That deep, nagging ache in your buttock isn’t just slowing you down — it might be trying to tell you something’s wrong with your spine. It can strike while you’re sitting at your desk, standing in line, or simply trying to sleep, and can turn even the most ordinary tasks into a constant battle.

Understanding Buttock Pain

Studies show that back-related leg pain affects up to 40% of people at some point during their lives. This type of pain often leads to more disability, work loss, and costly treatments than general low back pain. When sciatica, a type of pain originating in the sciatic nerve, is involved, people often experience sharp, shooting pain in the buttock or thigh that can be uncomfortable or even debilitating.

Buttock pain can range from a mild soreness to a sharp, radiating discomfort that interferes with your daily life to varying degrees. While some cases are muscle-related, many are tied to the spine — especially when the pain spreads into the thigh or leg.

Common Causes of Buttock Pain

A lot of things can cause buttock pain, but oftentimes, the problem originates in the lower spine or surrounding nerves and muscles. One of the most frequent culprits is sciatica, which occurs when the sciatic nerve — which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg — becomes irritated or compressed. This can lead to numbness, burning, tingling, or sharp pain that radiates through the buttock and into the thigh or leg.

Herniated or bulging discs are another common cause. When spinal discs shift out of place, they can press on nearby nerves, triggering pain in the lower back and buttocks. Spinal stenosis — or narrowing of the spinal canal — can also compress nerves and lead to buttock pain, especially in older adults.

Piriformis syndrome is another condition that mimics sciatica. When the piriformis muscle — which is located deep in the buttocks — spasms or becomes tight, it can compress the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain that’s often mistaken for spinal problems. Other potential causes of buttock pain may include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Bursitis
• Spondylosis or spondylisthesis
• Muscle strain from overuse
• Poor posture

Diagnosing Buttock Pain

Since buttock pain can originate from a wide range of spinal, muscular, or nerve-related issues,  getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding an effective treatment. Dr. Hooman Melamed takes a thorough and personalized approach to uncovering the true source of your discomfort.

The diagnostic process begins by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. Dr. Melamed will assess your symptoms — such as when the pain occurs, what makes it better or worse, and whether it radiates into your legs, lower back, or other areas. He’ll also evaluate your posture, flexibility, and any signs of nerve involvement, such as numbness or weakness.

To confirm a diagnosis, advanced imaging tools may also be used. These may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, or X-rays. These can help identify issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression, all of which are common culprits in buttock pain.

Early intervention using accurate diagnostics is essential, so don’t wait to seek help from a trusted professional. This not only helps guide you toward the right treatment but also reduces the risk of chronic pain and long-term disability.

Effective Treatment Options for Buttock Pain Relief

At The Spine Pro, Dr. Hooman Melamed takes a structured, holistic approach to buttock pain, beginning with conservative methods and progressing to advanced, minimally invasive procedures only when necessary. Effective non-surgical treatment options for buttock pain include:

• Physical therapy: Tailored stretching and strengthening regimens relieve pressure on irritated nerves and support long-term spinal health.
• Chiropractic care: A preferred choice of half of U.S. patients with back-related conditions, spinal manipulations can realign the spine and ease nerve compression.
• Electrical stimulation, traction, and hot/cold therapy: Used to reduce muscle spasms, enhance circulation, and promptly relieve pain.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections: Used for pain management, these reduce inflammation and deliver quick relief without the need for habit-forming opioids.
• Regenerative cell therapy: Regenerative injections, such as platelet-rich plasma, harness your body’s healing properties to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.
• Botox injections: Occasionally used to relieve chronic piriformis spasms that don’t respond well to other treatments.

When non-surgical measures aren’t enough to relieve buttock pain, Dr. Melamed offers several advanced minimally invasive surgical options, performed on an outpatient basis whenever possible:

• Microdecompression (microdiscectomy): Removal of disc fragments or bone spurs that compress nerves and cause buttock pain.
• Ultra-minimally invasive biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS): This advanced procedure uses two small portals to precisely remove tissue with less pain and faster recovery.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: Restores spinal motion by replacing a damaged disc, avoiding the stiffness of spinal fusion.
• Minimally invasive lumbar fusion: Stabilizes spinal segments when needed, using small incisions and modern guidance systems.

Self-Management Strategies

While professional treatment may be necessary for resolving the source of your buttock pain, there are also simple steps you can take at home to help manage pain between visits. For example, staying gently active — such as walking or light stretching — can help prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Try to avoid prolonged periods of sitting, and when you are sitting down, use a chair with good lumbar support.

Applying ice or heat in 15-minute intervals may reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles, too. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also provide temporary pain relief, especially in conditions like piriformis syndrome.

Postural awareness can also make a big difference. Be mindful of your body alignment while standing or sitting, and consider ergonomic adjustments to your work or home setup. Occasional massages or other relaxation techniques can also help soothe tight muscles.

Make an Appointment With Dr. Melamed

Buttock pain can be a real pain in the… well, you know. Don’t let it disrupt your life any longer. Request an appointment online today and take the first step toward finding expert, compassionate care.