Buttock Pain with Stiff Low Back

People tend to run a hand up and down their hip and complain of stiffness. Then, they focus on their buttock and say that it focuses on that spot. Often they complain of a stiff low back and included that area in their demonstration. Their low back is noticeably stiff to the touch between the ribs and hips. Occasionally, they will trace from side to side along their lower ribs.

Often, they have become slow and cautious in their movements. They often bend at the knees to pick up things on a low table. Many complain of a pinched nerve in their back that hurts deep in the muscles of their but. Older clients are concerned about a deteriorating hip that may need replacement.

Typically, this area is aggravated in one of two ways.

Twist and Ouch

Often, especially in younger patients, there was a sudden twisting motion. Sometimes, this is a fall, like slipping on ice. Motor vehicle accidents are also a source of the problem.

Also, there is often a repetitive twist to one side in older patients. Waling with a poorly fit cane can aggravate this trigger point. As well, walking on the beach or down a long flight of steps with a low railing can be agitating. Construction, painting, and landscaping often involve repetitive twisting and balancing. Tossing bales of straw, reaching back while on a ladder, or reaching back to a high shelf are common irritants.

Blunt Trauma

Occasionally this is aggravated by a blow to the low back. For example, one might fall onto furniture while backing up or land on your back while hiking or biking. This happened to me when I was backing up in my driveway, tripped on a ledge, and fell onto the car.

Musculoskeletal Anatomy

About these Illustrations…

This post on anatomy contains standard information about the origin, insertion, function, and innervation of muscles. Additionally, it includes information on functional considerations and anomalies.

Find Related Posts

Anatomy posts have a grid of all related posts. This includes posts on pain patterns, self-care, therapy notes, NMT protocols, cranial techniques, and cases.

Clinically Proven
Self-Care Strategies

This post has strategies for getting relief on your own. Explore how to change your activities, stretch, ice, and more to relieve the pain associated with this trigger point.

Better Bodywork
Through Shared Expertise

This post has techniques, tips, treatment routines, and anatomy illustrations to improve the bodyworker’s approach.

Support Integrative Works to
stay independent
and produce great content.

You can subscribe to our community on Patreon. You will get links to free content and access to exclusive content not seen on this site. In addition, we will be posting anatomy illustrations, treatment notes, and sections from our manuals not found on this site. Thank you so much for being so supportive.

If you don’t care to subscribe, you can donate.

Cranio Cradle Cup

This mug has classic, colorful illustrations of the craniosacral system and vault hold #3. It makes a great gift and conversation piece.