Pain in a muscle, such as the buttocks, while exercising is a common occurrence, especially during repetitive workouts. Most instances of pain while lifting the buttocks off the floor are not serious and resolve within a few days, although severe pain or pain that persists or worsens requires evaluation by a doctor. Fortunately, most cases of pain in the buttocks are preventable with changing exercise routines and treatable at home or with medical care.
Features
Pain while lifting the buttocks off the floor during exercise might develop suddenly during a workout, or have a more gradual onset. The pain might come in spasms or cramps or feel like a constant dull ache. In some cases, the pain in the buttocks might extend into one or both legs or up into the lower back and pelvic areas. The pain might worsen while sitting, transitioning from sitting to standing, or with continued physical activity.
Causes
Overuse of the muscles in the buttocks or holding a position for too long are common causes of pain during exercise. Other causes of muscle pain during exercise include dehydration, holding a position for too long, or a lack of dietary potassium, calcium or magnesium. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve might also cause pain in the buttocks during exercise. Other causes of pain while lifting the buttocks off the floor include trauma from childbirth, inflammation of the coccyx or trauma to the base of the spine.
Treatments
Doctors recommend home care, including rest and applications of ice packs to strained or inflamed muscles. Taking a hot bath or sitting on a heating pad might help reduce pain in the muscles of the buttocks. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain when lifting the buttocks that results from sciatica. Pain when lifting the buttocks that results from injuries or inflammation of the coccyx might require injections of steroid medication or deep tissue massage of the muscles to relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Drinking fluids, such as water or sports drinks before and at regular intervals during exercise, can help prevent pain in the buttocks that results from dehydration. Stretching the muscles in the buttocks before and after exercising can also help to prevent strains and cramps in the muscles of the buttocks. Avoiding prolonged sitting can also help prevent pain resulting from inflammation of the coccyx and sciatica.
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