What is That Sharp Pain in My Butt Cheek?

Lacey

September 22, 2020 0 Comment

Many Americans have experienced back pain within their lifetime. We get clients that describe pain not only in their back but in their buttcheek as well. It can be confusing for someone experiencing this for the first time. There are many likely culprits that can be causing a sharp pain in your buttocks and legs, which can also be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling. Most of the causes though aren’t that much to worry about and can easily be fixed or regulated.

Muscle Strain

The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus are the muscles that make up your butt and you can stretch these muscles so much that they tear. Muscle strain in one of these muscles usually causes swelling, tenderness, and stiffness. Some common causes of muscle strains are not warming up before exercising, exercising too much, or moving suddenly in an awkward position. The best way to deal with a strain is to rest the muscle, put ice on the area, and compress the area, preferably with some sort of elastic bandage if you can.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom that is often caused by a herniated disk or an area of the spine that has narrowed down and presses on a sciatic nerve. It is usually the sharp or burning pain that runs down your lower back and through your buttocks and sometimes goes down your legs. There isn’t really a cure for sciatica, only ways of dealing with it, the best of which is to do stretches that strengthen your lower back. You can also try over-the-counter medication if stretches aren’t working.

Bursitis

Bursitis is the condition where the sacs called bursae, which cushion bones, become inflamed. Although you have a specialized version of these in your buttocks called a bursa. Symptoms are pain when you sit or lie down, pain that radiates down your thigh, and swelling or redness. Fortunately, it is curable and several days of rest should help it heal, it is also recommended to put ice on it and try to do a range of motion exercises.

Herniated Disk

The vertebrae in your spine are each separated and cushioned by small disks filled with gel. A herniated disk happened when one of these disks outer layers tears, letting the gel inside slip out. When this happens in your lower back the pain can sometimes radiate down to your buttocks along with numbness, tingling, or weakness. While these are more common in older folk, it is possible for younger people to get them if they are lifting or pulling heavy objects frequently or they are obese. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for herniated discs besides surgery or waiting for it to heal on its own, but you can manage the symptoms by resting or seeing a physical therapist.