Introduction
With the pinched nerve in the buttocks, normally a pinching of the sciatic nerve is meant. The nerve originates from a plexus (nerve plexus) in the spinal cord. From there it runs along the thigh. The nerve is usually already trapped in the spinal cord, for example by a herniated disc, or directly at the spinal column. The entrapment mainly causes pain in the buttocks, which radiates into the leg of the affected side.
Causes
The causes of sciatic nerve entrapment can be divided into different categories. Structural causes are based on a disturbance of the normal anatomy of the body (= body composition). For example, a narrowing of the spinal canal (the canal in which the spinal cord lies) or other bony structures through which the nerve passes can lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
A herniated disc in the lumbar spine area may also put pressure on the spinal cord, triggering nerve pain. Inflammatory diseases such as Lyme disease or infection with the herpes virus can lead to inflammation of the nerve, thereby damaging it and causing the same symptoms as an incarceration. Incarceration of the nerve in the buttocks is more common in certain population groups than in others.
The risk of entrapment increases with age, and obesity and pregnancy are also risk factors. People who have already suffered an injury to the spine in the lumbar region can also suffer more quickly from entrapment. Very rare but serious causes of sciatic nerve entrapment can be a tumor in the spine.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve
A pinched nerve in the buttock causes various symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms occur on one side only. The pinching of the nerve itself causes severe pain symptoms.
The characteristic of nerve pain is described as pulling or stabbing. The pain is located in the buttocks and radiates into the leg. Depending on the extent of the incarceration, only the thigh or even the entire leg up to the toes may be affected.
This symptomatology is additionally intensified by pressure increases in the abdominal cavity, which are caused, for example, by sneezing or coughing. The sciatic nerve, which is responsible for the complaints, has two different functions: in one direction it conducts movement information from the brain to the leg muscles. In the other direction, it conducts information about touch and pain from the leg to the brain.
Depending on which part of the sciatic nerve is affected by the entrapment, this can lead to motor limitations (e.g. weakness of dorsiflexion of the foot) or loss of sensation. In severe cases, the supply to the bladder and intestinal muscles may also be damaged, resulting in bladder voiding disorders or incontinence. A pinched nerve in the bottom is often accompanied by back pain.
The sciatic nerve, which is located in the lumbar spine, is responsible for the complaints. If the nerve is pinched, a reflex tension of the back muscles occurs, causing back pain. This pain is particularly intense in the area of the lumbar spine and sacrum.
In addition to the back pain, the pain usually radiates into the leg on one side. During pregnancy, the risk of a pinched nerve in the buttocks is particularly high. With increasing size and weight, the baby presses harder on the pelvis and spine.
This can lead to irritation in the area of the sciatic nerve and thus cause the pinching symptoms. Movement is the most effective preventive measure, as it strengthens the gluteal muscle, so that entrapment does not occur so quickly. Furthermore, warmth helps, a massage and light stretching exercises are also suitable. Pregnant women should only take medication after consultation with their doctor.
