Symptoms
Pain as a leading symptom can manifest itself in many different ways. Diffuse pain must be distinguished from localized, punctual pain. The type of pain also varies with the cause.
This can be burning, stabbing, tearing or dull pain. In the case of localised pain, for example in the muscle, the pain can be provoked by pressure and movement. In particular, movements that strain the gluteal muscles are additionally restricted.
This applies especially to long walks and climbing stairs. In the case of muscular complaints, in addition to the pain, fatigue can often be felt more quickly. During pregnancy, this fatigue occurs more quickly due to the additional weight.
If the pain is in the nerve or in the back, other symptoms can be added. If the nerve is affected, the pain is sharp and pulling and spreads along the nerve cord in the direction of the leg and spine. In the case of herniated discs or other diseases of the spine, there is sometimes a dull pain in the back.
In serious cases, pain, tingling and numbness in the legs can occur. In severe cases even paralysis of the legs is possible. A pain that extends from the buttocks to the groin can indicate many causes.
Pain is also often transmitted by nerve irritation and can extend along the groin into the leg. However, if pain is felt in the outer groin, joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or hip impingement must also be considered. If the pain is located further inside, it can also be caused by diseases of the pelvis and genital organs. In the vast majority of cases, only groin strain is present. However, if the pain persists over a longer period of time, other causes should be clarified by a doctor.
Diagnosis
There are many treatment options for pain in the buttock during pregnancy. However, first and foremost, a detailed diagnosis must be carried out so that the right cause can be treated. During pregnancy, pain can occur quickly due to hormonal changes in the body and the additional weight load in the pelvis.
Before resorting to invasive measures in therapy, the changes after the end of the pregnancy should be awaited. In the case of muscle injuries, for example tension or torn muscle fibers, waiting is often the only solution. Cooling and protection are also supportive.
In order for the muscle to recover, at least the stresses and strains, for example the sport that triggered the injury, should be stopped. Painkillers can also be taken during pregnancy until the period of healing to make the pain more bearable. During pregnancy, however, the dose of medication should be kept to a minimum.
The painkiller of choice in these cases is paracetamol. In the case of larger injuries to the muscle, physiotherapeutic measures can then be taken to build up the muscle. If the nerves are irritated, for example in the Piriformis syndrome, the first priority is also to take it easy.
Here, physiotherapy and targeted stretching can help to relieve the nerve in the long term. If the pain and the irritation of the nerve cannot be relieved by this, the nerve can be anaesthetized in the short or long term. Cortisone is used as an anti-inflammatory and a local anesthetic.
Operations to relieve the nerve are possible, but are rarely performed. Complaints originating from the back should first be treated with exercise therapy. Before invasive measures are chosen, the end of pregnancy should be waited for.
In this case the doctor should decide whether surgery is necessary. In case of long-term complaints, the causative nerves can also be anaesthetized or sclerosed with local anaesthetics. This is one of the last measures in the treatment and it is no longer a causal but a symptomatic therapy.
