Understanding Buttock Pain: Causes, Relief Strategies, and Prevention
Pain in the buttock area can come on suddenly and be caused by many conditions. Although it may seem insignificant to those not experiencing the symptoms, pain ranging from mild to extreme can significantly impact daily activities.
Because of the wide variety of ways buttock pain can be caused, those experiencing new, worsening, or severe buttock pain should seek medical care to determine the cause and best treatment.
The pain specialists at Advanced Spine and Pain are available to answer any questions about buttock pain. Call us at (480) 573-0130 or contact us online to learn more.
How Buttock Pain Starts
Buttock pain can stem from various causes, including lower back issues, muscle strains, prolonged sitting, injuries, or rectal problems.
To determine the exact cause, a healthcare professional will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and, if appropriate, order imaging tests.
Signs of Buttock Pain That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
In many cases, buttock pain isn’t serious, but certain symptoms may suggest underlying issues that require prompt medical attention. If you experience any of the following, it's important to seek care right away:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Sudden, severe, or worsening pain
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- High fever
- Any visible sores
- Redness or swelling, especially if it spreads
- Inability to walk or bear weight on a leg
- Rectal bleeding or other discharge
Common Causes of Buttock Pain
There are many common causes of buttock pain and potential treatment options. Based on the symptoms, seeking medical advice may be the best way to determine the best treatment available.
Muscle Strain
Pain in the gluteus maximus, or “glute,” may appear as an ache, throb, or spasm.
Glute pain may occur from several causes. For example, it may be caused by an injury like a fall or car accident. It may also be related to a strain from overuse or exercise, especially if proper stretching and warmup techniques are not followed.
This condition can often be treated at home with ice, heat, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Infection and Cysts
In some cases, problems can develop in the body or skin near the buttocks and cause pain. This includes perirectal abscesses (an infection near the rectum), pilonidal cysts (a skin issue that can become infected), and cellulitis (a skin infection). Signs include pain, swelling, redness, or drainage from the affected area.
Bursitis
In some cases, buttock pain is caused by an inflamed bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions bones and tissues). This is known as ischial bursitis or "weaver’s bottom." Pain often worsens with sitting for long periods. Learn more about weaver’s bottom here.
Coccydynia
Coccydynia is a term for tailbone pain. The tailbone can cause buttock pain after a fall, sitting for long periods on a hard surface, or from arthritis pain.
This condition usually resolves on its own after a few weeks. Sitting on a special cushion to relieve pressure, applying heat and cold packs, and using over-the-counter pain medication can also help.
In some cases, physical therapy, a local anesthetic injection, or manipulation of the muscles around the tailbone may be recommended. In rare cases where nothing has helped resolve the pain, surgery can be performed.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by pressure on sensitive points in the muscles (trigger points). It may cause pain not only at the site but also in seemingly unrelated parts of the body. Learn about myofascial pain syndrome here.
Treatments for Buttock Pain
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and relieve tension
- Medication: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic pain medications
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive technique to interrupt pain signals
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Used when the SI joint is the source of pain
- Facet Joint Injections: Help relieve pain from inflamed spinal joints
- Tendon or Bursa Injections: Target inflammation in soft tissues like tendons or bursae
- Trigger Point Injections: For myofascial pain syndrome or muscle knots
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): A procedure to break up scar tissue and improve mobility
- DISC Procedure: Non-surgical treatment to restore disc function
If your pain does not improve with rest or home care, schedule an evaluation to explore more targeted treatments. Contact us today or call (480) 573-0130.