What causes radiating pain in the buttocks?

The buttocks generally refer to the gluteal region. In most cases, a pulling pain in the buttocks may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as sciatica or piriformis syndrome. Treatment should be tailored according to the specific cause. Details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Prolonged sitting, standing frequently, bending over, or excessive use of the entire buttock area may lead to piriformis muscle edema, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. It is recommended that patients get adequate rest and engage in appropriate physical activity. Symptoms usually gradually improve without requiring special treatment.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Sciatica

This is a condition in which pain travels along the path of the sciatic nerve due to compression of the nerve roots. Patients often experience burning or knife-like pain, accompanied by numbness. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice and use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or flurbiprofen gel patches for treatment.

2. Piriformis Syndrome

This refers to a condition where injury to the piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain primarily in one side of the buttock and leg. It is recommended that patients use medications such as swelling-relieving analgesic plasters or diclofenac potassium gel under medical guidance.

In addition, other possible causes include lumbar disc herniation, fasciitis, bursitis, femoral nerve entrapment syndrome, etc. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when discomfort occurs to avoid delayed treatment. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and getting sufficient rest are recommended in daily life.