Are you experiencing discomfort in your buttocks, especially when sitting for extended periods? A person may experience pain in their buttocks when sitting for many reasons, including minor injuries, bruises or more severe conditions such as sciatica and damaged disks.  In this article,  learn about the common causes of buttock pain, symptoms and characteristics of sciatica, and determine if sciatica is the underlying cause of your discomfort. 

What is Sciatica?  

Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and also the main nerve of the leg, controlling the muscles and provides sensation in the whole leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. In addition to pain, sciatica can also cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. 

Causes of Buttock Pain  

Different causes of buttock pain can produce a variety of symptoms, including shooting, burning, numbness, tingling, or aching sensations. Some causes of buttock pain will happen suddenly while others can develop gradually over time. Here are some of the conditions that can cause buttock pain, as well as tips to help you figure out which one you might have. 

Sciatica 

Sciatica a prevalent source of buttock pain, is not an independent condition but rather a symptom stemming from various underlying conditions:- 

  • Piriformis syndrome: Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve. This muscle, originating from the lower spine and extending to the thigh, can exert pressure on the sciatic nerve due to factors such as overuse, injury, or muscle spasms. 
  • Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc refers to the condition where the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve. This compression can lead to inflammation, pain, and other symptoms associated with sciatica. 
  • Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve. This narrowing can occur due to factors such as bone spurs, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments, resulting in symptoms like sciatica. 
  • Pelvic injury or factual: Trauma or injury to the pelvis, such as a fracture or dislocation, can disrupt the normal alignment of the spine and pelvis, potentially compressing the sciatic nerve. This compression can result in pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the buttocks down the leg. 
  • Tumor: Rarely, tumors or abnormal growths in the spine or pelvis can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica symptoms. These tumors may originate from the spine, nearby soft tissues, or metastasize from other parts of the body. 
  • Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, potentially narrowing the spinal canal and compressing spinal nerves, including the sciatic nerve. This condition can be congenital or develop due to factors such as age-related degeneration or trauma. 

Other Causes of Buttock Pain

Aside from sciatica, other common causes of buttock pain include:

  • Muscle strains: occur due to overstretching or pulling of the gluteal muscles, leading to tenderness, stiffness, and swelling.  
  • Bruising: result from injuries such as falls or sports-related accidents, causing temporary discomfort and discoloration of the skin.  
  • Bursitis, particularly ischial bursitis: involves inflammation of the bursae in the buttocks, leading to pain when sitting or lying down.  
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and upper legs, often aggravated by activities like walking or running. 

Is Sciatica Causing Your Buttock Pain When Sitting? 

Sciatica isn’t the only potential culprit behind buttock pain, especially while sitting. Various underlying conditions can lead to similar symptoms, complicating the diagnostic process. To determine if sciatica is the cause of your discomfort, it’s crucial to consider other possible sources of buttock pain and consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. 

Treatment for Sciatica  

When treating sciatica, various options are available depending on the condition’s severity and individual symptoms. 

Physical therapy 

A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. This may include specific stretches, low-impact exercises, and techniques to improve posture. 

Medications & Minimally Invasive Procedures 

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage pain and inflammation. This can include nerve stabilisers, muscle relaxants, which can help alleviate nerve-related pain. 

Minimally invasive procedures involve specialised injections directly into the affected area  to help reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting pain relief. These injections are usually administered by a healthcare professional and may be recommended if other conservative treatments haven’t been effective. 

Surgery 

In cases where sciatica is caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments mentioned above, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include: 

  • Diskectomy: This surgical intervention entails the removal of fragments or small portions of a herniated disc that exert pressure on a nerve. 
  • Laminectomy: Involving the removal of a segment of the lamina, the rear section of each vertebra situated just beneath the skin of the back, which may be compressing spinal nerves. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, buttock pain can be a distressing symptom, especially when sitting for prolonged periods. While sciatica is a common concern, it’s essential to consider various other potential causes of this discomfort. Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of sciatica, along with its common causes, can aid in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Whether it’s piriformis syndrome, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other conditions contributing to buttock pain, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for effective management. With a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes and available treatment options, individuals experiencing buttock pain can take proactive steps towards relief and improved quality of life.