There are so many things that are a real pain in the butt. None of them comes close to the real, actual pain in the butt, though.
If you’re suffering from that particular problem, you’re probably asking yourself “Why, oh why does my bottom hurt so much”? Of course, it’s easier to deal with a problem if you know what’s causing it.
So, here are the most common causes of pain in the bottom.
1. Muscle Strain
Sometimes, you can feel pain because you have strained your muscles. There are three muscles, collectively known as the glutes, in your bottom: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Any of the three can cause a lot of pain if you strain them.
If you stretch a muscle too much, it tears, and that causes a lot of pain. Aside from the pain, you’ll probably experience stiffness and you won’t be able to move easily. You may also notice some swelling and tenderness.
To prevent this, make sure you don’t over-exercise. Also, dedicate enough time to the warm-up before a workout. However, sometimes you simply can’t avoid it – a sudden movement is all it takes.
If you think that your pain is a result of a strained muscle, try applying a cold pack on the tender spot. It should provide at least some relief. A massage can help as well, and so can some painkillers. Still, while you can ease the pain, you’ll probably have to wait it out.
2. Period
When you’re on your period, your body produces something called prostaglandins – compounds that are responsible for your cramps. They make the uterus contract, which causes pain.
Sometimes these prostaglandins lose their way and end up in your bowel. That is why sometimes you feel the urge to go more often when you’re on your period. They also cause diarrhea, and the cramps in your uterus kinda feel like they’re affecting your butt as well.
Exercise may help, but you just need to wait it out, as is the case with all period-related issues.
3. Hemorrhoids
The medical term hemorrhoids refer to swollen blood vessels on your anus and rectum. Often painful but not always, they can be internal and external – i.e. inside the anus, or peeking out. You are more likely to feel the internal ones than the external, and sometimes they bleed as well.
Many factors can be responsible for this condition. Pregnancy and constipation are the most common culprits. However, if you sit a lot during the day, you can be susceptible to hemorrhoids as well.
In general, hemorrhoids will go away on their own. If they don’t, see your doctor, and they will prescribe an ointment or a cream you can use to speed up the recovery.
4. Anal Fissure or Anorectal Abscess
Anal fissures are little cracks in the lining of your anus. If that didn’t sound terrible enough, they cause burning pain and sometimes bleeding as well. They are caused by very hard or very watery stool, and if you think that you have them, visit a doctor immediately.
If you don’t visit a doctor, and leave them alone, chances are that they’ll progress to anorectal abscesses.
Abscesses happen when the fissures become infected – which is highly likely, considering their position. They can also develop if the glands in the anus become blocked. In essence, they are pus-filled blisters.
If you have them, you must visit the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will open and drain them, and soon they’ll heal. If you let them go untreated, they can grow in size and cause serious problems.
5. Sciatica
Sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve gets pinched. The sciatic nerve is a big nerve that goes from your lower back to your foot, and it passes through your buttocks on the way.
Sciatica causes pain, pricking, tingling, burning, and even numbness. It is a condition that requires physical therapy, so make sure you schedule an appointment as soon as you can.
6. Piriformis Syndrome
The symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome are easily confused with sciatica. It causes hip and butt pain when you move. The feeling is caused by cramping of the piriformis muscle, which is situated behind the gluteus maximus.
Exercise and stretching will probably help, but you may need physical therapy as well. If you suspect that you have piriformis syndrome, it might be a good idea to see your doctor, just in case.
7. Endometriosis
This is a condition that only affects women. It happens when the tissue that lines the uterus escapes its regular place and enters the bowel. It causes severe pain when passing stool.
This condition requires medical care up to even surgery. It’s not something you can handle on your own, and it won’t go away by itself. Schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as you suspect this state.
8. Genital Herpes
There are two types of herpes. HSV-1 is more common, which shows on your face, usually around your mouth. HSV-2 is better known as genital herpes, and it is a bit less common than the first type.
If you have genital herpes, you’ll notice sores and blisters around your genital and anal area. Those are very painful, and there is no cure.
However, you can make things a bit better for yourself. See your doctor, confirm the diagnosis, and get prescriptions. They will make the outbreaks shorter and much less unpleasant. Herpes will still rear its ugly head from time to time, but you’ll be ready, and it will pass soon enough.
The Last Squeeze
Why does my bottom hurt? Well, now you know the most common causes. Make sure you take these pains seriously, though. Whenever something new happens, or you feel particularly weird about something, go and see your doctor – that’s what they’re for, right?
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-pain/
https://medlineplus.gov/analdisorders.html
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/rectl
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