Why Does My Buttock Hurt?

By Dr. Eleanor Smith, DPT
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Alex Roberts, BSc Physiology
Last Updated: January 2026

Buttock pain often feels deep, uncomfortable, and hard to describe.

Some people notice it when sitting. Others feel it when standing up or walking.

In many cases, buttock pain is not a surface muscle issue.

Common Causes Of Buttock Pain

Buttock pain usually comes from one of two sources:

• Muscle tension or strain in the glute area
  
  

• Nerve irritation passing through the buttock
  
  

This is why buttock pain can feel dull one moment and sharp the next.

Buttock Pain When Sitting Or Standing Up

Pain that worsens when sitting or standing up often points to pressure in the area rather than injury.

This can happen when:

• Muscles tighten around nerves
  
  

• Sitting compresses nerve pathways
  
  

• Blood flow is restricted temporarily
  
  

That pressure can trigger pain even without obvious injury.

Buttock Pain On One Cheek Only

Pain affecting only one side is important.

One-sided buttock pain may suggest:

• Nerve irritation rather than muscle strain
  
  

• Sciatic nerve involvement
  
  

• Trigger points near the nerve pathway
  
  

This becomes more likely if pain spreads downward.

Buttock Pain Spreading To The Thigh

When buttock pain travels into the thigh or leg, it often signals nerve involvement.

This type of pain may feel:

• Burning
  
  

• Electric
  
  

• Deep and persistent
  
  

This pattern is commonly linked to sciatic nerve irritation.

Find out the difference between nerve pain vs muscle pain here.

Glute Pain: Nerve Vs Muscle

Muscle pain usually improves with rest and massage.

Nerve-related pain tends to linger, shift, or flare unexpectedly.

If buttock pain feels deep, stubborn, or radiating, it may not be muscular.

Is Buttock Pain A Sign Of Sciatica?

Sciatica often starts in the buttock before travelling down the leg.

That makes buttock pain one of the most common early signs.

Understanding this early prevents chasing the wrong cause.

Not sure if you have sciatica? Find complete symptoms of sciatica here and confirm. Click Below.

Symptoms Of Sciatica