Can flatulence/gas cause severe lower back pain?

Every once in a while, I get sharp pains in my left lower back that feel as though I've been punched repeatedly in that area (feels black and blue). This pain tends to also extend into my glutes and hamstring (so I limp a little too when I get it). I noticed that when I get this, I also tend to have a lot of flatulence. I was just wondering if it is possible if these two things are connected. I'm just hoping it isn't a bulging disc or sciatica or something like that. Started happening a few years ago when I began powerlifting again but I couldn't directly link it to a particular exercise (though when I would lift, it would hurt more).