Left Buttock Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Pain in the buttocks?

Hello: A few years ago, I noticed the following: A: "Whenever I have a particularly tiring day at work, after I get off, my left buttock near the coccyx tends to feel sore and soft, and sometimes I experience a sudden sharp pain that lasts about 2 seconds (a strong stabbing pain)." B: "There was even a time when I was standing, and my leg suddenly felt weak, almost giving way (only for 1 second).
Fortunately, it was very brief, and I only nearly knelt down without falling.
Thankfully, I haven't experienced situation B in the past 1-2 years.
However, situation A continues to occur.
I'm unsure whether this is a problem related to bones, nerves, or muscles.
Which specialist should I consult? Thank you, doctor!"

HL, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/21

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, thank you for your inquiry.
If you have previously experienced a fall with your hip hitting the ground, you may want to consider seeing an orthopedic specialist.
If not, you might want to consult a neurologist.
However, regardless of which specialty you choose, it is recommended that you engage in regular physical activity, even just walking, as this can strengthen the muscles in your lower back and hips, which may help alleviate some unexplained symptoms related to the pelvic region.
Therefore, before visiting a relevant specialist, you might want to start incorporating some exercises, especially those you enjoy, as this will help you maintain consistency and achieve better results.
The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/03/21

More Info

Understanding left buttock pain can be complex, as it may stem from various underlying causes, including musculoskeletal issues, nerve problems, or even referred pain from other areas of the body. Based on your description, it seems that your symptoms are primarily localized to the left side of your buttock, near the tailbone, and are characterized by soreness and occasional sharp pain. Additionally, you mentioned experiencing a brief episode of sudden weakness in your leg while standing, which is concerning and warrants further investigation.

Potential Causes of Left Buttock Pain
1. Muscle Strain or Overuse: Given that your pain tends to occur after a long day of work, it is possible that muscle fatigue or strain is contributing to your discomfort. Prolonged sitting or standing, especially in awkward positions, can lead to muscle tightness and soreness.

2. Sciatica: If the pain radiates down your leg or is associated with numbness or tingling, it could be related to sciatica, which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. This can happen due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spinal issues.

3. Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, can sometimes irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the buttock and potentially down the leg. This condition is often exacerbated by prolonged sitting or certain activities.

4. Coccyx Pain (Coccydynia): Pain near the tailbone can also be due to coccydynia, which can result from trauma, prolonged sitting, or inflammation.

5. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can compress nerves that lead to pain in the buttock and leg.

6. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the buttock can be referred from other areas, such as the lower back or even the hip joint.

When to Seek Help
Given the nature of your symptoms, especially the episode of sudden weakness in your leg, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to see a healthcare provider:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain persists for more than a few weeks or worsens over time.

- Neurological Symptoms: If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg, especially if it affects your ability to walk or stand.

- Loss of Control: If you have episodes of sudden weakness or loss of control in your leg, as this could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

- Impact on Daily Life: If the pain interferes with your daily activities or quality of life.

Which Specialist to See
For your symptoms, it would be appropriate to start with a visit to a primary care physician who can perform an initial evaluation. Depending on their findings, they may refer you to a specialist such as:
- Orthopedic Surgeon: If they suspect a musculoskeletal issue.

- Neurologist: If they believe the pain is related to nerve compression or neurological issues.

- Physical Therapist: For rehabilitation and management of muscle-related pain.

Conclusion
In summary, left buttock pain can arise from various causes, and your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying issue. It is important to address any sudden changes in strength or sensation, as these could indicate a more serious condition. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left Buttock Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing this issue since October of last year. I have sharp pain in my left buttock, and my left leg feels a bit numb. When I lie in bed and try to get up, I struggle to do so and have to rely on my hands and my right buttock to support my body. I a...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your inquiry, it is recommended to first consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation. Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide accurate diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Understanding Left Buttock Pain: Causes and Solutions for Relief

Sitting for a short period on my left buttock causes pain, and it even affects my ability to ride a motorcycle, but I don't feel any pain when standing.

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It could be ischial bone pain, which may be caused by trauma or prolonged pressure leading to localized inflammation. Avoiding continuous pressure on the area may help improve the condition.

Understanding Left Buttock Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

In recent days, I have been experiencing pain in my left buttock while sitting, but there is no discomfort when standing or lying down. Lying down for a while also alleviates the pain, and my right buttock is completely fine. What could this symptom indicate? Thank you.

Dr. Yin Xinbei reply Rehabilitation
The most common conditions could be sciatica or piriformis syndrome, but other inflammatory issues involving the gluteal muscles cannot be ruled out. It is advisable to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers for a few days, and if there is no improvement, please seek medical atten...

Unexplained Pain in the Left Buttock: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing unexplained pain in my left buttock, which comes and goes. Sometimes it's mild enough that I can't sit comfortably, but at its worst, it makes walking and moving difficult due to the pain. I'm not sure if it's...

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You may be experiencing nerve compression or muscle injury in your lumbar spine. Generally, muscle injuries tend to heal with rest in a relatively short time, while issues related to the lumbar spine may take longer to resolve. It is recommended that you visit a neurosurge...