Buttocks pain from sitting excessively

[BigTBird]

I have been wheelchair bound now for 2 years and either sit or lie in bed nearly 100% of the time. The skin on my buttocks burns like fire and I am now having extreme difficulty sleeping due to this even when taking prescribed sleeping pills. This is getting very bad. Any ideas of sprays or salves to apply to desensatize the area so that I can finally get rest at night?  Thanks for any ideas.  


This discussion is related to Butt Pain - primarily from sitting.

[BigTBird]

Thanks for the comments and advice. I have used special pillows to sit on for 3 years.  I sleep on my side as much as I can but a prior broken arm at age 73 causes my right arm to go to sleep and hurt and sting so much it awakens me often at night. Sinus problems keeps me from lying on the other side for long but that is getting better and does give me relief for a couple hours.  Due to multiple medical problems I take meds that are rough on the liver and kidneys so Ibuprophen is out.  I have other pain meds that helps knee pain but not the skin pain.  Nothing I have tried has helped it.  Do not believe it to be a spinal problem. Just irritation from constant sitting.  Like the idea about using pillows lifting the affected area off the bed for a while. Doubt I could go to sleep that way though. Will try. Will look into some of the others as well.  Many thanks for all the ideas!!!  

[caregiver222]

The discomfort can be relieved by using 5% lidocaine transdermal patches, available by prescription. Use fior no more than twelve hours at a time.

The lidocaine migrates and reduces ventricular sensitivity and very ocasionally cardiac problems, so talk with your doctor.

What troubles me is the fact these are pressure related issues and some way should be devised to reduce the pressure on your skin. One way is to sit on an inflatable pad. Another is to sit on bubble wrap. There are also devices that alternately inflate and deflate a pneumatic cushion. Remaining in one position for long period of time should be avoided. Easier said than done, unless you have a full-time aid to assist you. It is essential that the skin heal, and this means you should take D3 suplements (at least 5,000 IU a day), 1000 mg of crystaline vitamin C, and at least a vitamin pill. As suggested aloe vera is also helpful in reducing inflammation.

The etiology suggest compression of nerves in the lumbar region, however it could be a developing pressure sore. If it involves pinched nerves in the lumbar area the lidocaine patch can be placed directly on the spinal area where the nerve is compressed. If the problem is a developing pressure sore the patch can be on the inflammed area.

Although many physicians frown on the use of prednisone, if the problem is lumbar compression oral steroids may be used for a short period to bring down inflammation, then switch to ibuprufin, up to 800 mg a day in 200 mg divided doses through the day with food. Try to reduce the ibuprufin to no more than 400 mg a day. Long term use of ibuprufin is not good for the liver.  Then consider the lidocaine patch.

Differential diagnosis is by MRI of the lumbar spine L1-L-5.

[vishal627]

I too used to get pain in buttocks & back when I used to sit on bed and for long time

Few helpful things for you.

1) While sleeping at night sleep side ways which gives relief

2) Keep a pillow support to your back for 20 mins so that your buttock will not rest on the bed while sleeping, so it gets no pressure.

3) Use cushion pillows under your buttocks while sitting which are of pure soft cotton, change it very frequently so that it will not become hot due to movement.

4) Use air conditioner in the room so that your body will cool and your body will not become hot quickly which will not increase heat in the place you sit.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
There is some nerve compression somewhere either the lower spinal or pudendal that is causing this burning sensation. If this nerve compression is lifted, it will take care of burning sensation. Dry skin and dermatitis too could be a cause and consult a skin specialist. Apply a good moisturizer with alore-vera or camphor and see if it helps. Take care!

[ellienc]

the only thing I can think of that has soothed me is 100% pure Aloe.  It is now available even at WalMart the problem is,it is a lotion/gel type thing, so if you can, you need to apply it and give it a minute or two to get into your skin.  Have not seen it in a spray but will look and let you know.  Good luck BigTBird!.