Many people visit the doctor for help with hip pain. Sometimes, people will try to manage the problem themselves. They believe there is something wrong and they start to look for solutions. But, hip pain may not be as obvious as it seems. Hip pain can result from a problem in the hip joint. But, hip pain can also result from a problem in the hip joint or soft tissue.
It is important to have a clear diagnosis before you can resume activities or live an active life. Let’s examine the causes and treatment options for both back and hip pain. Patients may have a misconception about the cause of pain. This may sound strange but it is very true. The hip joint is found just below the groin area on either side of the body. The spine extends from the base and tip of the skull to reach the tailbone. Certain nerves are located in the lumbar spine and can have an influence on the feeling around the hip area.
When the hip is the usual suspect
Surprisingly, hip problems are often accompanied by groin pain. The hip joint itself is very close to the spine.
“Groin discomfort is a hip problem until proven otherwise.”
“Pain above a beltline is not an issue for hipsters.”
Osteoarthritis (inflammation of the hip joint) is the most common reason for hip pain. If:
- It’s in your groin.
- It’s normal to feel uncomfortable at times, but it gets more frequent over time.
- Pain can worsen when you are standing, walking, or doing any other activity. However, rest is a great way to get rid of it.
- It’s hard to feel stiff.
- A limp walks with you.
Avascular necrosis, also known as AVN, refers to a serious condition characterized by the death or swelling of the hip bone. The pain is typically worse and more consistent than that experienced with osteoarthritis.
When the spine is the most likely culprit
The most common problem with the lower spine is a herniated or bulging disc. This presses on nerves throughout the spinal column. This can cause sciatica (a type of pain in the lower back) and can also be felt in your hip. If you experience pain, you may have a herniated or bulging disc.
- Your hips, back, buttocks and hips are the only ones that will be affected.
- Shoot down your leg.
- There are also problems when you bend or sit.
- This improves when you are standing or walking.
- You should consult your doctor if you are suffering from night sweats or a history cancer.
Some people have a “double-whammy,” which is problems in both their lower back and hips. “It’s not surprising because both osteoarthritis as well as spinal changes are becoming more common every decade.
These are some tips to help your hip pain.
- Your primary care doctor should be consulted. You will most likely be prescribed nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in order to check if the hip pain disappears.
- Lose weight. In order to alleviate hip pain, losing weight is essential. “Losing weight helps to reduce hip pain.
These are some suggestions for back pain relief:
- Talk to your doctor and keep active. He or She will most likely prescribe NSAIDs up to two weeks. Keep moving. “Activity is something that should not be stopped. Long-term bed rest of more than 24 to 48 hrs is bad advice.
- If physical therapy is necessary after two weeks, call a physical therapist. If you still have pain after 2 weeks, a physical therapist will show you exercises to strengthen your spine.
- Reduce weight and stop smoking. Maintaining your ideal weight can ease the pressure on your spine. It is important to not smoke. “Nicotine hinders microcirculation. Therefore, your spine will degenerate more quickly.”
- If your pain is difficult or not easily identifiable, a specialist in hip and spine medicine can help. The specialist may order an injection of lidocaine, or they may perform diagnostic/therapeutic hip injection under fluoroscopy or ultrasound.
This will relieve symptoms and numb any pain in the hip. “If the discomfort doesn’t go away, then we know we’re on the wrong track.” The same technique can be used to confirm or rule back pain.
Are my back and hip pain related?
A person who has both hip and back pain may experience lower back, groin, thigh, or buttock pain. People who have pain in these areas are called “hip spine syndrome”. The pain can sometimes be located in different places, making it more difficult to determine the source.
You can visit your doctor or specialist if you have back or hip pain. To assist in their diagnosis, a doctor may use advanced imaging methods after performing a thorough examination of you and reviewing your medical history.
The diagnosis could reveal that the pain in your hips and back may be connected. You may have pain in your hip, spine, back, or both. Here are some of the more common issues that cause pain in the spine, including back pain and hip pain.
Hip Pain and Back Pain
Pinched Nerve or Herniated Disc can cause back and hip pain. As the discs that connect the spinal vertebrae ages, the outer layers may become worn and weaken, which can allow the material to “leak” into the spinal canal. This is called a herniated dis. A herniated disc can cause pain when disc material places pressure on nerves. Because the spinal cord is responsible for communicating with the brain and other areas, this type of pain can also affect other areas.
Between the pelvis’ ribs, is located the lumbar spine region. Five major nerves emanating from this region of the spine are responsible to transmit information between the brain and the legs, ankles, feet, thighs and lower legs. These nerves are also responsible for controlling the abdominal muscles. An injury to the nerves of the lower back or lumbar region can lead to shooting pain in the legs.
Spinal Stenosis and Hip Pain
Spinal stenosis looks similar to herniated discs in that the nerves are under pressure. But spinal stenosis does not involve a herniated disc. Instead, it is due to a narrowing in the spinal canal. Cysts or bulging discs can cause narrowing of your canal.
Even though spinal stenosis could have a different root cause to herniated spine disc, the resulting symptoms might be the same. Both conditions can put pressure on the nerves. It can cause pain in one’s back, in the hips, or down the legs.
Arthritis & Hip Pain
Spinal osteoarthritis can be described as degenerative arthritis in the spine. Osteoarthritis can be described as a condition in which the cartilage that lines your joints is degenerate, or even breaks down. Additional wear on the bones from this cartilage can lead to inflammation, bone spurs, or pain.
Spinal osteoarthritis can be defined as a condition when the cartilage, discs and lower regions of the spine begin to degenerate. They no longer function as cushions for the joints. Increased pressure on joints can cause degeneration, inflammation, pain and even pressure on the nerves in the lumbar.
Other causes of back and hip pain
This article focuses on conditions of the spine that can lead to pain in the hips. But, hip related conditions can also cause lower back discomfort. SI joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis in the hip, and other conditions may cause pain in the hip and lower spine. You should consult your doctor if your symptoms include back pain as well as hip pain.
How to get an accurate diagnosis
For diagnosing symptoms, it’s important to have a detailed history and an examination. While X-rays will show specific bony/cartilage problems, they do not always indicate the severity of the pain. It’s possible to feel little pain, but see a lot of damage on xrays. It is important to treat each patient, and not just the images.
A second concern is that while x rays of the back might reveal degeneration of discs or small joints, the individual does well. Contrary to popular belief the back looks degenerative. Also, due to bone spurring as arthritis progresses and other symptoms like arthritis, it’s important to obtain an MRI in order to confirm nerve impingements. Nerve impingement is not something that can be seen on X-rays by itself. You should have your history and undergo a physical exam and other tests to confirm your diagnosis.
Herniated Disc Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medications are often used in mild to moderate situations to help with both of these types of problems. You may also be able to use analgesics occasionally. Both can be treated with proper training and weight loss. If you do not exercise the correct exercises to strengthen and stabilize your spine, chronic back pain could become a problem. The injection of corticosteroids into the canal of your low back can reduce pain and inflammation. It is also known as epidural blocking. A cane is a good option for back pain and hip pain.
For pain relief, surgery is an option. This includes a hip replacement to treat hip arthritis and back surgery to correct a herniated or damaged disc, vertebral disorders or spine stenosis. Both back and hip surgery are highly successful. It is important to have a full evaluation and that conservative measures be considered first.
A diagnosis of pain in the hips is rarely straightforward and often requires a specialized evaluation. Before you can establish a treatment plan, it is important to discuss all options with your doctor once the diagnosis has been made. This article helps you determine whether pain is coming from the back or the hip. There are many options available for treatment. First, you must diagnose the problem.