain. However, the benefits tend to be temporary.
Surgery
If the pain is disabling and caused by a herniated disk or bone spur, surgery can remove the offending source of nerve compression. Surgery for piriformis syndrome involves cutting a portion of the piriformis muscle.
Prevention
The following tips may help you avoid buttock pain in the future:
– Maintain proper posture and use lumbar support when sitting
– Avoid sitting for long periods without breaks
– Stretch the hamstrings, hip flexors and gluteal muscles
– Exercise regularly to build core and glute strength
– Lift heavy objects carefully by bending the knees
– Treat constipation to avoid straining
– Maintain a healthy weight to limit stress on the joints
– Use proper technique and safety gear when playing sports
Conclusion
Buttock pain often resolves on its own within a few weeks with conservative self-care. Try an OTC pain medication, ice, rest, massage, and gentle stretches. If the pain persists beyond 4-6 weeks or worsens, see your doctor for a full evaluation. Underlying causes like sciatica, arthritis, and muscle strains can usually be diagnosed and treated effectively. While waiting for improvement, over the counter or prescription medication, physical therapy, supportive devices, and possibly injections or surgery can help manage stubborn buttock pain. With patience and a proactive treatment approach, most people find their buttock pain eventually goes away and they can return to normal activity.