ischial tuberosity

yoganatomy.com

Ischial tuberosity is an anatomical term for the V-shaped bone at the bottom of the pelvis that makes contact with a surface when a person is sitting down, hence their common name of sit bone or sitting bones.

Forming one of the main parts of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity is the attachment site for a series of ligaments and muscles, notably the hamstrings, which support the body while sitting. It is located directly beneath the ischial spine (the very bottom of your spine near the hip bones) and, when standing, is covered by the gluteus maximus (the butt muscles).

Emerging in the 1800s, ischial is the adjective form for ischium, a 17th-century anatomical term generally used for the “bones on which the body rests when sitting.” Tuberosity indicates a slight ridge or roundness on the surface of the bone—think protuberance—where muscles attach. Also appearing in the 17^th century, tuberosity comes from the Latin base, tuber, literally meaning “bump” or “swelling.”

schial tuberosity is typically due to an inflammation of the surrounding muscles. The cause of this pain usually stems from repetitive movements or positions, such as sitting for too long or from overextending muscles through excessive exercise.

The Western yoga community commonly calls ischial tuberosity pain “yoga butt.” Yoga involves many forward bends, which can overextend the hamstrings and lead to strains around the ischial tuberosity, a concern among very flexible yoga practitioners. Remedies include rest and the immediate halt of any activities. Severe pain, of course, should always be diagnosed by a certified physician.