What Causes Pain on One Side of the Buttocks?

Pain on one side of the buttocks may result from prolonged sitting with unilateral pressure, abnormal gait or posture, gluteal fasciitis, piriformis syndrome, or sacroiliac joint arthritis. Symptoms can be improved by avoiding prolonged sitting, correcting posture, and using appropriate medications. If pain persists or worsens, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Unilateral pressure from prolonged sitting: Sitting for extended periods while leaning predominantly to one side causes continuous compression of the soft tissues on that side of the buttocks, impairing local blood circulation. This sustained mechanical stress on muscles and soft tissues may lead to aching pain localized to one buttock. It is advisable to avoid prolonged sitting; instead, take regular breaks to stand up and move around, thereby preventing persistent unilateral loading of the buttocks.

2. Abnormal gait or posture: Habitually shifting body weight to one side during walking or standing places chronic tension and traction on the ipsilateral gluteal muscles. Persistent muscular fatigue may cause dull, aching discomfort on one side of the buttocks. Correcting gait and standing posture is recommended to reduce excessive activation of unilateral musculature.

3. Gluteal fasciitis: Chronic compression and friction against the gluteal fascia trigger sterile inflammation, resulting in fascial hyperemia and edema. This manifests as unilateral buttock pain, with marked tenderness upon palpation and worsening discomfort after prolonged sitting. Under physician guidance, topical flurbiprofen gel patches, sustained-release ibuprofen capsules, or eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Piriformis syndrome: Inflammatory edema of the piriformis muscle compresses the traversing sciatic nerve, causing unilateral buttock pain. Some individuals may also experience radiating aching or heaviness down the affected leg. Under medical supervision, diclofenac sodium gel, celecoxib capsules, and mecobalamin tablets may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

5. Sacroiliac joint arthritis: Inflammatory changes within the sacroiliac joint cause traction and irritation of surrounding ligaments, leading to unilateral buttock pain. Pain typically intensifies during activities such as turning over in bed or rising from a seated position. As directed by a physician, loxoprofen sodium tablets, compound chlorzoxazone tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets may be used to improve symptoms.

In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting or lying down; maintain proper posture; keep the buttocks warm; perform moderate stretching of the gluteal and leg muscles; and relax local soft tissues to support optimal health of the buttock joints and musculature.