Disc herniation in the hip causes pain
Many adults complain of lower back pain as a common debilitating condition. It can be difficult to determine the source of lower back pain. The symptoms may overlap with those of hip pain. Sometimes, the problem is caused by a lumbar disc injury.
How can you tell the difference in pain from your hips and lumbar disc herniation? You can tell if you have a hip problem by persistent groin pain and stiffness. Also, discomfort radiating down to the legs and inner thighs is another sign. A herniated disc can cause low back pain, stabbing ache, and pain that radiates down to the buttocks and legs.
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 vary from one area to another.
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. We’ll be discussing some of the most common spine conditions that can cause back and hip pain.
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 disc may become weaker, allowing the material “leak” into their spinal canal. A herniated disc is a condition that affects patients with this condition. When the disc material presses on nerves that are protected by the spine, a herniated disc can cause pain. This pain can be felt in other parts of the body as well, since the spinal cord nerves are responsible for communicating with the brain.
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 can cause shooting pains in the legs if pressure is placed on these nerves.
Spinal Stenosis for Hip Pain
In that nerve pressure causes pain, spinal stenosis can be similar to a herniated disc. The pressure in spinal stenosis is not caused by a herniated disc, but by narrowing the spinal canal. Cysts, bulging discs, and arthritis are all common causes of narrowing the canal.
Although spinal stenosis might have a different root cause than herniated disc, the symptoms can be very similar. Both can cause pressure on nerves, which can lead both to pain in your back, hips, and legs.
Arthritis and Hip Pain
Spinal osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis of spine) is a condition that affects the bones. Osteoarthritis refers to a condition where the cartilage covering the joints begins to degenerate or break down. This material can wear down and cause bone spurs and inflammation.
Spinal osteoarthritis refers to a condition where the cartilage and discs of the lower spine become degenerate and no longer serve their purpose of providing cushioning for the joints. The degeneration of the joints and the increased pressure on them can cause inflammation, pain, and pressure on the lumbar nerves.
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. Many degenerative changes can occur in the spine, and disc herniation is one of them.
Signs that your pain is caused by a herniated disc
The lower back is made up of several bones, which are stacked over each other and protected with spinal discs. The intervertebral disc 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 degraded and herniate or bulge into your 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 feels like:
- 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 affected muscles
- Mobility and flexibility are affected by pain
- You can feel more pain if you are standing, sitting, or walking.
- Hip Joint Pain
Other conditions that may cause hip and low back pain
Other than a herniated disc or slipped disc there are many other spinal conditions that can cause pain in the lower back and hips. These conditions can be caused by injuries, accidents, and natural aging.
Spinal Stenosis
The narrowing of the spinal canal can cause nerve damage. This disorder can be caused by a number of factors, including a bone spur or herniated disc, as well as spinal fracture. Congenital spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is smaller than normal.
Pinched Nerve
A disc can herniate, which can cause excess pressure to the surrounding spine structures. This can lead to a pinched nerve. This can lead to low back pain, muscle spasms and numbness.
Sciatica
This condition affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the hips, buttocks and legs. This happens most often when a herniated disc presses on the sciatic root. It causes muscle weakness, low back pain, and leg pain. Sciatic nerve pain may also be felt in the legs and calves.
Degenerative disc Disease
A spinal disorder is when one or more discs begin to fail and cause lower back pain. This condition is usually a result of aging and is most commonly diagnosed in older people.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle at the top of your hip joint causes irritation to the sciatic nerve. It can cause pain on one side of your body, which can impact your movement and activities. Referred pain can also be felt on the legs, buttocks and thighs.
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. It’s composed of its own components. The hip joint is made up of the pelvic bones and muscles, as well as articular cartilage and ligaments.
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 a lumbar herniated disc can cause pain in the hip joint, it is not the only reason. Other conditions can cause pain in the hips, such as:
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.
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 cause frequent hip and groin pains and even limping.
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.
How doctors can identify the source of your pain
There are many causes for chronic pain in the lower body and spine. A doctor is the best way to find out what they are. To diagnose your condition accurately, they will likely conduct a series of medical and physical exams. They may also perform the following tests:
- X-rays can be used to detect problems in the hip joints, tissues or ligaments.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a medical exam that uses radio waves and a magnet field to create visual images of the spine and hip structures. This test will help your doctor determine if there is a hip injury or a herniated disc in the lumbar.
- Computed Tomography (CT scan). This type of X-Ray test creates detailed images that show the spinal column and other structures. This scan can be used to determine if there is a hip fracture, or damage to the spinal discs.
- Myelogram. A myelogram is a way for your doctor to further evaluate your spine. The contrast dye is injected to show whether there is pressure on the spine or nerves.
Common Treatment Options for Hip or Herniated Disc pain
It can be difficult to live with pain in the hips or herniated discs. There are some conservative treatments that can provide pain relief and help prevent symptoms from getting worse. These are some of the possible treatments that your doctor might recommend to you:
- You can also take medication if your symptoms aren’t severe. These medications can reduce inflammation and pain, as well as release tension from muscle strains or sprains.
- Steroid injections: An epidural steroid injection can be used to treat swollen hip joints, bulging discs and other symptoms. The effects of the injections can last for up to six months.
- Physical therapy: You’ll be able to perform movements and exercises that will help you restore mobility and function in your affected joints. This can help reduce the severity of hip pain and herniated disc symptoms.
- Surgery: While not all patients require surgery, it is possible to perform the procedure on those with worsening hip pain or herniated discs. A doctor might perform surgery to fix or remove the herniated disc. A hip or artificial disc replacement may be performed.
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.
“Groin pain can be a hip problem until it is proven otherwise.”
“Pain above your beltline is not hip.”
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 the joint. The pain is often worse than osteoarthritis and more frequent. “People come to see me and say that their hips are 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 hip, back, and buttocks.
- Shoot 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.
These are the first steps to relieve your hip pain:
- Talk to your primary care physician. To determine if your hip pain subsides, your primary care doctor will likely recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs).
- Lose weight. It is crucial to lose weight to relieve hip pain. “Losing weight can often reduce symptoms to the point that surgery is not required.” “It will also increase your chances of a successful outcome if surgery becomes necessary.”
These are the best ways to treat back pain:
- Keep active and see your primary care doctor. Most likely, he or she will prescribe NSAIDs for up to two weeks. Keep active. “Activity should not be stopped. “Prolonged bed rest for more than 24 hours is not a good idea.”
- If you are still in pain after two weeks, schedule physical therapy. If you are still experiencing pain after two weeks, a physical therapy professional can help you with exercises to strengthen your spine and back.
- Stop smoking and lose weight. Your spine will be relieved if you maintain your ideal weight. Tobacco products should be avoided. “Nicotine inhibits microcirculation so your spine will develop at a quicker rate.”
- A hip or spine specialist can help you pinpoint the cause of your pain if it is not easy to identify. The specialist may order an injection of lidocaine, or they may perform diagnostic/therapeutic hip injection under fluoroscopy or ultrasound.