Buttock Pain from Sciatica

One of the most common--and frustrating--causes of buttock pain is sciatic pain, which is also called sciatica.

This type of buttock pain occurs due to damage or injury to the sciatic nerve, which originates in the spinal column, extends through the buttocks and down to the feet. The sciatic nerve is one of the largest in the human body, so when it's injured or hurt, especially in the buttock area, the pain can be intense and unrelenting.

Sciatic pain may also produce a tingling or numbing sensation.

Most often, sciatic pain starts in the spinal column, when discs or vertebrae are injured or inflamed. Pain can be felt anywhere along the path of the nerve: back, buttocks, legs or feet.

A herniated disc, which happens when a spinal disc presses against nerve roots, is a common cause of sciatic pain.

Bad posture often results in sciatic nerve damage. When your teachers told you not to slouch at your desk, there was a good reason. Bad posture can place pressure on the sciatic nerve in many ways--none of them good. The result: pain in the buttocks, and possibly other places.

But even good posture is no guarantee you'll avoid sciatic pain. People who sit properly for long periods of time without a break can cause sciatic nerve damage. Long distance truck drivers who must sit in one place, hour after hour, day after day are especially prone to buttock pain from sciatica.

Sciatic pain can also be a symptom of other disorders and conditions. including:

• spinal stenosis, which involves narrowing of the spinal canal,
• bone spurs caused by arthritis, or
• a pinched nerve.

Sciatica often intensifies when you sit or stand for a long time. However, walking, lying down and movements that extend the spine may bring some relief.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and certain kinds of steroid injections may also help

There is no scientific evidence at this point that ice packs or heating pads will bring any real pain relief.

If buttock pain from sciatica persists, talk to your doctor about physical therapy.

Surgery for sciatic pain is usually done only in the most severe cases.