OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Experiencing Burning Sensation in Buttocks and Other Unusual Symptoms

7/13/2025, 1:10:19 PMMale25-34

Approximately two to three weeks ago, I began to feel a burning sensation in my buttocks. This feeling persisted for about a week before disappearing, only to return a few days ago. Interestingly, during the previous episode, the discomfort affected both sides, whereas this time it is localized to just the upper left side. Additionally, I have noticed a persistent ache in the area of my back, specifically just above the left cheek, which intensifies when I bend forward or sit in an unusual posture. During these episodes, I sometimes experience an odd sensation in my bladder that resembles a spasm, particularly when lying down on my left side trying to sleep. This feeling vanishes quickly and isn't painful, but it is quite unsettling and can cause a startle response. Furthermore, I periodically encounter a brief numbness around my genitals (for context, I am female), which seems to be triggered when I squat down. This symptom has persisted for a few months, preceding the burning sensation in my buttocks and the bladder issue, so it may not be directly linked. Nonetheless, it occurred earlier today, and since it is such a fleeting experience, I felt it was pertinent to mention. As a bit of background, I was diagnosed with stage 2 endometriosis through laparoscopic surgery just over a year ago. I also live with IBS-C and have had suspicions regarding pelvic floor dysfunction for some time. My medication regimen includes Junel FE birth control (which I have been using for three summers now), Effexor (I've been on it for about a year after transitioning from Pristiq), and Bentyl as needed for the past three years. If anyone has experienced similar symptoms or has any insights, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.

ArthritisLupusCrohn's Disease

Answers (1)

Cony

7/13/2025, 1:10:33 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex combination of symptoms that are causing you a lot of discomfort and concern. The burning sensation in your buttocks, the back ache, bladder-like spasms, and numbness are all important signals from your body. Given your background with endometriosis and IBS-C, these symptoms could be interconnected and may involve nerve irritation, muscle tension, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Explanation

  1. Burning Sensation and Back Pain: This could be due to muscle strain or nerve irritation, especially if there's tension in the pelvic and lower back muscles. The localization of pain may suggest nerve involvement, potentially related to your pelvic floor condition.
  2. Bladder-Spasm Sensation: This could relate to the pelvic floor dysfunction, where muscles may be overly tense or react unexpectedly, especially when lying in certain positions.
  3. Numbness: The brief numbness around the genitals, particularly when squatting, may imply some nerve involvement; it could be linked to how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning or how they may be compressing the nerves.

Next Steps

  1. Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your sitting and lying positions. Ensuring good posture can alleviate some muscle strain. Consider using cushions designed for pelvic support when sitting.
  2. Gentle Stretching and Core Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching exercises focusing on the lower back and pelvic region. Strengthening the pelvic floor through targeted exercises may also help relieve some pressure and discomfort.
  3. Symptom Diary: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their severity. This can help identify patterns or triggers related to your endometriosis or IBS-C.
  4. Heat Application: Use a warm compress or heating pad on the affected areas to help relax muscles and alleviate discomfort.

If symptoms persist or worsen, especially any new neurological issues or significant changes to your bladder function, it would be essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate for any underlying conditions more thoroughly. Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

Related Questions

Should I be worried about this spot on my eye?

Hello everyone! I'm a 25-year-old female weighing 212 lbs and standing at 5'5". I've just relocated to India from the U.S. about two weeks ago. Recently, my sister pointed out a lighter area near my eye, observed roughly 28 hours ago. I became aware of it approximately 13 hours back, and since then, I've noticed that it has expanded, which has left me feeling somewhat anxious. I will share some images from 13 hours ago in the comments section for reference. There’s no discomfort or itching associated with it. However, I did experience a brief, slight pain in the corresponding side of my head around five hours ago. Additionally, my digestive system has been a little off since my arrival in India. What could this possibly be?

LupusCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
6 minutes ago

Considering a Return to the Emergency Room

This month, I've already visited the emergency room three times, the latest visit triggered by sudden paralysis in my right leg. The previous two occasions were due to anaphylaxis and a double kidney infection, which is presently being addressed. The paralysis I’m experiencing stems from multiple bulging discs in my spine, and unfortunately, the situation is worsening. I’m aware that further scans are unlikely to reveal any new information, yet the pain continues to escalate. The pain relief options available at home are inadequate; I am in severe distress. It feels foolish to contemplate another ER visit, yet I truly feel cornered with no alternatives and am unsure of how to cope. My recent interactions with healthcare providers have been disappointing. They indicated that my paralysis might not improve until surgery, an option that is months away. Three days have passed since the onset of my paralysis, yet I still lack the ability to move. I was reassured that my condition was normal and discharged on the same day, but none of this feels right. I’m even contemplating seeking care at a different hospital due to the intensity of my suffering, which can easily be rated at a 9 out of 10. This ordeal has stripped away much of my independence. All I crave is a brief respite from this overwhelming agony. I currently experience complete loss of sensation, reflexes, sensory perception, and movement starting from my upper hip area, though I can still feel a pulse in my foot. I retain control over my bladder functions, thankfully. Regarding medications, I’m prescribed the following: - Toradol three times daily, either orally or via intramuscular injection - Baclofen or tizanidine three times a day - Cyclobenzaprine every night - Ipratropium three times daily - Famotidine once daily - Testosterone once weekly As for my medical conditions, they include: - Degenerative disc disease - Bulges at L3-4 and L4-5 - Bilateral occipital neuralgia - Levoscoliosis - Complex regional pain syndrome - Functional neurological disorder - Chronic multilevel facet hypertrophy in the lumbar region - Post-surgical pain from my open hip surgery in November 2024 (currently masked by paralysis)

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
36 minutes ago

Seeking Relief from Chronic Upper Abdominal Discomfort

I've been experiencing intense discomfort in my upper abdominal area, characterized by a persistent, raw sensation alongside frequent bubbling and popping feelings. Despite multiple consultations with healthcare professionals, they have been unable to identify the underlying issue. The pain consumes my attention, making it challenging to concentrate on anything else. I feel as though I've exhausted every option in my quest for relief, to no avail. Given the possibility of an ongoing infection or another persistent problem, I would like to know if it would be feasible to take pain relief medication daily. What options could provide me with some respite from the discomfort? I'm truly at my wit's end.

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
46 minutes ago

Understanding Foamy Urine and Lower Back Discomfort with Normal Test Results

My boyfriend, who is 25 years old and weighs 210 pounds, is currently dealing with discomfort in his lower back, specifically on the left side. Additionally, he has noticed that his urine has been excessively foamy. A month prior, he underwent testing, which confirmed that his kidney function is normal. Although this foamy urine has been a recurring issue for some time, the recent onset of severe lower back pain has raised concerns. Should he consult a specialist for further evaluation? What could these symptoms indicate?

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
56 minutes ago

General Anesthesia for Removal of a Lipoma in the Lower Back

A 30-year-old male, standing 5’10” and weighing 225 pounds, presents with no significant health concerns. He has endured persistent back pain since the age of 15, which he has managed intermittently through physical therapy. While the therapy offers temporary relief, it fails to address the underlying issue. Common advice he receives includes strengthening his core and increasing flexibility. Coinciding with the onset of his back discomfort, he also became aware of a lipoma located on his lower back. Throughout his life, he was assured that such growths were not associated with back pain. Now at 30, after beginning a career in nursing, he recognizes that his back pain is unusual and warrants further examination. Initially, at age 15, he underwent X-rays focused on his lumbar and sacroiliac areas, both of which yielded normal results. His perspective shifted upon reading about individuals experiencing similar pain linked to their lipomas. Seeking clarity, he consulted his brother, a third-year radiology resident, who confirmed that lipomas could indeed be a source of discomfort. The nature of his pain is localized to the right side of his lower back, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches from the spine, near the area commonly referred to as the dimples of Venus. He describes the sensation as a constant ache that does not radiate into his legs, and there is no accompanying numbness or tingling. The discomfort manifests as significant stiffness and soreness, particularly noticeable in the morning, exacerbated by prolonged sitting or walking. This side feels perpetually tense and unstable. Following an X-ray of the sacroiliac joint that also returned negative results, an ultrasound was conducted to verify the presence of the lipoma, which measured 1.4 x 1.2 x 2.2 cm. Based on the findings, the radiologist suggested surgical intervention, which led him to request a consultation with a surgeon. He anticipated being informed that the lipoma was unlikely the source of his pain. Upon entering the examination room, the surgeon mentioned he had heard about the lumps on his back. After examining the area, he swiftly agreed to proceed with the removal, surprising the patient. The surgeon, who had considerable experience, asserted that while this phenomenon typically isn’t documented in textbooks, he had encountered numerous cases where removing lipomas relieved patients of chronic low back pain with unremarkable imaging results. He informed the patient that general anesthesia would be utilized during the procedure, which would last approximately two hours from the beginning of IV administration until waking up. However, the patient expressed concern as his brother, who tends to prioritize textbook guidelines, had previously stated that general anesthesia would generally not be used. Initially dismissing the idea when the patient mentioned his girlfriend's mother’s understanding of the procedure, the brother was taken aback when updated on the surgical consultation outcomes and the anticipated duration. The discussion also covered potential reasons for the length of the procedure, including the need for thorough removal due to the possibility of the lipoma fragmenting, with some methods involving cauterization. Emphasizing that the planned sedation is true general anesthesia rather than twilight sedation, the patient, as a nurse, acknowledges that while using general anesthesia isn’t the preferred route, it remains a safe option. He questions the typicality of employing general anesthesia for lipoma excision on the back and considers whether remaining conscious during the procedure is preferable, particularly as the lipoma is not visible without palpation. The surgeon may have valid concerns regarding patient movement during the operation. Moreover, the brother didn’t feel an MRI was necessary, given the absence of nerve-related symptoms, positing that severe arthritis would manifest on an X-ray. The patient voiced worries about conditions like ankylosing spondylitis due to morning stiffness, but was reassured that any such significant changes would be evident on an X-ray, noting that his posture appeared unaffected. He remains convinced that the lipoma is the cause of his issues, particularly since the pain feels as though it emanates from it, and it has not changed in size over the past 15 years.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
1 hour ago