Buttock pain is a common issue that can impact daily activities like sitting, walking, or exercising. While the discomfort may seem minor initially, persistent pain can affect your mobility and quality of life. Understanding what causes pain in the buttocks is essential for proper treatment and prevention. From muscular strain to nerve compression, there are a variety of underlying causes for this type of pain.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes, provide prevention tips, and explain when to see an orthopedic specialist for professional guidance and treatment.
Overview of Buttock Pain
The buttocks are composed of muscles, nerves, bones, and connective tissues that work together to support your body’s movement and stability. When any of these parts are irritated, inflamed, or injured, pain may result. Buttock pain can be sharp, dull, aching, or radiating, and its intensity can range from mild to severe. Since multiple conditions may be responsible for buttock pain, identifying the exact cause is crucial for treatment.
Buttock pain can result from issues in the musculoskeletal system, such as muscle strain, nerve compression, or even health conditions, such as infections or tumors. Understanding what causes pain in the buttocks can help you seek timely treatment, prevent further injury, and restore comfort and mobility.
15 Causes of Buttock Pain
Buttock pain can develop from sources ranging from muscle strain and nerve compression to more serious underlying health conditions. Because the buttocks consist of several important muscles, nerves, and joints that support movement and posture, even a minor injury or imbalance can trigger discomfort. Identifying what causes pain in the buttocks is the first step toward effective treatment and relief.
1. Muscle Strain (Gluteal Strain)
The gluteal muscles, including the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus, play a crucial role in hip movement, balance, and posture. Muscle strain in the buttocks occurs when these muscles are overstretched or torn due to sudden movements, heavy lifting, or overuse during intense physical activity. Strains can range from mild to severe, with more serious cases causing difficulty with everyday movements like sitting, standing, or climbing stairs.
Symptoms: Sharp or aching pain in the buttocks, stiffness, tenderness, and discomfort when walking, standing, or sitting for long periods.
Prevention: Warm up before exercise, gradually increase workout intensity, and strengthen gluteal muscles through resistance training to prevent strains.
2. Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg, so any compression can cause pain to radiate along this path. For anyone exploring what causes pain in the buttocks, it is one of the most well-known due to its prevalence in adults with lower back issues.
Symptoms: Sharp, shooting pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the buttocks and back of the leg; tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot.
Prevention: Maintain good posture when sitting or standing, avoid heavy lifting without proper technique, and strengthen your core and lower back to support the spine.
3. Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle — a small, pear-shaped muscle located deep in the buttocks — becomes tight, irritated, or inflamed. People who sit for long periods, runners, and those with poor hip flexibility are more prone to developing this condition. Piriformis syndrome is a muscular issue that can be managed with specific stretches and exercises.
Symptoms: Pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks that may extend down the back of the leg; discomfort that worsens when sitting for extended periods or climbing stairs.
Prevention: Stretch the piriformis and hip muscles regularly, avoid prolonged sitting, and incorporate exercises to improve hip flexibility and gluteal strength.
4. Bursitis (Ischial or Trochanteric Bursitis)
Bursitis occurs when one of the small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae that cushion joints become inflamed, often due to overuse, injury, or prolonged pressure. In the buttocks, two primary types of bursitis can develop ischial bursitis, which is near the “sit bones”, and trochanteric bursitis, which is near the outer hip. People who sit on hard surfaces for long periods or engage in repetitive activities like running may be at higher risk.
Symptoms: Deep, aching pain in the buttocks or hip, which worsens when sitting, lying on the affected side, or walking for extended periods.
Prevention: Use cushioned seating to reduce pressure on the sit bones, avoid repetitive hip movements, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce hip stress.
5. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. When a herniated disc occurs in the lower back, it can compress the nerves that travel through the buttocks and down the legs. Herniated discs are commonly caused by injury, aging, or wear and tear from repetitive movements.
Symptoms: Sharp shooting pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks, hips, and legs; tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs or feet.
Prevention: Practice good posture, avoid heavy lifting without proper form, and strengthen core muscles to support the spine and prevent disc injury.
6. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the base of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis, vital in absorbing shock and stabilizing the body during movement. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when these joints become inflamed, misaligned, or too rigid, leading to pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the legs.
Symptoms: Aching pain in the lower back and buttocks, which may radiate to the hip or upper leg, as well as pain that worsens with standing, walking, or climbing stairs.
Prevention: Use proper lifting techniques, maintain balanced leg alignment, and stretch and strengthen the hip, glute, and core muscles to support the SI joints.
7. Muscle Imbalances
Muscle imbalances occur when specific muscles become stronger or tighter than their opposing muscles, leading to uneven tension and strain on the body. In the buttocks, this often happens when the gluteal muscles are underdeveloped or tight hip flexors and hamstrings pull on the pelvis, disrupting alignment.
Symptoms: Dull, aching pain in the glutes and hips, often worsened by prolonged sitting or physical activity.
Prevention: Incorporate exercises that target gluteal strength and flexibility, such as bridges, squats, and hip stretches. Balance your workout routine to avoid overworking specific muscle groups.
8. Hamstring Injury
The hamstrings are a group of muscles on the back of the thigh that play a crucial role in walking, running, and bending the knee. When the hamstrings are overstretched or subjected to sudden force — such as during sprinting or jumping — they can become strained or torn.
Symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain during physical activity, swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the back of the thigh or near the buttocks.
Prevention: Warm up thoroughly before exercise, avoid sudden bursts of intense activity, and maintain hamstring flexibility through regular stretching.
9. Pelvic Fracture
A pelvic fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the pelvis, often resulting from high-impact trauma, such as a car accident or a severe fall. In some cases, stress fractures may also occur in athletes or older adults with osteoporosis. Since the pelvis is closely connected to the gluteal muscles, any fracture in this area can lead to significant buttock pain.
Symptoms: Severe pain in the buttocks, groin, or hips, accompanied by difficulty walking, bruising, and swelling in the pelvic region.
Prevention: Use fall-prevention strategies, especially for older adults, and wear protective equipment for high-risk activities. Ensure proper intake of calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength.
10. Hip Labral Tear
The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning for the joint. When this cartilage becomes torn, it can cause pain that radiates into the buttocks, especially during hip movements. Hip labral tears often occur from repetitive hip movements in sports like soccer, hockey, or golf, but they can also result from structural abnormalities.
Symptoms: Pain and stiffness in the hip and buttocks, a “clicking” or “locking” sensation in the hip, and discomfort that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting.
Prevention: Avoid repetitive hip movements that strain the joint, maintain flexibility with stretching, and strengthen the hip and core muscles to support joint stability.
11. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by trigger points or sensitive “knots” of tight muscle fibers that can develop after injury or muscle overuse. In the buttocks, these trigger points are often found in the gluteal muscles, and they can radiate pain to other areas like the hips, lower back, or legs. Pressure on these trigger points, such as sitting for long periods, often worsens the pain.
Symptoms: Localized pain or tenderness in the glutes, trigger points, and referred pain that may radiate to other areas.
Prevention: Avoid prolonged sitting or repetitive motions that strain the glutes. Use stretching, massage, or myofascial release techniques to relieve trigger point tension.
12. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that exit the spinal cord. This condition is more common in older adults and often affects the lower back. Nerve compression from spinal stenosis can be associated with activities like walking or standing for long periods.
Symptoms: Pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, which may worsen when standing, walking, or bending backward.
Prevention: Maintain a healthy weight, practice good posture, and engage in regular physical activity that strengthens the core and back muscles to support spinal alignment.
13. Deep Gluteal Syndrome
Deep gluteal syndrome occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed by muscles or other anatomical structures within the gluteal region. Unlike piriformis syndrome, which involves one specific muscle, deep gluteal syndrome can result from compression by multiple muscles, blood vessels, or connective tissues.
Symptoms: Persistent pain in the buttocks that may spread down the back of the leg, tingling or numbness, and discomfort that worsens with sitting or squatting.
Prevention: Regularly stretch the hip flexors, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. Avoid prolonged sitting and maintain proper posture to reduce nerve compression.
14. Tumors or Growths
Although rare, tumors or abnormal growths in the pelvis, spine, or soft tissues of the buttocks can cause pain. These growths, which may be noncancerous or cancerous, press on nearby nerves, muscles, or bones. Pain caused by tumors is often persistent and does not improve with rest or movement adjustments.
Symptoms: Unexplained, persistent pain in the buttocks that may be accompanied by swelling, numbness, or weakness.
Prevention: While tumors cannot always be prevented, early detection is crucial. Seek medical attention for unexplained, persistent pain in the buttocks that does not respond to home remedies or rest.
15. Infections
Infections, such as abscesses or bone infections, can develop in the soft tissues, bones, or joints of the buttocks. These infections may result from open wounds, surgery, or the spread of bacteria from another part of the body. When the infection affects the bones or nearby tissues, it can lead to severe buttock pain.
Symptoms: Swelling, warmth, redness, and intense pain in the buttocks. Other signs include fever, chills, and fatigue.
Prevention: Keep wounds clean and properly treated to prevent infection. Seek prompt medical attention for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever.
Prevention Tips for Buttock Pain
While not all causes of buttock pain are preventable, many can be avoided by adopting healthy habits that support muscle strength, flexibility, and proper posture. Knowing what causes pain in the buttocks can empower you to take proactive steps to reduce your risk of injury or irritation. Here are some practical tips to help prevent buttock pain before it starts:
- Stay active: Regular exercise helps maintain strong muscles and flexibility.
- Practice good posture: Sit and stand with your back straight to avoid strain on the lower back and buttocks.
- Stretch regularly: Stretch the hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes to avoid tightness.
- Avoid prolonged sitting: Take breaks and move around during long periods of sitting.
- Wear proper footwear: Supportive shoes reduce strain on the hips and lower back.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
If you experience persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or symptoms that disrupt your daily life, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist. Severe or unexplained pain may signal nerve compression, infection, or a more serious underlying condition. Orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including what causes pain in the buttocks. After an examination, a physician may recommend:
- Physical therapy for stretching, strengthening, and mobility
- Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to diagnose nerve, bone, or muscle injuries
- Medications, including anti-inflammatories for pain relief
- Interventional pain management, including anti-inflammatory injections
In situations where severe buttock pain is related to a spine condition and does not respond to conservative therapies, surgery may become an option for achieving lasting relief.
Contact The Orthopedic Clinic for Buttocks Pain Treatment
Understanding what causes pain in the buttocks is essential for timely treatment and relief. If pain persists or worsens, consult an orthopedic specialist for expert guidance. By addressing the root cause of your pain, you can regain your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you’d like to learn more about what causes pain in the buttocks, one of our physicians can help you learn about your options.
Effective orthopedic care should be about treating individual people, not just conditions. At The Orthopedic Clinic, we work to take your individual lifestyle and health goals into account before recommending any treatment plan. If you are dealing with buttocks pain that is affecting your quality of life, we can help you explore a full range of treatment options. Contact us today to learn more.