Pain in the butt.

[Jeeb]

After years of on and off pain usually caused by golf or standing still for long periods I had a scan after experiencing intense pain/muscle spasms in my lower back, left butt, hip and groin cause by using a trampoline. This showed up slight issues with my L3 and L4 and normal wear and tear but nothing horrendous. The back specialist couldn't identify whether my pain was from the back or hip as apparently both cause the type of pain I suffer from in my butt.

I do not suffer from regular pain in my groin, knees or down my legs at all. So Sciatica is ruled out. My regular pain is in my butt/lower back and is caused by standing still for periods over 20 mins(ie standing down the pub or trips to a shopping centre). Walking for periods over an hour or walking quickly causes this pain and is so bad I have to sit down wherever I am.

I am a fit and healthy 53 yr old who has no intention of spending the rest of my days lazing around.

Having done my own research I now believe it's caused by either a weak Gluteus Medius muscle, tendinosis or perhaps even a tear.

Is there anyone out there who has suffered or is suffering from the same thing?

[dtech]

I play golf and have long periods when I am standing still, on exhibition stands. My back problems started about two years ago and got steadily worse so went to Drs who referred me to a consultant who did MRI and X rays. It turns out out of five discs in my lower back, three are very thin one is below usual thickness and one is normal. This, I was told is just age related wear and tear and not a lot I can do about it. Oddly enough walking actually eases the pain as it sort of 'uncompressed' the discs. And yes, it does affect my hips as it throws your walking gait off. Luckily it hasn't affected my golf. I still hit bad shots like I did before 😏. And if I am on a exhibition stand I sit and make sure I go for regular breaks and stretch out. So good luck, it's a shame it's hit you younger than me. I was 60 when this started. And if you are ever in Hertfordshire and fancy a round send me a message 😃

[Jeeb in reply to dtech]

That's interesting. When my problems first started to really affect me, like you it was standing that caused the pain and like you the stiffness/pain relented when I walked. I could walk miles with no problems at all. However recently walking distances causes the same pain as standing still, albeit movement is still better than being stationary. I'm 6 ft 2 and perhaps it's just the price you pay for being tall. The last time I played golf I managed 4 holes before the pain started. I completed 9 holes and that was all I could take but I'm optimistic now that I think I know what the cause is and how I can ease the pain. All the best!!!

[yoganix]

This sounds similar to something I have experienced. Have you had your glutes checked to see that they are firing correctly? It's is possible that if you flute is not activating then your other muscles, joints and tendons are taking the load and therefore are weakened causing pain. If it is a muscular issue then you can have this adjust (chiropractor through ART) this should also relieve discomfort in your lower back and hip. The gluteus Maximus muscles is the big muscles that makes up the shape of your butt then mediums and the minimus glutes - those deeper layers of muscles - are the ones you need Tom make sure are taking the load and working to support your back and hip.

[Jeeb in reply to yoganix]

Thanks for your reply. Where do you go to have your glutes checked out to see if they are firing correctly?

[yoganix in reply to Jeeb]

I went to a chiropractor who specialises in ART - active release techniques. It's worth a try as it could simply be a connection between your muscles and brain that needs resetting to use the body in the correct way. Good luck!

[cyberbarn]

According to an eminent America podiatrist humans weren't mean to stand. We were meant to sit or to walk. The biomechanics of the foot and leg are such that walking is their 'normal' state, and standing for long periods of time are not. This is why they do not recommend standing desks. This could be why walking improves the pain.

Have you seen a podiatrist to make sure that your feet are okay? I know people that have got bespoke insoles which have helped with pain further up the system. I know that when my feet are out of alignment my SI joints in my hips let me know!

[Jeeb in reply to cyberbarn]

I haven't seen a podiatrist but a friend mentioned the same thing. Thanks.