Buttock Pain

Buttock Pain Is No Laughing Matter 

Buttock pain is an umbrella term for pain that results from a number of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the area of the human body that is often referred to as the "butt" or the "backside." There are, of course, other more colorful names for it too.

But buttock pain can be a symptom of a number of dangerous medical threats, many of which are not the least bit funny.

Here's a list of conditions which feature buttock pain as a symptom. This list is not all-inclusive, but rather covers the most common ailments that are likely to trigger medical versions of "pain in the backside."

Various Cancers Sorry to start out with the scariest possibilities, but unfortunately, they're among the most common. Colon cancer and rectal cancer can both cause buttock pain. Sadly, by the time this pain begins, the disease has usually progressed to a dangerous point. Cancer can also attach bones in the pelvis.

Constipation This one is so well known it scarcely needs to be mentioned. But it is a common cause of buttocks pain, especially if stool becomes impacted.

Pregnancy Bearing the additional weight of carrying a child can cause pain in the joints and muscles of the buttocks.

Sciatica or Sciatic Pain The sciatic nerve extends from the spinal cord into the lower back, down through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot. When this nerve is compressed or damaged in some way, it can cause buttock pain along with discomfort elsewhere in the lower half of the body. Sciatica is often a problem for people who have to sit or drive for long periods as part of the job.

Arthritis Pain in the joints of the hip area caused by arthritis can be felt in the buttocks.

Bursitis There are also a number of forms of bursitis that can affect the buttock region. Bursitis pain is caused by an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac known as a bursa, which is between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone

Gluteal claudication Simply put, it's pain that occurs when certain blood vessels in the buttock region don't get a sufficient supply of blood. It's usually because of an arterial obstruction.

Sacroiliitis This occurs when one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine and pelvis, become inflamed. It can be caused by injury, pregnancy, arthritis, infection, or a number of other disorders and conditions.

Spondylarthropathies This term describes a collection of pain-causing problems that involve the attachments between your low back and the pelvis.

Osteoporosis This causes bones in the pelvic region become thinner, weaker and more brittle. This can trigger pain in the buttock in a number of ways.

Osteomalacia This is the softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralizations, usually caused by a vitamin D deficiency. Soft bones are more likely to bow and fracture. In children, this condition is called rickets.

Paget's disease of bone This is a condition that causes bones to grow larger and weaker than normal. When the affected bones are in the buttock area, pain can be the result.

Piriformis syndrome This condition occurs when there a problem with the piriformis muscle, a muscle located deep inside buttocks under the gluteus maximus. Pain from piriformis syndrome can range from mild but annoying to severe and even debilitating.
 

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