Customer question:
Can sciatica cause pain in the buttocks? Question from an anonymous customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Sciatica is a common cause of pain in the buttocks. Sciatica can occur due to a condition known as piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle that starts in a person's lower back and extends to the thigh. When a person injures or overuses the piriformis muscle, it can press on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs down from the lower spine to the buttocks and the back of the thigh.
Muscle pressure on the sciatic nerve causes pain known as sciatica. Sciatica pain can often be accompanied by numbness or tingling. Sciatica is more common in people in their 40s and 50s, as aging makes conditions like piriformis syndrome more likely.
Although pain in the buttock area is usually not problematic, monitoring this type of pain makes a lot of sense. If this does not disappear or additional symptoms appear, make an appointment with a doctor.
Interesting reading: Garlic and Sciatica
