Is my hip pain and back pain related?
Hip pain can be combined with back pain. This can lead to lower back pain, groin and buttock pain, as well as knee pain. To describe people who experience pain in these areas, the term “hip-spine disorder” was created. It can be difficult to diagnose the cause of pain because pain can be located in different places.
A visit to your doctor, or specialist, can help you determine the source of your pain. A doctor might use advanced imaging techniques to aid them in diagnosing you after a thorough physical exam and review of your medical history. Your hip pain and back pain may be related, according to some diagnostics. Your hip, spine or both can cause the pain.
What is the difference between pain caused by hip joint and herniated disc?
If you examine the lower back anatomy you will see that the lumbar spine and hip are directly linked. It’s common for your hip movement and function to become abnormal or uncomfortable if there is damage to the lumbar spine. Apart from trauma, pain in the lower back and hips can also be caused by natural degeneration of the spinal structures and joints. The spine can suffer from many degenerative changes, and disc herniation is one of the first signs.
Pinched Nerve and Herniated Disc Can Cause Back and Hip Pain
The discs between the spine vertebrae can age and the outer layer of the discs may become weaker, allowing the material “leak” into their spinal canal. A herniated disk is a condition that affects patients with this condition. When the disc material presses on nerves that are protected by the spine, a herniated disk can cause pain. This pain can be felt in other parts of the body as well, since the nerves that make up the spinal cord allow for communication between the brain with other areas.
Between the pelvis and the ribs is the lumbar region. These five major nerves, which originate from the spine in the lumbar region, are responsible for communicating with the brain, thighs, lower legs and ankles as well as the feet. These nerves also control the abdominal muscles. A herniated disc located in the lumbar region can cause pressure on these nerves, which can lead to shooting pain down the legs.
The hip is the usual suspect
Hip problems can cause groin pain. Because the hip joint is located near the spine, this can cause groin pain. Russell DeMicco DO, back pain specialist, says that groin pain is always a hip problem unless proven otherwise. “Pain above your beltline is not a hip problem.” Osteoarthritis of your hip joint is the most common cause for hip pain. If you have the following symptoms, hip arthritis may be present:
- The pain is in your groin.
- As we age, discomfort can become more frequent.
- Standing, walking and other activities can make pain worse. Resting is the best way to relieve it.
- It feels stiff.
- Walking with a limp is normal.
Avascular necrosis (or AVN) is a serious condition that causes the death of the hip bone at a joint. The pain is often worse than osteoarthritis and more frequent. Dr. Murray says, “People come to see me and say, “My hip is killing them.”
The spine is most likely to be the culprit
A herniated disc presses on the nerves of the spine column, causing most lower spine problems. Sciatica is a pain that can be felt in the hip. If you feel pain, it could be caused by a herniated disc.
- It is limited to your hips, back, and buttocks.
- Shoots down your leg.
- It is more common to have problems with sitting and bending.
- Increases standing and walking ability
Night sweats, a history or cancer, or pain that doesn’t go away by sleeping (“night pain”), consult your doctor. It could be more serious. Dr. DeMicco refers to a “double whammy,” which is a condition that causes problems in the lower back and hips. He explains that it’s not surprising since spinal changes and osteoarthritis are becoming more common each decade.
Signs that your pain is caused by a herniated disc
The lower back is made up of different bones, which are stacked over each other and protected with spinal discs. The intervertebral disk is composed of an outer cartilage (annulus fibrusus) and an inside nucleus (nucleus piscosus). This cushions and absorbs shock to protect the spinal cord from any pressure.
As you get older, disc material can become degenerate and herniate into the spinal canal. A herniated disc or bulging disc can cause irritation or compression to the nerves of the spine column. This can cause herniated disc pain, which can feel like a pinched nerve.
- A sharp or burning sensation radiating from the buttocks to your legs and feet.
- The affected spinal nerve can cause weakness or numbness in the muscles.
- Mobility and flexibility are affected by pain
- You can feel more pain if you are standing, sitting, or walking.
How does pain from hip joints feel?
The hips are located close to the lower back structures but it is not necessarily part of the spine. They are made up of their own components. The hip joint is made up of the pelvic bones and muscles, as well as the pelvic bones, pelvic bones, muscles and articular cartilage.
Hip pain can be characterized by discomfort in the groin, which can then spread to the front of your legs and thighs. Referred knee pain can also occur, which can make it more difficult to move. Hip pain can also restrict hip movement, making it difficult to walk normally.
Hip Pain: Common Causes
Although lumbar herniated disks can cause pain in the hip joints, it is not the only reason. There may be other causes for pain in the hips, such as:
1) Osteoarthritis
This is a type of arthritis where the cartilages in your joints naturally start to deteriorate. This condition is most common in the hips and knees. It causes symptoms such as hip pain, stiffness, persistent swelling, reduced range of motion, and joint stiffness.
2) Hip dysplasia
This is a hip anomaly that results in one of the sockets on the pelvis not fitting and attaching properly to the thigh bone. This can lead to joint instability, which can lead to joint pain and limping.
3) Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac (or SI) joint connects your pelvis and lower spine. However, if this joint is injured or inflamed, it can cause low back, hip, and leg pain.