Sciatica is a common cause of pain in the buttocks. The sciatic nerve runs down from the lower spine through to the buttocks and the back of the thigh. The pressure of the muscle on the sciatic nerve causes the pain known as sciatica. Remember, that sciatica is not a condition in itself, it is a symptom of various conditions. For one example, sciatica can (but it doesn’t have to) occur due to a condition known as piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle that starts in a person’s lower back and runs down to their thigh. When the muscle is overworked or strained, it can press on the sciatic nerve.
Apart from pain (shooting pain in my case!), numbness or tingling may be noticed too and may worsen if someone runs, sits, or goes upstairs.
So what to do… what-to-do?
Ideally, stay away from diagnosing your condition or even worst-case scenario, ignoring the symptoms. Sometimes things go away, but quite often they do not…they linger and we just get used to “it”. We get used to being in discomfort. I mean, why?
If the pain in the “butt” is not going away, speak to your GP! You may be referred to an NHS Physiotherapist, who will take the best route whether by therapy or initial scan to determine any structural changes first.
In the meantime, avoid strain on the area as much as you can. Squats are out! Hamstring stretches are out too! Forget about running. Give yourself time to rest and consider anti-inflammatory creams to get you through. For those of you who enjoy natural remedies…Turmeric and ginger are your friends here! Ax
Agata Davies 