Buttock pain

Overview

Buttock pain is discomfort in the area of your bottom, which can affect one or both sides. It often comes from the muscles, joints, or nerves in your lower back or hips, and sometimes from the buttock muscles themselves.

Yes, buttock pain is very common. Many people experience it at some point in their lives.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in people who sit for long periods, have physically demanding jobs, or are older.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dull ache or sharp pain in one or both buttocks
• Pain that may travel down the back of the leg (sciatica)
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the hip or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Pain that gets worse with sitting, walking, or climbing stairs

Symptoms in children

• Buttock pain in children is less common but can happen after falls or sports injuries.
• They may complain of pain when sitting, limping, or refusing to walk.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may come from age-related changes like osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis.
• They may have trouble getting up from a chair or walking distances.

Causes

Main causes

• Muscle strain from overuse or poor posture
• Sciatica – irritation of the sciatic nerve, often from a slipped disc in your lower back
• Piriformis syndrome – a tight muscle in the buttock pressing on the sciatic nerve
• Arthritis in the hip or lower back (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint
• Referred pain from the lower back or hip joint

Risk factors

• Prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces
• Jobs or activities that involve bending, lifting, or twisting
• Being overweight or obese
• Age (over 50)
• Previous back or hip injury
• Poor core strength or muscle imbalance

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• If you have numbness in the saddle area (between your legs)
• If you cannot walk or stand

Book a routine appointment if:

• If pain lasts more than a few days despite home treatment
• If pain is getting worse
• If you have tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg
• If you have a fever or unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and do a physical exam. They may ask you to walk, bend, or lift your leg to see what movements cause pain.

Tests that may be done

• You usually do not need any tests. Your doctor can often diagnose based on your history and exam alone.
• If needed, they may order an X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or ultrasound to look at your back, hip, or buttock muscles.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will discuss possible causes and suggest a treatment plan. They may refer you to a physiotherapist or a specialist if symptoms are complex or not improving.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause, but most cases improve with simple measures. The goal is to reduce pain and improve movement.

Self-care at home

• Rest the area for 1–2 days, but avoid bed rest for longer – gentle movement helps healing.
• Apply a cold pack for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, then switch to a warm pack to relax muscles.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) can help – check with your pharmacist first.
• Gentle stretching exercises for your buttock and lower back, as recommended by a physiotherapist.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relief or muscle relaxants. They might recommend physiotherapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles. For nerve pain, they may suggest medicines like gabapentin or amitriptyline (these are nerve pain medications, not painkillers). Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve or joints.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered for conditions like a slipped disc that is pressing on a nerve and not improving with other treatments after several weeks or months.

Living with this condition

Listen to your body – avoid activities that make the pain worse, but try to stay active within your limits. Use proper posture when sitting: sit with your feet flat on the floor, knees at 90 degrees, and support your lower back.

Lifestyle tips

• Take breaks from sitting – stand up and walk every 30 minutes.
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees to reduce pressure on your buttock.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your joints and muscles.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can keep your muscles flexible and strong. But avoid high-impact activities until the pain is gone.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with pain can be frustrating and affect your mood. It is normal to feel worried or down. Talk to your doctor if pain is affecting your mental health. If you feel overwhelmed, you can contact a crisis helpline for support.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk by staying active, maintaining good posture, and lifting properly. Strengthening your core muscles (lower back and belly) helps support your spine.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that lasts for months
• Nerve damage leading to long-term numbness or weakness in the leg
• Difficulty walking or doing daily activities

Long-term outlook

Most people with buttock pain improve within a few weeks with simple treatments. Even if the cause is something like sciatica or piriformis syndrome, the outlook is good – most cases get better without surgery. If you follow your doctor's advice and stay active, the pain often goes away completely.

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