Why does the Area Above the Cleft of the Buttocks Hurt?

The connection between the waist and the legs is known as the hip, composed of the pelvis formed by two hip bones and the sacrum. Chronic strain is a common condition that can significantly impact one's daily life and cause discomfort. This strain can manifest as pain in the area above the cleft of the buttocks. However, there are numerous other factors that can contribute to this pain, necessitating further investigation and targeted treatment upon diagnosis.

Firstly, pain in the area above the cleft of the buttocks often refers to the coccyx. Frequent pain in this region is typically associated with trauma, chronic strain, or congenital malformations of the coccyx, all of which can lead to coccygodynia. The unique anatomical structure of the coccyx, which frequently rubs against the seat when sitting, can lead to sterile inflammatory reactions in this area, causing significant discomfort during seated activities. Additionally, individuals with coccyx malformations due to trauma, chronic strain, or congenital defects, such as a hooked coccyx, are often predisposed to this type of inflammation, especially if they have a thin build and lack soft tissue protection.

To manage this condition, it is important to minimize sitting and prioritize bed rest. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed for targeted treatment.

Secondly, the hip region serves as the junction between the waist and legs. It is supported by a pelvis formed by two hip bones and the sacrum, with overlying muscles such as the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and the relatively smaller piriformis muscle. The hip has a posterior tilt, with its upper boundary defined by the iliac crest and its lower boundary by the gluteal cleft. When standing upright, the hips form a square shape with prominent hip dimples.

Lastly, there are distinct differences between the hip morphology of men and women. Female hips tend to be fuller with more fat, and the angle between the posterior superior iliac spines is approximately 90°. In contrast, male hips are smaller, more squared, with prominent angles and deeper hip dimples, and the angle between the posterior superior iliac spines is around 60°.