Pain in the left buttock
definition
In medicine, the buttock describes the gluteal muscles and the subcutaneous fat layer, which together support and cushion the weight of the body while sitting and also perform powerful muscle movements in the hip joint. If a pain in the left buttock is described, this generally refers to the lower back, the hips, parts of the thigh and the genital and anal region. The pain, which can be drawn, throbbing, dull or stabbing in the buttock, is caused by these areas of the body. If the pain persists for a long time or is extremely severe, a doctor should be consulted in order to be able to rule out or treat underlying orthopedic diseases.
Read more about pain in the buttock in our article Pain in the right buttock.
causes
The causes of pain in the buttock can be traced back to many structures.
The buttock itself consists largely of three large muscles. These pull from the lower back to the thigh and perform powerful stretching movements in the hip joint. Your strength is particularly required during activities such as climbing stairs. In some cases, the muscles themselves can be the cause of the pain in the buttock. Overloading, incorrect loading, bruises, strains or other minor accidents can lead to this. A simple sore muscles can be the cause, especially for strength athletes or after intensive stair climbing the day before. Even if there was a sporting activity the day before, unnoticed overloading or straining of the muscles may have occurred. One-sided, incorrect, monotonous movements can also strain the muscles and tendons and cause pain. This can be the case at the beginning of new sports such as jogging or hiking.
However, the cause of the pain in the buttock can also be found in the back or hip. As a ball joint, the hip joint has an enormous amount of freedom of movement and opportunities for injury. In addition to fractures, dislocations, tendon and ligament problems of the joint, long-term signs of wear and tear can also occur in the hip joint. The pain in this area is often described as pain in the buttock.
Nerves can also be stimulated in this region. Various nerves in the area of the pelvis and buttocks run from the back to the legs and genitals. The nerves can be irritated or damaged in their course. This stimulus can lead to unpleasant pain and discomfort. Often the sciatic nerve is affected, one of the body's largest nerves, responsible for many structures in the legs. A possibly existing pregnancy can also lead to symptoms of this kind.
Read more about this under
- Sciatic nerve pinched - what to do?
- Lumboischialgia
Causes of pain in the buttock can also be found in the area of the spine. Many people are plagued by pain, especially at the level of the lumbar spine. Sitting for long periods, heavy lifting, muscle weakness and age are important risk factors for spinal discomfort. The pain can be transmitted across the buttock to the legs. The so-called "ISG blockade" is also a not uncommon cause of these complaints.
Read more about this under Symptoms of an SIJ block
fistula
In rare cases, a fistula can also cause pain in the buttock. A fistula is a tubular connection between two areas of the body that should not normally exist. Fistulas can develop as part of inflammation. An example of a fistula on the buttocks is the coccyx fistula. Individual hairs grow into the skin at the level of the coccyx and become inflamed there. Bacteria and other pathogens can penetrate the skin and lead to greater inflammation. The inflammation spreads inside the body and leads to a fistula-like connection with the pelvic organs.
Such a fistula almost always has to be treated surgically. Over time it can become very painful and the inflammation can become life-threatening, which is why rapid surgical clearance must be performed.
Read more about this under Coccyx fistula
Sciatica irritation
The sciatic nerve, which arises from the spine at about the level of the third lumbar vertebra, runs above the buttocks across the legs on both sides. Because of the irritation, the nerve mistakenly sends pain signals to the brain. These are often felt to be shooting in and electrifying. In addition, numbness and tingling in the left buttock may also occur.
Sciatic irritation of this kind occurs when, for example, there is a narrowing of the nerve in the course of the left sciatic nerve. This can occur, for example, on the pelvic bone or through the left piriformis muscle. The nerve can also be stimulated at the exit point of the left sciatic nerve from the spine, which can also lead to the transmission of the pain stimulus from the left buttock to the brain
Nerve irritation can also occur during pregnancy. The growing uterus (womb) creates pressure in the pelvis, which can compress the nerve.
Read more about this under Lumboischialgia in pregnancy
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is also a sciatica irritation that causes pain in the buttock. The irritation is secondary to the piriformis muscle, which can pinch the nerve between its muscle belly and the pelvic bone. Above all, monotonous sitting and a lack of exercise are held responsible for the development of this pain. External pressure or incorrect movements can also trigger the syndrome.
The therapy consists essentially of movement, targeted muscle exercises and massages.
Read more about this under Causes of Piriformis Syndrome
Hip osteoarthritis
Hip arthrosis is a long-term and gradual change in the hip joint. The wear and tear of the articular cartilage and the articular surfaces arise as a result of normal wear and tear in old age or after poor posture and incorrect loading in the hip joint. Because the condition develops over years, symptoms often only appear after the joint has already been damaged. The pain that then occurs may be external to the joint, buttock or groin. At this point in time, radiological examinations will often show strong signs of wear and tear.
Read more about this under Causes of hip arthrosis
ISG blockage
ISG blockade is a muscular blockage of the sacroiliac joint. The cause of the ISG blockade can be faulty long-term stress, but also one-off triggers. Those affected often describe the trigger as a kind of “step into the void”.
The SI joint blockage also leads to back pain and pain in the buttock. In principle, the blockage is reversible, as the muscle and ligament structures are loosened through certain exercises and movements. A doctor or physiotherapist can often remove the blockage within a short time with certain actions. The pain is often exacerbated by lying down and certain sitting postures. Lying with bent legs is particularly beneficial. For example, those affected often find lying on the floor with their calves on a chair comfortable. The pain can sometimes spread to the legs.
Read more about this on our main page ISG
Can it be a thrombosis?
A blood clot, i.e. a thrombosis, can generally cause pain in the left buttock. Such clots usually settle in the deep veins of the legs, from where they can be transported into the groin. If the thrombosis jams in the left groin, pain can arise that radiates into the left buttock.
A direct thrombosis in a vessel that supplies the left buttock, on the other hand, is rather rare. In thrombosis, the pain is triggered by the fact that the tissue behind the blocked blood vessel can no longer be adequately supplied with blood, oxygen and other nutrients. As a result, pain occurs due to the insufficient blood circulation.
Find out all about the topic here: deep vein thrombosis.
Concomitant symptoms
The main symptom of most causal complaints is pain. However, this can express itself in many ways. In order to narrow down the possible cause, it is also important whether the pain is dull, stabbing, pulling or burning and whether the pain can be triggered by movement or whether it spreads to other parts of the body. The precise circumstances surrounding the pain can vary, including the time of the pain and accompanying symptoms. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may follow. In the case of muscle complaints, a sharp pain diffuse in the muscle during activities such as climbing stairs is described.
If the cause is in the hip area, stabbing pain on the side can occur when walking, lying down and other postures. In the case of back pain, there may also be blockages, pain transmission, tingling in the legs, numbness and even paralysis. Blockages express themselves in extreme, sudden pain with certain movements.
Pain extends into the leg
In some people who have pain in the buttock on the left side, the pain can spread and radiate. This suggests involvement of a nerve. From the lumbar spine, bundles of nerves pull across the buttocks into the legs, where they supply the muscles with motor and the skin of the leg with sensitivity. If these nerves are impaired by high pressure in the pelvis or trapping, this can lead to functional restrictions and failures along these nerve cords. As a result, the typical ant-running, tingling, pain and numbness of the legs, feet and toes can occur. Sometimes it can even lead to paralysis.
The irritation of the nerve can occur on the spine itself or in the course in the area of the buttocks. Common causes are herniated discs and ISG blockages on the spine. Sciatica irritation can occur in the buttocks, for example in the context of the so-called "piriformis syndrome".
Read more about this under Piriformis Syndrome
In combination with back pain
A large proportion of all adults suffer from back pain from time to time or permanently. The lumbar spine in particular, which is located in the deep hollow back above the buttocks, is often affected by pain. The causes of back pain can be different. It does not always have to be a herniated disc or a disease of the intervertebral disc. Over the years, permanent or incorrect loads can lead to signs of wear and tear on the vertebral joints. Blockages of the vertebral joints or the sacroiliac joint are also conceivable. This can lead to diffuse pain in the back that radiates into the buttock.
The treatment of this diffuse back pain is often difficult because the exact cause of the back pain is often not recognized. A healthy amount of exercise and strengthening of the back muscles help prevent back pain. Physiotherapy and muscle building also play an important role in the therapy of existing pain. Surgery may also be necessary in rare cases.
Pain over the left buttock
The pain, which is often described above the left buttock, is very typical of irritation of the sciatic nerve. This pulls in this area from the spine towards the legs. The point of irritation can often be located above the buttock, which is why the main pain is also to be found there, which can run through the buttock into the legs. Sciatica irritation can have various causes.
It is easy to confuse the pain above the left buttock with muscle discomfort that extends from the back. There are large muscles across the entire back that can pull, cramp and harden. This type of muscle complaint usually subsides within a few days.
Pain on the right side too
A pain in the buttock that occurs on both sides initially suggests a muscular problem. If the muscles are subjected to additional stress, for example when a new type of sport is started, muscle pain can also occur on both sides due to the unusual stress. In some cases, hardening, tension and straining of the muscles can occur on both sides. However, nerve irritation that occurs on both sides is extremely rare. Even a pain that originates in the back rarely radiates equally in both directions.
Pain extends to the anus
If the pain extends from the buttock to the anus, diseases of the last section of the intestine can also be behind it. Many people experience itching, pain, or other discomfort in the anus, but most do not see a doctor out of shame. Hemorrhoids, rashes, inflammation of the intestines, injuries, fissures or infections can be the cause. In particular, if the pain worsens during bowel movements or blood is found in the stool, a disease of the lower bowel section is likely and a doctor should be consulted.
Read more about this under Pain in the anus
Pain after exercise
Pain in the left buttock can be triggered by various mechanisms after exercise. The gluteus muscles (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus) are most commonly affected. Sudden movement during sport can cause a strain or a ruptured muscle fiber, the resulting pain can best be treated by physical rest and will usually disappear after a few days to weeks.
Exercise can also overload the gluteal muscles.
The treatment of these complaints usually takes more time, as the permanently damaged muscles can only slowly recover. During exercise, small muscles in the pelvis can also be affected; these irritate the nerves that supply the left buttock and thus lead to an electrifying pain in the left buttock.
For more information, read on: Torn muscle fiber.
diagnosis
The diagnosis is largely made from detailed questioning of symptoms and physical exams. By exercising certain movements in the hip joint, the causal area can often be narrowed down. However, it is often found that the pain is not caused by the muscle itself. External pressure on the buttock itself can also provoke pain in the case of muscular problems. Hardening and tension in the muscles can also be felt in this way. If the muscle is inflamed, external warming and reddening may be noticed.
The questioning about the radiation and transmission of the pain gives clear indications that the nerves are involved. With complaints of this kind, it is often necessary to take a radiological picture in addition to the interview. CT and MRT images are ideal for this purpose, whereby the soft tissue can be better differentiated in the MRI without radiation exposure.
Read more about this under MRI or CT- What's the Difference?
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In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
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For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.
treatment
Treatment for pain in the buttock on the left side can be symptomatic and targeted. The latter must be made dependent on the underlying disease.
Most of the pain that can be felt in the buttock is a simple muscle problem. In addition to sore muscles, this can also be tension, strains, hardening or cracks. This pain rarely has to be treated. The time it takes for it to heal itself can be bridged with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. For this purpose, naturopathic remedies are recommended initially, as well as immobilization and cooling of the muscle. If the pain is more severe, drugs from the NSAID group can also be used. The most prominent representatives are ibuprofen, indomethacin or diclofenac. These also counteract any inflammation in this area. If used for several days, attention must be paid to the side effects, especially a possible heartburn in the stomach. In the case of extremely severe pain, opioid pain medication such as morphine can also be taken on a prescription from a doctor.
Read more about this under
- PECH rule
- NSAIDs
The causal therapy, if necessary, must be targeted at the cause of the pain in the buttock. Often nerve irritation is behind it, for example irritation of the sciatic nerve. These often also subside by themselves. However, they may have to be relieved surgically. It is not uncommon for such stresses on the nerves to occur during pregnancy. Here you have to wait until the end of pregnancy, which usually reduces the pain.
Read more about this under
- Pinched sciatic nerve
- Pain in the buttock during pregnancy
If the cause lies in the hip joint, various therapies can be used. In the case of severe pain, the focus is on protecting the joint. Often there are also chronic processes behind it that require physiotherapy or muscle building. In severe cases, surgical interventions may also be necessary here.
If the cause lies in the spine, the treatments are individual and depend on the individual case. Herniated discs, for example, can be treated with medication, physiotherapy or surgery. So-called ISG blockages, which cause pain in the buttock, can be loosened by special exercises and manipulations by a doctor or physiotherapist.
Read more about this under
- Treatment of a herniated disc
- ISG Blockage - This is how the blockage is released
Duration
The duration depends heavily on the triggering cause and the severity of the underlying disease. Muscular problems, which are to blame in the majority of cases, also vary greatly in their healing time. Tension, hardening or sore muscles can go away on their own within a few days. Severe strains, bruises or torn muscle fibers, on the other hand, often require several weeks to heal.
Spinal diseases can vary in severity. After a herniated disc, for example, the pain may go away after just a few days to weeks. However, especially in the spine, the symptoms can also be chronic and persist for more than 6 months. Chronic diseases of the hip joint can also drag on over a long period of time. In the case of severe arthritic changes, a cure is not foreseeable, but with an operation these can be operated satisfactorily within a short time.
