Sciatica buttock pain is a common and often debilitating symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The pain can feel sharp, burning, or radiating, making it difficult to sit, walk, or move comfortably. Understanding what causes sciatica buttock pain can help you find the right treatment and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
What exactly is sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg — becomes irritated. This irritation can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the buttock and leg.
Common causes of sciatica buttock pain
Several conditions and injuries can cause pain specifically in the buttock area:
- Herniated or bulging discs — pressure from a damaged disc compresses the sciatic nerve.
- Piriformis syndrome — tightness or spasms in the piriformis muscle compress the nerve as it passes through the buttock.
- Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal reduces space around the nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease — bone and disc changes irritate the nerve roots.
- Muscle strain or inflammation — injured tissues in the buttock can irritate the nerve.
- Car accidents or workplace injuries — sudden trauma can damage discs, joints, or muscles that affect the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms associated with sciatica buttock pain
In addition to pain in the buttock area, patients may experience:
- Shooting or burning pain down the leg.
- Numbness or tingling in the buttock, thigh, or calf.
- Weakness in the leg or foot.
- Pain that worsens when sitting or bending.
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
At-home relief for sciatica buttock pain
For mild cases, these techniques may offer temporary relief:
- Ice or heat therapy to reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
- Gentle stretching to release tension in the lower back and buttocks.
- Avoiding long periods of sitting to reduce nerve pressure.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories when appropriate.
While these methods can help, they often don’t address the root cause of the pain.
Professional treatments for sciatica buttock pain
For long-lasting relief, especially if the pain resulted from an accident or injury, medical treatment is often required. At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, we offer:
- Epidural steroid injections — reduce inflammation around compressed nerves.
- Nerve blocks — provide immediate, targeted pain relief.
- Radiofrequency ablation — stops chronic pain signals for long-term relief.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy — promotes natural tissue healing.
- Rehabilitation programs — restore mobility, flexibility, and strength.
When should you see a doctor?
Seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
- Severe or worsening buttock pain.
- Pain following a car accident or workplace injury.
- Difficulty walking, sitting, or bending.
Expert care for sciatica and buttock pain
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek, MD, provides advanced, non-surgical treatments to relieve sciatica and restore mobility. With over 35 years of experience and triple board certification, Dr. Nasiek delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care for lasting relief.
Don’t let sciatica buttock pain control your life — call 201-894-1313 or schedule your consultation today.
