Buttock Pain
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Pain in the butt
Buttock pain
Pain in butt cheek
Butt pain while sitting
Sharp or burning pain that radiates down
About the Symptom
Buttock pain is typically felt at the top of the buttocks and can radiate down the thigh and leg. It may occur due to injury, nerve compression, muscle strain, joint inflammation, or cancer.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Low back pain
- Numbness / sensory disorder
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal sensation (tingling, prickling)
- Numbness of lower limbs
Possible Causes
Generally, Buttock pain can be related to:
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. Stenosis, meaning narrowing, can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that connect the spinal cord to muscles.
- Spinal Canal Stenosis
Narrowing of the canal surrounding the nerves. It can be caused by normal wear and tear of the spine or by a previous injury to the region.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition characterized by painful nodules and abscesses in the skin's folds.
- Lumbar Vertebrae Disk Herniation
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Genital Herpes
- Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
- Femoral Head Necrosis
- Cancer Pain
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Buttock pain may be related to these serious diseases:
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare nerve disorder where a person's own immune system attacks their nerves. GBS can cause symptoms ranging from mild (arm/leg numbness or weakness) to severe and life-threatening (inability to breathe, abnormal heart rhythm, very high/low blood pressure). The prognosis is generally good. Over half of people fully recover and 80% can walk independently at 1 year. However, a minority of people may have permanent nerve damage or need a ventilator to breathe, and the overall death rate ranges from 3% to 7%.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing any pain in your buttocks?
- When did you first notice the buttock pain?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how severe was your buttock pain at its worst?
- How is your buttock pain now?
- How often do you experience buttock pain?
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jan 30, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
BBL Pain? Why Your Body Is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Pain after a BBL is common from liposuction and fat transfer causing tissue trauma, swelling, and temporary nerve irritation, with discomfort usually improving over 2 to 6 weeks. There are several factors to consider, including red flags like chest pain, shortness of breath, high fever, rapidly worsening pain, or one-sided swelling that require urgent care. Medically approved steps include taking prescribed medications correctly, wearing compression, light walking, good hydration, not smoking, and avoiding pressure on the buttocks with proper pillows and positions. See below for timelines, what is normal vs not, and detailed guidance that could change your next steps.
References:
* Sasaki JR, Salgarella A, Glickman JN, Viana D, de Sá PGM, Lessa S, Stotland MA. Complications of Gluteal Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Surg J. 2021 Apr 15;41(5):NP183-NP192. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaa300. PMID: 33119047.
* Mofid MM, Mulas R, Centurión FR. Understanding and Preventing Complications in Gluteal Fat Grafting: A Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Aug;140(2):280e-291e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003554. PMID: 28742698.
* Hsieh CC, Chung KC. Postoperative Pain Management in Aesthetic Surgery: A Narrative Review. Aesthetic Surg J. 2023 Apr 14;43(5):NP212-NP226. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac299. PMID: 36322986.
* Alkhashnam T, Jammali N, Al-Sharif S, Alqahtani A. Management of Pain After Large Volume Lipo-Fat Grafting (Brazilian Butt Lift). Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Jan 27;8(1):e2646. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002646. PMID: 32047648; PMCID: PMC7000578.
* Teitelbaum S, Dhanda R, Mofid M, Pineda RV, Friedland L, Vaca L, Tepper O. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols in Aesthetic Surgery: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Surg J. 2023 Jun 14;43(7):NP319-NP329. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac358. PMID: 36561066.
Q.
Buttock Pain? Why Your Gluteus Maximus Hurts & Medical Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: buttock pain often comes from the gluteus maximus due to strain or overuse, prolonged sitting, nerve issues like sciatica or piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, bursitis, or direct injury. Most cases improve with rest and activity changes, ice then heat, and targeted physical therapy; imaging or injections are used selectively and surgery is rare. Seek urgent care for bowel or bladder changes, severe weakness, spreading numbness, fever, or major swelling, and see the complete next-step guidance below for detailed evaluation and treatment options.
References:
* Rezaian S, Ghayem SS, Mirghasemi SA, Barzegar B, Karimi R, Abedzade M, Barzegar S, Mousavi SA, Mohaghegh P. Gluteal Pain Syndrome: Deep Gluteal Syndrome, Pudendal Neuropathy, Ischiofemoral Impingement, and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2021 Feb 17;8(1):153-162. doi: 10.1093/jhps/hnab011. PMID: 33824795; PMCID: PMC8004746.
* Magee MC, Cogan JD, Williams CM, Hynes KK, Wylie JD. Deep Gluteal Syndrome: An Emerging Problem. A Systematic Review. PM R. 2020 Dec;12(12):1292-1300. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12398. Epub 2020 May 4. PMID: 32339599.
* Arif M, Singh P, Arsh M, Aijaz M, Ahmed I, Iqbal Z, Kausar A. Piriformis Syndrome: A Narrative Review of the Anatomy, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2023 Mar 15;15(1):39918. doi: 10.4081/or.2023.39918. PMID: 37025816; PMCID: PMC10074218.
* Ganderton C, Kemp JL, Scholes MJ, Littlewood C, Drew MK. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a review of anatomy, diagnosis and treatment. J Spine Surg. 2018 Sep;4(3):425-434. doi: 10.21037/jss.2018.08.06. PMID: 30671407; PMCID: PMC6327092.
* Ohlendorf D, Welschehold S, Müller J, Gesslein M, Klein M, Zacherl J, Drossel L, Schleicher E, Seidl L, Stöhr L. Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A Narrative Review of the Anatomy, Biomechanics, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2023 Mar 28;15(2):40129. doi: 10.4081/or.2023.40129. PMID: 37090885; PMCID: PMC10123537.
Q.
Persistent Glute Pain? Why Your Glutes Are Failing & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent glute pain usually means your glutes are weak, irritated, or not firing properly due to issues like gluteal tendinopathy, prolonged sitting, piriformis irritation, SI joint dysfunction, sciatica, or muscle strain; most people improve with targeted strengthening, better daily movement habits, strategic heat or ice and appropriate medications, and guidance from a physical therapist with a gradual return to activity. There are several factors to consider, including red flags that require urgent care; see below for specific exercises to start, what to pause, recovery timelines, and when to seek imaging, injections, or a medical evaluation so you can choose the right next steps.
References:
* Fearon AM, Cook J, Scarvell JM, Smith PN. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Review of the Current Literature. PM&R. 2021 Jan;13(1):92-102. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12458. Epub 2020 Oct 17. PMID: 33068989.
* Allison K, Vicenzino B, Grimaldi A. Gluteal tendinopathy: a narrative review of the pathology and management. Phys Ther Sport. 2021 Mar;48:119-127. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.10.009. Epub 2020 Oct 26. PMID: 33139366.
* Cacchio A, Saraceni VM, Toselli F, De Filippis L, Foti C, Tarantino U. Abductor Tendinopathy of the Hip: A Clinical Review. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2018 Dec;58(12):1897-1906. doi: 10.3390/jcm10122718. Epub 2018 Oct 3. PMID: 30282662.
* Hicks BL, Varacallo M. Piriformis Syndrome. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 33649911.
* Coombes BK, Vicenzino B, Mellor R, Kelly BT, Grimaldi A. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Management and Practical Tips. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021 Aug 1;20(8):411-419. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000858. PMID: 34335440.
Q.
Is there a way to relieve muscle pain in the buttocks?
A.
Yes, there are several effective ways to relieve muscle pain in the buttocks. These methods can help alleviate discomfort caused by conditions such as gluteal tendinopathy, deep gluteal syndrome, or delayed onset muscle soreness.
References:
Hu YE, Ho GWK, Tortland PD. Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Pain in the Buttock. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021 Jun 1;20(6):279-285. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000848. PMID: 34099604.
Grimaldi A, Mellor R, Hodges P, Bennell K, Wajswelner H, Vicenzino B. Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Review of Mechanisms, Assessment and Management. Sports Med. 2015 Aug;45(8):1107-19. doi: 10.1007/s40279-015-0336-5. PMID: 25969366.
Cheung K, Hume P, Maxwell L. Delayed onset muscle soreness : treatment strategies and performance factors. Sports Med. 2003;33(2):145-64. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005. PMID: 12617692.
Q.
What can I do about tailbone pain when sitting?
A.
If you are experiencing tailbone pain (coccydynia) when sitting, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate discomfort. These include using supportive cushions, practicing good posture, applying heat or ice, and considering medical treatments if the pain persists.
References:
Lirette LS, Chaiban G, Tolba R, Eissa H. Coccydynia: an overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain. Ochsner J. 2014 Spring;14(1):84-7. PMID: 24688338; PMCID: PMC3963058.
Elkhashab Y, Ng A. A Review of Current Treatment Options for Coccygodynia. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2018 Mar 19;22(4):28. doi: 10.1007/s11916-018-0683-7. PMID: 29556817.
Andersen GØ, Milosevic S, Jensen MM, Andersen MØ, Simony A, Rasmussen MM, Carreon L. Coccydynia-The Efficacy of Available Treatment Options: A Systematic Review. Global Spine J. 2022 Sep;12(7):1611-1623. doi: 10.1177/21925682211065389. Epub 2021 Dec 18. PMID: 34927468; PMCID: PMC9393997.
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