Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
Buttock pain is a very common condition, with prevalence ranging from 50% to 95% depending on the population studied. Piriformis syndrome is a major contributor, accounting for 17.2% of lower back pain cases. Buttock pain (1) is sometimes confused with back pain, especially in sciatica, where pain radiates from the lower spine to the leg. Although often ignored, buttock pain can reflect deeper health conditions and should be properly evaluated.
Anatomical Features of Buttocks
The buttocks are primarily composed of the gluteus maximus muscle, the largest of the three gluteal muscles (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus). These muscles, along with the piriformis, femoral square, iliopsoas, obturator internus, upper and lower twins, and hamstrings, are lined by blood vessels and nerves that enable movement and function. The gluteal muscles give the hip its shape and play a key role in lower body movement. (2)
Causes of Buttock Pain
Buttock pain can result from minor injuries, strains, or even infections. Deep gluteal syndrome is a general term for chronic pain in the lower back, leg, and hip. Common causes include:
Buttock Injury and Strained Muscles
Injuries can cause bruising, swelling, and muscle strain in the buttocks. Strenuous exercise or weightlifting can overstretch and damage the muscles, leading to pain and swelling. (3)
Damaged Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
Sciatica affects 13%–40% of the population and involves damage to the sciatic nerve, causing sharp, tingling pain from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Causes include nerve degeneration, falls, or injury, and it is more common in people over 40. (4)
Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones. Inflammation of the ischial bursa in the buttocks can cause pain, especially after sitting on hard surfaces for long periods. (5)
Disc Herniation of the Vertebral Column
Herniated discs in the spine can press on nerves, causing buttock pain. Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) can also compress nerves and cause pain and movement impairment. (6)
Degeneration of Discs
Disc degeneration is common with age and can result in low back, hip, and thigh pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Osteoarthritis can also contribute to disc degeneration.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle runs from the lower back to the upper thigh and is innervated by the sciatic nerve. Injury or overuse can cause piriformis syndrome, leading to inflammation and buttock pain. (7)
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the spine. Inflammation can cause shooting pain in the buttocks and upper leg, often misdiagnosed as low back pain. (8)
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Buttock Pain
Symptoms vary by cause and may include pain, numbness, swelling, or difficulty walking. Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and may include X-rays for bones or CT scans for soft tissues. (9)
Treatment and Management
Muscle spasms and pain are managed with medications and non-medicated therapies.
Pain Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are effective for muscle spasms and injuries. Mild muscle tears may respond to over-the-counter medications.
Other Therapies
Piriformis stretches and physical therapy can help. Therapists assess range of motion and recommend exercises. Severe cases may require surgery. (10)
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat buttock pain. Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits. Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with buttock pain. As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of buttock pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nerve pain feel like in the buttocks?
Nerve pain is often tingling or radiating, running from the lower back into the buttocks and down the upper thigh.
How long can buttock pain last?
It can last days to months, depending on the cause. Sciatic pain often improves in 4–6 weeks.
Is buttock pain serious?
It can be mild and self-limiting or require medical attention if persistent or severe.
What causes severe pain in the buttocks?
Severe pain may be due to muscle spasms or compressed nerves. Nerve pain is usually more severe and persistent.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Yes, walking helps relieve sciatic pain and reduces inflammation.
What causes buttock pain when sitting?
Vertebral herniation, disc degeneration, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and sacroiliac joint issues can all cause pain when sitting. Other causes include post-hip replacement changes. Medical evaluation is recommended for persistent pain.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let buttock pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
- Phone: +441234380345
- Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
Our Clinic Locations
- London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
- Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
- Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH
All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating buttock pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with buttock pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
References
- Brukner, P. (1991). Buttock pain. Sports Medicine, Training and Rehabilitation, 2(3-4), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438629109511924
- Schilling, J. F., & Wechsler, R. J. (1986). Computed tomographic anatomy of the buttock. Skeletal Radiology, 15(8), 613–618. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00349854
- Vasudevan, J. M., Smuck, M., & Fredericson, M. (2012). Evaluation of the Athlete With Buttock Pain. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(1), 35–42. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e3182423d71
- E., K. (2021). Imaging of peripheral nerve causes of chronic buttock pain and sciatica. Clinical Radiology, 76(8).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.