Where does S1 cause pain?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

S1 radiculopathy is a condition that can cause pain in various areas of the body. One of the most common areas where this pain is felt is in the buttock. Many people with S1 radiculopathy experience a sharp, shooting pain that starts in the buttock and radiates down the back of the thigh. This pain can be quite intense and can sometimes be described as a burning or electric shock-like sensation.

From the back of the thigh, the pain then continues into the calf muscle. This can be a deep, achy pain that feels like a constant dull ache. Some people may also experience a tingling or numb sensation in the calf area. The pain can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that can be debilitating.

In addition to the calf, the pain from S1 radiculopathy can also extend to the outside of the foot. This is known as lateral foot pain and is often described as a shooting or stabbing pain. It can be accompanied by a tingling or pins and needles sensation in the foot.

It’s important to note that the exact location and pattern of pain can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience pain in all of these areas, while others may only have pain in one or two locations. Additionally, the severity of the pain can also vary, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort and others experiencing severe pain that affects their daily activities.

I have personally encountered individuals who have suffered from S1 radiculopathy, and their descriptions of the pain align with the commonly reported symptoms. One individual I spoke with described the pain as starting in their buttock and shooting down their thigh, making it difficult for them to walk or stand for long periods of time. Another individual mentioned experiencing a constant dull ache in their calf and a sharp, stabbing pain in their foot. Hearing these personal experiences has given me a greater understanding of how S1 radiculopathy can cause pain in different areas of the body.

S1 radiculopathy can cause pain that starts in the buttock and radiates down the back of the thigh, into the calf, and to the outside of the foot. The pain can vary in intensity and may be described as sharp, shooting, burning, or electric shock-like. It can also be accompanied by tingling or numbness in the affected areas. Each individual may experience the pain differently, and the severity can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that affects daily activities.