Numbness and Pain in the Upper Left Buttock and Lower Back - Orthopedics

Share to:

Numbness occurs in the upper left buttock and along the side of the waist when the leg is extended or when bending forward?


I have been experiencing soreness and numbness near the upper left side of my hip after sitting for a long time.
Initially, I had lower back pain and visited the clinic twice.
After receiving injections and medication, my condition improved, but now I have numbness and soreness near the upper left hip.
When I stretch my left leg straight or bend forward, my knee and lower back feel numb and sore.
What could be the issue? Will it improve with treatment, or is surgery necessary?

Jia Jia, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/04/23

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics


Jiajia: If the symptoms are short-term and not caused by trauma, they are mostly related to poor posture and soft tissue inflammation due to your age.
It is recommended to avoid heavy activities and apply heat.
If there is no improvement after a week, please go to the hospital for further examination.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2012/04/23

More Info


Understanding numbness and pain in the upper left buttock and lower back can be quite complex, as it may involve various underlying conditions. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to nerve compression, muscle strain, or even issues with the lumbar spine.

Firstly, the numbness and pain you are feeling in the upper left buttock and lower back could be indicative of sciatica, which is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. When the discs in the lumbar spine bulge or herniate, they can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling sensations that radiate down the leg. This could explain why you feel discomfort when bending or extending your leg, as these movements may exacerbate the pressure on the affected nerve.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing muscle strain or tension in the lower back and gluteal region. Prolonged sitting can lead to tightness in the muscles, which can contribute to discomfort and a feeling of heaviness or numbness in the area. If you have a history of lower back pain, it is possible that the muscles in your back and buttocks have become overworked or strained, leading to the symptoms you are currently experiencing.

It is also worth considering the role of posture in your symptoms. Poor posture while sitting can lead to imbalances in the muscles and strain on the spine, which may contribute to your discomfort. Ensuring that you maintain a neutral spine position while sitting and taking regular breaks to stand and stretch can help alleviate some of the pressure on your back and buttocks.

In terms of treatment, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies like an MRI or X-ray, to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include physical therapy, medication for pain relief and inflammation, and lifestyle modifications to improve posture and strengthen the muscles supporting your spine.

Surgery is typically considered a last resort and is usually only recommended if conservative treatments fail to provide relief and if there is significant nerve compression or other serious issues identified. Most cases of lower back pain and associated symptoms can be managed effectively with non-surgical approaches.

In summary, the numbness and pain you are experiencing in your upper left buttock and lower back could be due to a variety of factors, including nerve compression, muscle strain, or poor posture. It is essential to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. With appropriate care, many individuals find relief from their symptoms and can return to their normal activities without the need for surgery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. I originally had pain on the left side of my lower back near the iliac bone, but it was only occasional. Today, when my back hurt, I experienced numbness above my left knee and in my thigh. Although the numbness in my thigh has become less pronounced, my entire leg...


Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, You mentioned that "when experiencing lower back pain, there is numbness in the upper side of the left knee and thigh." Your symptoms may suggest compression of the lumbar nerve roots. Typical discomfort associated with lumbar nerve root pathology includes pain...

[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Numbness and Pain in the Left Knee and Back

Last time, I experienced pain and numbness in my left leg while sleeping. However, yesterday when I got up to use the bathroom, I felt a tingling sensation in my left knee. After returning to bed, I noticed a tingling feeling in my lower back, along with some soreness, which was ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your description, it may be necessary to consider spinal issues, with a common condition being a herniated disc. Your soreness and numbness could be symptoms of nerve compression. It is recommended that you seek medical evaluation to determine the cause.

[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Pain in the Left Knee and Back


Understanding Electrical Sensations in the Upper Buttocks: Causes and Insights

There is a prickling and tingling sensation in the upper left buttock, similar to an electric current, lasting for several seconds each time. It is neither painful nor sore, and daily activities are normal. This has been ongoing for a week. I visited a neurosurgeon who prescribed...


Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Yang, You mentioned experiencing a tingling sensation in the upper left buttock, similar to an electric current, lasting for several seconds each time. It is neither painful nor uncomfortable, and your daily life remains normal. Your symptoms may suggest peripheral neur...

[Read More] Understanding Electrical Sensations in the Upper Buttocks: Causes and Insights


Understanding Left Upper Back Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions

Since January 3 of this year, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation in my left upper back, similar to low-frequency electrical currents, occurring several times a day for a few minutes each time. I consulted a neurologist once but received no conclusion. After two weeks, ...


Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello: It appears to be more like a tendon condition, but a definitive diagnosis cannot be made at this time. Please continue with outpatient follow-up. Director Ye Bo-shou.

[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Back Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions


Related FAQ

Foot Numbness

(Orthopedics)

Lower Back

(Orthopedics)

Dorsal Foot Pain

(Orthopedics)

Pelvic Pain

(Orthopedics)

Left Foot Numbness

(Neurosurgery)

Left Shoulder Bone Pain

(Neurology)

Heel Pain

(Orthopedics)

Muscle Pain

(Orthopedics)

Back Numbness

(Neurosurgery)

Lower Back Pain

(Neurology)