What Could Cause Intermittent Pressure Near The Lower Back Or Buttocks That Triggers The Urge To Pass Stool Or Gas?

Posted on Tue, 12 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 May 2020 Answered on

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : My gf just mentioned she's felt some pressure in her lower back/butt for the past week. She pointed it out, looks to be about half an inch to the right of her crack and about an inch higher than her anus. When she tries to poke or massage it and hits the right spot she feels like she has to defecate or pass gas, and sometimes she does, other times it is false alarms. She isn't as regular as she used to be prior; both time of day and frequency has changed. She used to go every day, now it's every other day. There hasn't been a change to how it looks. Stool is solid and seemingly normal in color, odor, and shape. The pressure can abait for a little bit and come back. The pressure can increase/decrease depending on position of sitting.
Does this description sound like anything?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly musculoskeletal issue

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thank you for trusting us at 'Ask a Doctor' with your health question.

The pressure sensation she is experiencing in the gluteal region is most likely to be musculoskeletal in origin. Given the nature and location of the pressure, it is highly unlikely that it is related to the change in frequency of passing stools. Sitting for a longer duration, in not so appropriate postures can result in such pressure or pain sensation.

At this time she can be advised to avoid sitting down for long times at a stretch. Take breaks standing up/walking. Make sure to sit on a comfortable chair following good posture hygiene. If pain develops or symptoms persist, she can take Ibuprofen twice daily and follow up with the primary provider for further evaluation. At this point, an in-office consultation is not warranted.

Changes in stool frequency is not a big concern as long as there are no symptoms of constipation, that is, difficulty passing stools, defecating less than once every 3 days. Make sure to follow a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly to avoid constipation.

Hope this answers your query. Please address further questions here.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T