Does buttocks pain always spread to the leg?

Sciatica is a form of lower back pain that spreads to the buttocks, and later reaches down through the legs and down to the feet, according to Spine-health. Sciatica usually only affects one side of the body. A wide range of conditions can cause sciatica in young adults.

A compressed nerve typically causes sciatica, notes the Mayo Clinic. A herniated disc, narrowed spine or bone spur are common causes of compressed nerves that cause sciatica. Constant pain travels down the sciatic nerve, accompanied by inflammation and occasionally numbness. Most sciatica cases are resolved without surgery in a few weeks, but individuals with severe sciatica that affects leg weakness or the bowels may require surgery.