Pain In The Ass…

I’m not talking about your job, your partner or your kids for that matter.  I’m talking about a literal pain in the butt, as in buttocks or gluteal muscles.  Gluteal pain can be a real pain in the ass!!!

But enough of the pun…….

Gluteal pain or “hip pain” is a very common reason for visiting the physiotherapist.  Causes of gluteal pain vary.  It is not unusual for a back problem to give a pain in the gluteal region even without any sign of a back ache.  Dysfunction of the lumbar spine (such as disc pathology, or nerve compression) can cause pain to be referred to the gluteal region.  Tight gluteal muscles can also cause pain.  One of the gluteal muscles is called piriformis.  This muscle is responsible for moving the hip.  This muscle lies on top of the sciatic nerve which is the longest single nerve in the human body.  It is responsible for sensation and muscle function in the leg and foot.

When piriformis gets tight it can compress the sciatic nerve which lies beneath it causing pain.  In fact in about 1/5 of the population, the sciatic nerve actually runs through the piriformis muscle which places these individuals at risk of developing sciatica.

If left untreated this pain can progress down the entire leg.

If you are experiencing butt or gluteal pain seek professional help.  A physiotherapist will advise you if it is simply tight muscles or a referred pain from your back and provide you with advice and treatment to manage this problem.

Don’t let a pain in the butt slow you down.

Let’s be having ya!!