What causes burning pain in the hip and lower back. How can you differentiate between various conditions causing this discomfort. What are the most effective treatment options for hip and lower back pain. When should you seek medical attention for persistent hip and lower back pain.

Common Causes of Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain

Burning pain in the hip and lower back can be a debilitating condition that affects many individuals. Understanding the root causes of this discomfort is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons behind this type of pain:

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are frequent culprits of lower back and hip pain. A sprain occurs when a ligament is torn or overstretched, while a strain involves a torn or overstretched tendon or muscle. These injuries often result from:

• Sports-related incidents
• Falls or traumatic events
• Awkward twisting movements
• Lifting heavy objects improperly
• Inadequate warm-up before physical activity

What are the symptoms of sprains and strains? Individuals experiencing these injuries may notice:

• Muscle pain and weakness
• Tenderness in the affected area
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion

Tight Hip Flexors

The hip flexors are a group of muscles extending from the hips to the knees, playing a crucial role in leg and hip mobility. When these muscles become stiff and tight, often due to prolonged periods of sitting, it can lead to back and hip pain. Symptoms of tight hip flexors include:

• Tenderness in the upper leg
• Muscle spasms in the hips or thighs
• Soreness in the hips and thighs
• Weakness when kicking or lifting the knee towards the chest

Herniated Disk

A herniated disk occurs when one of the cushioning disks between the vertebrae slips out of place, potentially putting pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can cause tingling and burning pain in the lower back that may extend to the hips and legs. Common causes of herniated disks include:

• Improper lifting techniques
• Falls or traumatic injuries
• Excess body weight
• Repetitive strain on the back
• Prolonged periods of driving
• Smoking

What are the telltale signs of a herniated disk? Look out for:

• Sciatica (sharp, shooting pain from the buttocks down the back of one leg)
• Numbness in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
• In severe cases, loss of bowel and bladder function (requires immediate medical attention)

Diagnosing the Source of Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain

Accurately diagnosing the cause of burning hip and lower back pain is essential for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to pinpoint the source of discomfort:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing hip and lower back pain. During this assessment, a doctor may:

• Evaluate the patient’s range of motion
• Test for muscle strength and flexibility
• Assess posture and gait
• Palpate the affected area to identify points of tenderness

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to visualize the internal structures of the hip and lower back. Common imaging techniques include:

• X-rays: To assess bone structure and identify fractures or degenerative changes
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): For detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral disks
• CT (Computed Tomography) scans: To provide cross-sectional images of the affected area

Electromyography (EMG)

EMG is a diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. This test can help identify nerve compression or muscle dysfunction contributing to hip and lower back pain.

Effective Treatment Options for Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain

Once the underlying cause of burning hip and lower back pain has been identified, various treatment options can be explored. The most appropriate course of action will depend on the specific diagnosis and severity of symptoms.

Conservative Treatments

For many cases of hip and lower back pain, conservative treatments can provide significant relief. These may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice or heat therapy
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy

Medications

In some instances, prescription medications may be necessary to manage pain and inflammation. These could include:

• Stronger NSAIDs
• Muscle relaxants
• Oral corticosteroids
• Gabapentin or other nerve pain medications

Injections

For more severe or persistent cases, injections may be recommended. Common types of injections used for hip and lower back pain include:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Sacroiliac joint injections

Surgery

In rare cases where conservative treatments and injections fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options may include:

• Diskectomy for herniated disks
• Laminectomy to relieve nerve compression
• Spinal fusion for instability

Preventing Recurrence of Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain

While not all cases of hip and lower back pain can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing or exacerbating these issues:

Maintain Proper Posture

Good posture is crucial for spinal health and can help prevent unnecessary strain on the lower back and hips. Tips for maintaining proper posture include:

• Sitting with feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle
• Using a lumbar support cushion when sitting for extended periods
• Keeping the computer screen at eye level to avoid neck strain
• Standing with weight evenly distributed on both feet

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles supporting the lower back and hips, improving overall stability and reducing the risk of injury. Beneficial exercises may include:

• Low-impact aerobic activities (e.g., swimming, cycling)
• Core strengthening exercises
• Yoga or Pilates
• Gentle stretching routines

Practice Proper Lifting Techniques

Many cases of lower back and hip pain result from improper lifting. To protect your back when lifting heavy objects:

• Bend at the knees, not the waist
• Keep the object close to your body
• Avoid twisting while lifting
• Ask for help with particularly heavy or awkward items

When to Seek Medical Attention for Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain

While many cases of hip and lower back pain can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
• Pain accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain resulting from a fall or other traumatic injury

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Hip and Lower Back Pain

In addition to conventional treatments, some individuals find relief from hip and lower back pain through complementary and alternative therapies. These approaches may include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate chronic lower back pain and improve function.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain. While research on its effectiveness for lower back pain is mixed, some individuals report significant relief from chiropractic treatments.

Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain in the lower back and hips. Different massage techniques may be employed depending on the specific condition and patient preferences.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Stress and tension can exacerbate pain symptoms. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, may help individuals manage pain and improve overall well-being.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Hip and Lower Back Pain

While diet alone cannot cure hip and lower back pain, proper nutrition can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and promoting overall musculoskeletal health. Consider the following dietary strategies:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet may help reduce inflammation associated with certain types of pain. These foods include:

• Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel)
• Leafy green vegetables
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil

Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health of intervertebral disks and other soft tissues. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support optimal function of these structures.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis, which can contribute to back pain. Good sources of these nutrients include:

• Dairy products
• Leafy green vegetables
• Fortified foods
• Sunlight exposure (for vitamin D production)

By incorporating these nutritional strategies alongside other treatment approaches, individuals may experience improved management of their hip and lower back pain symptoms.

Why does my lower back and hip hurt?

Sometimes lower back occurs alongside hip pain. This may happen on one side or both. Certain health conditions or injuries can affect the nerves in both the hips and the lower back.

These pains usually occur as a result of overuse or injury, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. People may notice the pain on the left or right side of the body or both.

In this article, we look at possible causes of lower back and hip pain. We also discuss the various treatment options and how to relieve pain.

Share on PinterestPossible causes of lower back and hip pain include sprains, strains, and a herniated disk.

It is easy to overwork the lower back and hips because they are responsible for lifting, twisting, and moving the legs and trunk. Pains due to overuse and minor injury are common in these areas of the body.

Although these pains are common, people should not ignore them. Rest and early treatment can significantly improve a person’s outlook.

The causes are similar in males and females. The following are some of the most common causes of lower back and hip pain.

Sprains and strains are a common cause of pain around the back and hips. A sprain is a torn or overstretched ligament, while a strain is a torn or overstretched tendon or muscle.

People with sprains and strains are likely to experience discomfort that worsens with activity and gets better with rest.

Common causes of sprains and strains in this area include:

• sports injuries
• a fall or trauma
• twisting the body in an awkward way
• lifting something heavy

Playing a sport or engaging in other physical activity without warming up properly can contribute to muscle strain.

Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the hip or lower back can cause:

• muscle pain
• muscle weakness
• tenderness
• swelling
• reduced range of motion

Treatment

People will usually find that their symptoms improve with a few days of rest.

Gentle stretching can speed up recovery. Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the pain and swelling that these muscle injuries cause.

If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, the injury may be more serious, for example, a muscle tear. In this case, a person should see their doctor.

The hip flexors are muscles that extend from the hips to the knees. They are responsible for the range of motion in the legs and hips. If these muscles are stiff and tight, often due to remaining in a seated position for too long, a person may experience back and hip pain.

Hip flexor strains, which are strains in the hip flexor muscles, can also cause sharp pain in the back and hips.

Symptoms of tight hip flexor muscles include:

• tenderness in the upper leg
• muscle spasms in the hips or thighs
• soreness in the hips and thighs

Some people may also experience a sense of weakness when trying to kick the leg or lift the knee toward the chest.

Read about 10 stretches for tight hips here.

Treatment

Physical therapy exercises and stretching can help relieve tight hip flexors and reduce discomfort. Examples include pulling the knee toward the chest or lunging one leg forward from a kneeling position to create a stretch in the hips.

Avoiding activities that can increase hip flexor tightness, such as sitting too long at a desk or wearing high heels for extended periods, can also help.

Share on PinterestA herniated disk may cause pain in the lower back, legs, and hips.

A herniated disk occurs when one of the cushioning disks between the vertebrae slips out of place. The disk can put pressure on a nearby nerve, which may cause tingling and burning pain in the lower back that extends to the hips and legs.

Older adults are prone to herniated disks because of the natural wear and tear of the spine that occurs over time. The disks also become less flexible with age.

Common causes of a herniated disk include:

• improper lifting or twisting while lifting
• a fall or trauma
• being overweight
• repetitive strain on the back
• driving for long periods
• smoking

Symptoms of a herniated disk include:

• sciatica, or a sharp, shooting pain from the buttocks down the back of one leg
• numbness in the leg or foot
• muscle weakness in the leg or foot

In severe cases, people may experience a loss of bowel and bladder function. If this occurs, they should go to the hospital or call 911 right away.

Treatment

The treatment for a herniated disk involves relieving pain and discomfort while it heals. Bed rest will usually help relieve the pain too.

Other treatment options include:

• physical therapy exercises
• taking NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation
• epidural steroid injections, which involve injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space containing the inflamed nerves

In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to correct a herniated disk.

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the lower portion of the spine to the pelvis. If these joints move too much or too little, people may feel pain in the back and hips.

The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include an aching lower back that makes it difficult for a person to find a comfortable position. The pain will usually worsen with physical activity, such as running or climbing stairs.

A herniated disk and arthritis can cause symptoms similar to those of SI joint dysfunction.

Treatment

Treatment options for SI joint dysfunction include:

• NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation
• physical therapy exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic muscles
• stretching and applying ice to the affected areas
• the injection of a steroid into the SI joint

A doctor may suggest that a person has corticosteroid injections to reduce spinal inflammation. In rare instances, they may recommend surgery to fuse the joints.

Osteoarthritis of the back can result in the breakdown of the protective and cushioning cartilage of the spine. This loss of cushioning can cause the spinal bones to rub together and place greater pressure on the nerves, including the nerves that go to the lower back and hips.

Arthritis in the back and hips causes joint stiffness and pain. A person may also experience weakness in the legs and hips, which can interfere with their everyday activities.

Treatment

Doctors do not have a cure for arthritis, but people can manage their symptoms using medication and lifestyle methods. These include:

• exercises that strengthen the back and hips muscles to improve flexibility and range of motion
• trying home remedies for arthritis
• alternative therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and nutritional supplementation
• surgery, if arthritis causes significant spinal canal narrowing
• NSAIDs

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing chronic inflammation in the spinal joints. Lower back and hip pain are often some of the first symptoms that a person with ankylosing spondylitis experiences.

Symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness that is usually worse in the morning. Other symptoms may include:

• low-grade fever
• appetite loss
• malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort

Treatment

Doctors do not have a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but, as with other forms of arthritis, people can manage the condition with a range of medical and at-home treatments.

Prescription medications, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and NSAIDs, can help. Certain lifestyle measures, including doing regular physical activity, icing affected areas, and not smoking, can also be beneficial.

Share on PinterestHeadaches may be a symptom of Paget’s disease.

Paget’s disease of bone is a rare disorder that affects an estimated 1% of people in the United States, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

This condition causes a person’s bones to remodel abnormally, leading to bone softening, which can affect the pelvis, lower back, hips, and arms. A person with Paget’s disease has a higher risk of bone pain and fractures.

The symptoms of Paget’s disease include:

• hip pain
• hearing loss
• bowed legs, where the knees are wider apart than usual
• headaches
• tingling and numbness down the legs

Treatment

The treatment for Paget’s disease involves medications to reduce the likelihood of the bones breaking. Doctors usually prescribe these medicines to treat osteoporosis. In rare cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to repair bones and restore alignment.

People should seek emergency attention if they experience any of the following symptoms alongside lower back and hip pain:

• loss of bowel and bladder function
• inability to move one or both legs
• loss of sensation in one or both legs
• visible deformity in the legs or back, such as the inability to stand up straight

If a person experiences less severe symptoms that do not improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments, they should make an appointment with their doctor. A doctor can evaluate their symptoms, make a diagnosis, and recommend the most effective treatments.

When a person experiences lower back and hip pain simultaneously, there may be an underlying injury or medical condition causing both of these symptoms. In other cases, the causes may be distinct.

Lower back and hip pain can make performing daily activities difficult. If these symptoms do not resolve or suddenly get worse, a person should seek medical attention.

Regardless of the cause, early treatment helps improve the outlook of a person with back and hip pain. Without treatment, some causes of the pain can get worse and may ultimately affect a person’s mobility and quality of life.

Sciatica Pictures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on March 06, 2022

Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg. Up to 90% of people recover from sciatica without surgery.

The most common symptom of sciatica is lower back pain that extends through the hip and buttock and down one leg. The pain usually affects only one leg and may get worse when you sit, cough, or sneeze. The leg may also feel numb, weak, or tingly at times. The symptoms of sciatica tend to appear suddenly and can last for days or weeks.

Up to 85% of Americans experience some type of back pain during their lives. But this doesn’t always involve the sciatic nerve. In many cases, back pain is the result of overextending or straining the muscles in the lower back. What most often sets sciatica apart is the way the pain radiates down the leg and into the foot. It may feel like a bad leg cramp that lasts for days.

Most people who get sciatica are between the ages of 30 and 50. Women may be more likely to develop the problem during pregnancy because of pressure on the sciatic nerve from the developing uterus. Other causes include a herniated disk and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disk. Disks act like cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. These disks get weaker as you age and become more vulnerable to injury. Sometimes the gel-like center of a disk pushes through its outer lining and presses on the roots of the sciatic nerve. About 1 in 50 people will get a herniated disk at some point in life. Up to a quarter of them will have symptoms that last more than 6 weeks.

Natural wear and tear of the vertebrae can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing, called spinal stenosis, may put pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis is more common in adults over age 60.

In rare cases, sciatica may result from tumors growing inside or along the spinal cord or sciatic nerve. As a tumor grows, it may put pressure on the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord.

The piriformis is a muscle found deep inside the buttocks. It connects the lower spine to the upper thighbone and runs directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle goes into spasm, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, triggering symptoms of sciatica. Piriformis syndrome is more common in women.

You might not think of too much cash as a source of pain, but a fat wallet can trigger piriformis syndrome. The condition can affect men who wear their wallet in the back pocket of their pants. This puts chronic pressure on the piriformis muscle and can aggravate the sciatic nerve over time. You can avoid this problem by keeping your wallet in a front pocket or jacket pocket.

Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints, the spot where the lower spine connects to the pelvis. Sacroiliitis can cause pain in the buttocks, lower back, and may even extend down one or both legs. The pain can worsen with prolonged standing or climbing stairs. Sacroiliitis can be caused by arthritis, injury, pregnancy, or infection.

Other causes of sciatica include muscle inflammation, infection, or injury, such as a fracture. In general, any condition that irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve can trigger symptoms. In some cases, no specific cause of sciatica can be found.

To determine whether you have sciatica, your doctor will ask you how the pain started and where exactly it is located. You may be asked to squat, walk on your heels or toes, or raise your leg without bending the knee. These muscle tests can help your doctor determine if it is the sciatic nerve that is irritated.

Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an MRI, to get more information about the location and cause of the irritated nerve. An MRI can show the alignment of vertebral disks, ligaments, and muscles. A CT scan using contrast dye can also provide a useful picture of the spinal cord and nerves. Determining the cause of sciatica can help guide the course of treatment. X-rays can help identify bony abnormalities but can’t detect nerve problems.

If you develop a loss of bladder or bowel control, contact your doctor right away. This can be a sign of a medical emergency that requires surgery to avoid permanent damage. Fortunately, this complication is rare. Most cases of sciatica go away within a few days or weeks and cause no lasting harm.

There are steps you can take at home to ease the pain of sciatica. A heating pad or ice pack may be especially helpful. Apply the heat or ice for about 20 minutes every two hours. Experiment to see which provides more relief, or try alternating between the two.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide short-term relief from sciatica. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are options. Your doctor may give you a steroid injection to further reduce the inflammation.

While sciatica is healing, try to remain active. Motion can actually help reduce inflammation and pain. A physical therapist can show you how to gently stretch the hamstring and lower back. Practicing tai chi or yoga can help stabilize the affected area and strengthen your core. Depending on your medical condition, certain exercises may not be recommended. Your doctor may also recommend taking short walks.

In severe cases, a doctor may recommend injecting steroids into the spine area to reduce inflammation. It delivers the medication directly to the area around the sciatic nerve.

If your sciatica is due to a herniated disk, and it’s still causing severe pain after four to six weeks, surgery may be an option. The surgeon will remove a portion of the herniated disk to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. About 90% of patients get relief from this type of surgery. Other surgical procedures can relieve sciatica caused by spinal stenosis.

After back surgery, you will generally need to avoid driving, lifting, or bending forward for about a month. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you strengthen the muscles in the back. Once recovery is complete, there’s an excellent chance you’ll be able to get back to all your usual activities.

There is evidence that acupuncture, massage, yoga, and chiropractic adjustments can relieve typical lower back pain. But more research is needed to determine whether these therapies are helpful for sciatica.

If you’ve had sciatica once, there’s a chance it will return. But there are steps you can take to reduce the odds:

• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain good posture.
• Bend at the knees to lift heavy objects.

These steps can help you avoid back injuries that may lead to sciatica.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
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REFERENCES:

Medline Plus: “Sciatica. “
JAMA Patient Page: “Sciatica.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Sciatica.”
American Association of Neurological Surgeons: “Low Back Pain.”
American Pregnancy Association: “Pregnancy and Sciatic Nerve Pain.”
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “You and Your Baby.”
BBC News: “Is Your Wallet a Pain in the Back?”
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: “Piriformis Syndrome.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Spinal Injections.”
Chou, R. Annals of Internal Medicine, October 2007; vol 147: pp 492-504.

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Characteristics of pain in sciatica

Sciatica is also called sciatic neuralgia. This nerve is the longest in our body. There are two of them. They start at the level of the lumbar spine, continue at the level of the buttocks, the back of the leg, and separate behind the knee. As a result of damage to the sciatic nerve, sensory and motor disorders can appear: difficulty walking and reduced sensation in the leg. The main sign of pinching or inflammation of the sciatic nerve is intense pain. Its nature depends on the location of the pathology. Pain is varied. Usually affects one side. Moreover, in women – the right, in men – mainly the left.

The nature of sciatica pain

It is often described as dull, throbbing, burning, or stabbing like an electric shock. Sensation varies and can manifest itself differently in one person. For some people, it feels like a debilitating intense burning sensation, while for others, a sharp tingling or intense pain passes quickly and occurs from time to time. Each case is different and each sensation is unique for each patient. These painful symptoms often begin suddenly, “out of the blue,” but sometimes they can be triggered by a sharp turn or lifting of weight. It can become unbearable with exertion, coughing, standing or sitting for long periods of time. As a rule, sciatica increases with movement and decreases during rest. But in the case when sciatica is caused by an infection or tumor, the pain appears, paradoxically, at night or when the patient is motionless. In addition, symptoms worsen and may be associated with fever.

Localization of sciatica pain

The pain usually appears in the buttock area and descends in a burning strip to the thigh in front and side, then down the back of the leg, reaching the foot and toes. Sometimes the pain stops in the knee. With inflammation of the piriformis muscle, burning or pulling pains in the buttock radiate to the middle of the back of the thigh, they usually do not go further. Sometimes there is pain in the lumbar spine, which increases with prolonged sitting. Lower back pain may be present at the same time as leg pain, but usually the pain in the legs is much worse than in the lower back. Complaints of back pain may not bother the patient.

Typical manifestations of pain in sciatica

The combination of the following pain symptoms is the most common:

• pain usually occurs on one side of the buttocks or legs, rarely on both sides;
• pain descends from top to bottom;
• pain has a characteristic trajectory – originating in the lower back or buttocks and continuing along the path of the sciatic nerve along the back of the thigh and lower calf and foot;
• the pain disappears when the person lies down or walks, but worse when he stands or sits;
• the pain is usually described as sharp or burning rather than monotonous.
• intense flash of pain in one limb, it becomes impossible to lean on it, this makes it difficult not only to get up, but also to walk;
• numbness in the fingers of the lower extremities;
• pain in the lower back (if present) is usually not as severe as in the extremities;
• the pain is most intense in the morning and after a long rest;
• complaints may be aggravated during sudden movements such as sneezing, coughing, when changing position, for example, when moving from a sitting to standing position, when turning, when trying to stand on tiptoes.

Some symptoms are unique depending on the underlying cause of sciatica. For example, bending the body backwards or walking short distances often causes symptoms when spinal stenosis is the cause. Leaning forward can cause pain if the cause is a bulge in the lumbar spine. If sciatica is due to a herniated disc, the pain is often worsened by coughing, sneezing, or straining (during a bowel movement), or movement. In severe cases, urination and defecation are disturbed. If inflammation is the cause of the sciatic nerve, the pain often worsens at night.

How long does the pain last?

How long the sciatic pain lasts depends on how badly the nerve is damaged. Sometimes the symptoms disappear after a few days, sometimes they last longer or come back again and again.

Conclusion

Illness with sciatica is exhausting. Especially the patient suffers if the disease has passed into the chronic stage. Pain significantly reduces the quality of life, the patient cannot make elementary movements, sleep is disturbed. You should not endure it, reducing the intensity by taking painkillers. Even if the pain is minor and (or) discomfort manifests itself in the form of tingling and numbness of the extremities, you should not pull, you should contact a professional who will prescribe an examination, make a diagnosis and offer targeted treatment.

Pain in the buttocks – causes, diagnosis and treatment of pain

Pain syndrome affecting the gluteal and femoral muscles occurs against the background of various diseases. A symptom can signal both minor traumatic injuries and a serious illness. Pain in the buttocks is constant and episodic, dull and acute, burning and pressing. In some cases, to alleviate the condition, an immediate visit to a doctor and the appointment of pharmacological therapy are required. A visit to an osteopath gives a good effect. The use of manual practices relieves pain and helps prevent the recurrence of unpleasant sensations.

What can hurt in the buttocks

Pain in the buttocks indicates damage to various structures, namely:

• Soft tissues. These include muscle fibers, tendons, ligaments. The group includes adipose tissue, synovial membranes and fascia.
• Nervous tissues. They are the backbone of the nervous system. The main task of tissues is the transmission of impulses for the communication of the body with the environment.
• Bone tissues. It is a dense connective tissue that performs supporting, motor and protective functions. Bone tissues include movable joints – joints.

If the symptoms do not go away for a long time, it is urgent to visit an osteopath.

Make an appointment for diagnostics

What to do if the buttock hurts

If the sensations are of a translating nature and gradually decrease, it is enough to limit physical activity and monitor the condition. Probably the reason lies in the soft tissue injury. When the pain does not go away for a long time, it becomes stronger and interferes with life, you should consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis.

How to relieve pain

There are several methods to relieve the condition at home. Should:

• be predominantly in a horizontal position to minimize stress on the pelvis and spine;
• use massage techniques or see an osteopath.

Pain in the buttocks can be relieved with medication. Before use, you should consult a doctor and study the annotation. The main groups of drugs used as symptomatic therapy are shown in the table below. All of them have contraindications and restrictions on admission.

Table 1. Medications for pain relief

Do’s and Don’ts

Do not delay a visit to the doctor if there is no positive dynamics. Also important:

• Avoid strenuous exercise. They can lead to a sharp deterioration in well-being or cause complications.
• Use warm compresses. In the presence of infectious agents, warming up can aggravate the situation.
• Self-medicate. Do not self-prescribe drugs or physiotherapy.

When to see a doctor urgently

There are signs that require urgent medical attention.

It is important to see a doctor if:

• The pain increases and leads to impaired mobility. At the first stage, lameness is observed, which can lead to serious movement disorders.
• Feelings do not subside even at rest. This signals an intense inflammatory process or the presence of a purulent focus.
• There is a general deterioration in well-being and an increase in body temperature. Joint pathologies are characterized by mild fever up to 37.2-37.5 degrees. Infectious diseases are associated with an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees or more.
• Found purulent formations. Without medical intervention, ulcers lead to dangerous complications. Among these are phlegmon and sepsis (blood poisoning).

Types of pain in the buttocks

The nature of discomfort depends on the cause and degree of tissue damage.

Types in character, quality and perception:

• paroxysmal or throbbing;
• blunt, pressing, pulling;
• sharp, piercing, cutting;
• burning, boring, twitching.

By area, localized and systemic pain is distinguished. Depending on the duration, there are chronic, acute, subacute and periodic. Some types of sensations are discussed in more detail below.

Pain in the gluteal region, radiates to the leg

Irradiation to the leg is most often associated with damage to myofascial trigger points. These are areas of increased excitability located in skeletal muscles.

Muscles may be affected:

• gluteus maximus, medial and minimus;
• pear-shaped;
• quadratus lumborum;
• multifidus muscles of the back.

The condition is associated with the development of true radiculopathy – a pain syndrome against the background of a ruptured intervertebral disc. Similar symptoms accompany dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint against the background of trauma or compression by nearby tissues. Irradiation also speaks of bursitis, an infectious lesion.

Pain in the lower back and buttocks

Occurs during pathological processes occurring in the lumbosacral region. A common diagnosis is sciatica. Probable:

• formation of phlegmon and abscesses;
• herniated discs, protrusions and cysts;
• course of osteomyelitis;
• Bechterew’s disease;
• rheumatoid arthritis.

It is important to rule out sciatic neuralgia. It is manifested by pain in the buttocks, anus, lower back. The condition worsens with increased physical activity.

Severe pain in the buttock

Intense symptoms require special attention from the patient and the doctor. The picture speaks of:

• the course of an acute inflammatory or infectious process;
• severe damage to soft tissues, ligaments or skeletal system;
• diseases of the urinary or reproductive system;
• autoimmune diseases affecting the joints.

Severe pain in the gluteal muscles is typical for the last trimester of pregnancy. This is due to increased pressure on the pubic joint and lower back. The condition is found in women with multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios, overweight.

Buttock hurts after sleep

Usually such complaints are associated with pathologies of the nervous system. They talk about the course of osteochondrosis, neuralgia. Pain after sleep may be associated with myalgia. If the condition is combined with sensations of stiffness, then we are talking about damage to the joints. Often the diagnosis is piriformis syndrome. Its differences:

• hypertonicity of muscle fibers;
• sharp and aching pains that continue for a long time;
• discomfort when walking and moving;
• local desensitization.

The syndrome is not an independent disease, but occurs with myositis, trauma, benign formations. It is necessary to exclude latent and chronic infections of the genitourinary system.

Pain in the buttock, radiating to the groin

This clinical picture is considered a standard manifestation of osteochondrosis. Irradiation is observed not only in the groin, but also in the knees, lower back, fingers and toes. Patients complain of burning, squeezing.

What else causes pain:

• pinched nerve root with hernia;
• protrusions located in the lumbosacral region;
• spasmodic piriformis muscle.

It is recommended to rule out arthrosis of the hip joint and aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. Similar phenomena are observed in arthritis, trochanteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica.

Pain under the buttock

The first step is to differentiate hemorrhoids. This disease leads to itching in the anus, causes a feeling of heaviness and fullness of the intestine. Accompanied by constipation, the appearance of nodes around the anus. Probable diagnosis – intervertebral hernia, as well as:

• coxarthrosis;
• lumbar spondyloarthrosis;
• sciatic nerve neuropathy.

Causes of pain in the buttocks

Pain localized in the buttocks is a non-specific symptom.

Possible causes include:

• Traumatic injury. Thus, a bruise appears after a fall on the buttocks. Pain gradually subsides and rarely leads to impaired mobility. A severe bruise can lead to the appearance of a hematoma, bruising and swelling.
• Neurological diseases. The symptom is found against the background of diseases of the spine, namely, with radicular syndrome. The phenomenon is typical for hernias and protrusions, congenital malformations, post-traumatic syndromes, tumor processes that affect the nervous system.
• Infectious lesion. Furuncles, carbuncles, pyoderma lead to pain, combined with itching and burning. The intensity of sensations is associated with the size of the purulent formation and the presence of edema. A similar situation can develop after an injection performed with improper antiseptic treatment before the procedure.
• Acute and chronic diseases of the joints. Arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliitis, Behcet’s syndrome and other conditions manifest themselves in a similar way.
• Leriche syndrome. It debuts with a slight pain syndrome, gradually leading to lameness and movement restrictions.
• Myalgia. Pathologies of soft tissues occur against the background of intense physical exertion. Pain in the buttocks may be associated with the development of bursitis (inflammation of the synovial joint bag) or tendonitis (tendon damage).
• Positional compression syndrome. Associated with a long stay of the patient in a motionless position. It develops in patients who are unconscious, drug or alcohol intoxicated.
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Associated with the chronic course of pathologies affecting the reproductive system in women. Characteristic for patients with adnexitis, salpingitis, fibroids and cysts.
• Derkum disease. It is expressed in the appearance of numerous wen and pain localized in the shoulders, buttocks, and hips.

These are not all possible reasons. It is worth noting hemorrhoids, piriformis syndrome, impaired local blood supply, bone tuberculosis, malignant tumors.

The best solution in case of pain is to immediately contact an experienced specialist.

Make an appointment for diagnostics

Diagnostics

Detailed diagnostics are required to establish the causes of pain in the buttocks. The list of methods is determined by a general practitioner or a narrow specialist (surgeon, rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, orthopedist, neurologist) after an internal examination of the patient and collection of tests.

Basic diagnostic methods:

• Laboratory tests. Aimed at assessing the general condition of the body and identifying the inflammatory process. The patient is recommended tests for C-reactive protein, blood for leukocyte formula. Sometimes specialized tests are required. For example, identification of a typical gene for ankylosing spondylitis or a pathogen in case of suspected infectious nature of pain.
• X-ray. The method allows visualization of bone tissue. Reveals dystrophic and degenerative changes, infectious, inflammatory and tumor processes.
• Magnetic resonance imaging. Allows you to assess the structure of tissues and detect hernias, protrusions, bursitis, tendonitis. Informative for diagnosing malignant and benign tumors, neurological pathologies. If necessary, it is performed using a contrast agent.
• Computed tomography. Suitable for diagnosing the consequences of injuries, oncological pathologies. It can also be done with contrast enhancement.
• Ultrasound. Non-invasive technique for detecting disorders in soft structures.

Consultation of our specialists will help to make the correct diagnosis.

Make an appointment for diagnostics

Methods for treating pain in the buttocks

Therapeutic tactics are developed based on the results of the diagnosis. The treatment includes:

Pharmacological therapy

It is based on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Muscle relaxants and analgesics are also prescribed. Sulfa derivatives of mesalazine are recommended for the treatment of chronic joint diseases. If a bacterial nature is suspected, antibiotics must be selected. To relieve pain, it is allowed to use warming ointments and gels.

Physiotherapy

Electrotherapy and magnetotherapy showed good efficiency. Depending on the diagnosis, they resort to massage, exercise therapy, underwater shower-massage, traction.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery is required to alleviate the condition. Drainage of a purulent focus, removal of cysts and tumors, nucleoplasty are likely.

Bed rest and limited mobility play an important role in recovery. In some cases, the patient is allowed to move only with a walker or crutches.

Osteopathic treatment

Osteopathy is a safe, effective and painless treatment for gluteal pain. A positive result is observed after the first visit to a specialist. The specialist affects not only the musculoskeletal system, but also other body systems.

What methods does the osteopath use:

• Cranioscar technique. It involves the impact on the constituent elements of the spine, the bones of the skull, the meninges. The osteopath uses methods of soft impact, taking into account the physiological tact and amplitude of the body.