Differential Diagnosis for Sore Lower Spine and Butt
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common occurrence of strain in the lower back and buttock area, often caused by overuse, poor posture, or sudden injury.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Piriformis syndrome: This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the lower spine and buttock.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is a common condition characterized by pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, often caused by a herniated disk or bone spur.
- Coccydynia: This condition refers to pain in the tailbone area, which can be caused by a fall, injury, or repetitive strain, and may radiate to the lower spine and buttock.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cauda equina syndrome: A rare but serious condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, leading to severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs.
- Spinal infection (e.g., osteomyelitis, discitis): Infections in the spine can cause severe pain, fever, and other systemic symptoms, and require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Fracture: A fracture in the lower spine or pelvis can cause severe pain and may be a sign of osteoporosis or other underlying conditions.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which can be caused by various conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, infection, or trauma.
- Ischiogluteal bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa located between the ischial tuberosity and the gluteus maximus muscle, which can cause pain in the buttock and lower spine.
- Tarlov cyst: A rare condition characterized by the formation of cysts in the nerve roots of the spine, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs.