What causes lower back and hip pain
Age-related degeneration of the hip joint can cause pain in the lower back and stiffness in the hip.
Lower Back And Hip Pain On One Side
In all the above cases itâs a sign of seriousness. Pain in the lower back and hip on one side has become common these days and about 80% of adults go through this at one point of time, however, treating it at the right interval is very much essential in order to not escalate the situation.
Osteoarthritis Of The Hip
Age-related degeneration of the hip joint can cause pain in the lower back and stiffness in the hip.
Hip osteoarthritis causes stiffness and a significant decrease in the hips range of motion. This change can cause the hip to incline forward, disrupting the curvature of the lower spine. The inward curvature of the lower spine may become more pronounced, sometimes causing the lower spinal discs to bulge or herniate.12,13
This condition may over time cause degeneration of the spinal joints too, resulting in a more advanced problem called hip-spine syndrome.
Learn more about Hip Osteoarthritis on Arthritis-health.com
Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.
This list is not exhaustive of all possible causes of lower back and hip pain. If you experience pain and/or stiffness in your lower back and hip that does not resolve with self-care and affects your daily activities, talk to your doctor. A doctor can accurately diagnose the cause of your lower back problem and formulate a treatment plan for the underlying condition.
How Can Patients Prevent Lower Back Pain And Flank Pain Above The Hips From Happening Again
Lower back and flank pain above the hip can be caused by a number of conditions, including muscle strains, problems with abdominal visci, back arthritis, or a herniated disc. However, there are ways to prevent lower back pain from happening again. First, its important to maintain good posture and alignment when sitting, standing, and moving. This will help to prevent strain on the muscles and ligaments. Second, regular exercise is important for strengthening the muscles and keeping the joints healthy. Third, its important to eat a healthy diet to manage weight problems. Lastly, if you do experience lower back pain, its important to seek treatment early to prevent the condition from worsening. By following these tips, you can prevent lower back pain from becoming a chronic problem.
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Hip Arthritis Or Osteoarthritis
Wear and tear of your hip bone can cause inflammation in the hip socket which results in dull aches or, sometimes, sharp jabbing hip pain.
Researchers from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons say that arthritis of the hip causes stiffness and pain. This can affect everyday activities like walking, bending over, or rising from a chair. Other associated symptoms of arthritis of the right hip can include:5
- Pain that intensifies with physical activity
- Hearing a grinding noise when you move the right leg or left leg
- Pain that radiates from your right hip to your groin or thigh
- Pain in the hip socket in damp weather
- Tenderness and possible swelling in the hip
Some ways of reducing pain in your right hip caused by arthritis include losing excess weight, low-impact physical exercise, or physical therapy.
If you suffer from inflammation of the joints, then its important to know which foods to avoid to prevent inflammation. For example, taking omega 3 supplements regularly is a natural remedy for arthritis. Also, turmeric can help to alleviate joint pain and other inflammatory conditions of the joints.
What Is Hip And Leg Pain
Hip and leg pain can have many different causes. Because the movement of the hip joint, lower back, and leg bones are all connected, pain or inflammation in one area can cause problems in another. This is called referred pain.
Types of damage or injury that could be causing hip and leg pain are:
- Bone fractures.
- Nerve damage. Damage to the nerves can lead to neuropathy , a tingling sensation radiating into the legs and extremities.
- Muscle injury or inflammation . Muscle sprains, tears or strains in the lower back, buttocks, pelvis, and thighs can cause hip and leg pain.
- Joint problems.Arthritis can lead to pain in the hip, lumbar or lower spine, and the knee, causing pain that can be felt throughout the lower body.
Treatment Options For Hip Pain
Treatment for hip pain depends on the diagnosis, but pain that’s caused by overuse or sports injuries is often treated with heat, rest, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. To prevent injuries, it is important to stretch before exercising and wear appropriate clothing, especially good shoes when running, Dr. Philippon says.
If certain activities or overuse are causing hip pain, stop those that aggravate the discomfort and talk to your doctor. Excess weight can put pressure on the hip joint, so losing the pounds can provide relief and help you avoid further problems. Some causes of hip pain, such as fractures or hernias, may need surgical repairs. If your hip pain persists, talk to your doctor about the possible causes and treatments.
Perform Hip Stretches Before Going To Bed
Hip stretches are especially important if youre suffering from hip and lower back pain at night. These could point to tight muscles being the culprit of your pain.
As ManageBackPain.com explains, talk to your doctor about stretches you can try. Or, for more mild cases of hip pain, try the following stretches from Exercise For Injuries. These will work out the tension youre holding in your hips and can relieve pain before bed.
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Find Back And Hip Pain Relief At Spine Ina
Back and hip pain should not inhibit your day to day life. If you feel discouraged because of your chronic symptoms, its time to schedule your appointment at Spine INA. Our experienced team will diagnose your back and hip pain and work with you to develop an individual treatment approach so that you can get back to enjoying your life. Contact us today to learn more.
What Does A Rheumatologist Do
How to Fix Hip and Back Pain on One Side
Rheumatology studies the causes, impact, and treatments of inflammatory autoimmune disorders on the human body. In an autoimmune disorder, a patients own immune system malfunctions and turns its attack on his own healthy body tissue, rather than on invading or external disease agents.
Rheumatologists can be internists or pediatricians who have additional training and qualifications. They have the experience to diagnose and treat many of the over 100 systemic forms of adult, juvenile, and temporal arthritis. They treat mechanical joint, bone, muscle, and soft and connective tissue diseases.
Often referred to as arthritis doctors, rheumatologists treat many other diseases too.
Overuse Injuries And Trauma
Frequent use and repetitive movement patterns can lead to overuse injuries to muscles, ligaments, and joints. This could include:
- Exercises and physical activities, like tennis or golf, that require repetitive twisting and bending in the same directions.
- Frequently lifting heavy objects for work, or any movements that are regularly repeated.
Trauma can also lead to lower back and groin pain. Trauma could result from:
- Sports accidents
These can result in both acute and chronic injuries to the body, like strained muscles or broken bones. Depending on the type of trauma, the healing time and treatment needed can vary.
Both overuse and trauma injuries to the lower back or groin area can lead to weakness in the legs, tingling, numbness, pain, stiffness, or popping sensations.
Pain In The Lower Back And Hip On One Side
When there is a lower back pain alongside pain in the hip it could be the effect of a common reason and very rarely the reason for the pains may differ. Few injuries or health conditions can affect the nerves present in both the regions and lead to pain in the lower back and hip on one side.
We shall look at the supposed causes of hip pain and lower back pain. Besides, looking at the treatment options as although not life-threatening they can easily bring down the quality of daily life.
Chiropractic Care For Back Pain
It may take several types of tests including x-rays, MRIs, and blood tests, to determine the exact cause of your back pain.
And you may need more than one expert managing your back pain.
It really just depends on your specific situation and the amount of damage that has occurred in your spine.
But for back sprains, strains, and even herniated discs, a visit to your local chiropractor may be all it takes to start feeling better.
The Personal Painful Ordeal Of Women With Endometriosis
For Lindsay Murphy, a laundry list of symptoms shed had for years turned out to have a one-word diagnosis. Endometriosis. Patients and a handful of doctors are demanding better education, diagnosis, and treatment for this common condition.
Lindsay Murphy, a 36-year-old San Francisco native, sensed something was wrong with her, but none of the doctors she saw found anything.
Her periods were grueling. Birth control pills seemed to help, but she still wasnt quite right.
One day, she passed out with no explanation. Another, she woke up in a pool of blood. A battery of tests didnt lead to a diagnosis.
In May 2011, she started coughing up blood. She had just moved to the Lake Tahoe area to work as a nanny, and she and others first blamed the elevation. Then there was blood in her stool.
In August, as she loaded clothes into the washer at her apartment, Murphy collapsed and was taken to the hospital.
Barely conscious, Murphy remembers medical staff talking heatedly about her low blood oxygen levels before wheeling her into surgery. She would remain on the table for more than nine hours.
When she came to, the surgeon told her she had the worst case of endometriosis hed ever seen.
It turns out, he hadnt even seen all of it.
Common Causes Of Chronic Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain is less likely to be caused by injury to your muscles and ligaments and more likely to be due to issues with the lumbar disks, nerves, joints or vertebrae, says Dr. Palmer. There are several potential causes of chronic pain in the lower back.
In general, osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease are the underlying cause of many types of chronic lower back pain. However, lower back pain can also be caused by accident-related trauma and acute stress.
Could It Be A Sign Of Something More Serious
Lower back and hip pain on one side of the body can be indicative of a number of different conditions. Some of these conditions are more serious than others, and some may even be considered medical emergencies. For example, high-risk causes of lower back and hip pain on one side include internal organ diseases such as kidney failure, kidney diseases, and advanced kidney infections. Another high-risk condition is cauda equina syndrome, which is a condition that affects the nerves in the lower back and can lead to bowel and bladder incontinence and even paralysis in the lower body. If you are experiencing lower back and hip pain on one side of your body, it is important to seek medical attention so that a proper diagnosis can be made.
Causes Of Lower Back And Hip Pain
Your lower back and hip are co-dependent on each other. They share many muscle groups, so its no wonder that disruption or pain in one tends to cause problems in the other. If you suffer from lower back pain or hip pain, you risk experiencing abnormalities in muscle function or movement.
Lets take a look at 6 causes of lower back and hip pain:
What Causes Low Back And Hip Pain When Walking
How to Fix Lower Back Pain off to the Side
Once again, poor posture could be the culprit in back and hip pain while walking. To potentially improve your pain, make sure to:
- Avoid looking down too much when you walk, which reduces neck and back strain.
- Avoid slouching when you walk.
- Keep your hips level when walking, avoid unnatural hip swaying.
- Pull in your stomach and engage your core to take the pressure off your lower back.
- Make sure your feet hit the ground heel-first, then roll through the ball of your foot.
- Own comfortable shoes, especially if you have flat feet which can cause back pain.
Another potential cause of hip and back pain when walking is being overweight. According to a review by the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing sciatica. This is because the lower back supports more weight as a person gets heavier, naturally causing pain. Stretches that target your back and hips can ease the pain, and frequent exercise keeps you fit while fighting muscle pains caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
If improving your posture, stretching, and exercising doesnt improve your back or hip pain, stop by SPORT Orthopedics + Rehabilitation and well take care of you.
How We Can Help
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor and emergency room visits in the U.S. Its a leading cause of lost workdays and long-term disability. Not seeking medical attention and allowing the pain to persist will only cause the condition to worsen.
Atlantic Spine Specialists are board-certified and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain. We are dedicated to relieving and restoring function to help our patients have the best quality of life. No matter what the cause of your pain, receiving an extensive spinal examination and accurate diagnosis are the first steps to resolving the issue. At Atlantic Spine Specialists our doctors will prescribe the best treatment plan for you.
To learn more about diagnosis and treatment,request a consultation at Atlantic Spine Specialists in Morristown, New Jersey. Or call us at 971-3500 to schedule your appointment.
For Your Convenience We’ve Divided These Causes Into Five Categories As Follows
- Low risk: This can be easily managed with over-the-counter medications or by avoiding the movement/stressor causing your pain.
- Low-medium risk: Usually managed as an outpatient by your doctor with prescription medication.
- Medium risk: May require a visit to your doctor or hospitalization. Prescription medication may be necessary.
- Medium-high risk: Hospitalization or urgent intervention. Although not life-threatening get help immediately of some kind.
- High risk: Serious and potentially lethal complications possible emergent intervention needed Intensive Care Unit care often needed.
Chronic Low Back Pain Of No Specific Origin
Low back pain is defined as pain, tightness, and stiffness between the lower end of the rib cage and the buttocks. Chronic means the pain has lasted for twelve weeks or longer, and no specific origin means the pain cannot be traced to any specific cause, incident, or injury.
Most susceptible are individuals who perform heavy physical work, especially when there is ongoing anxiety, depression, and emotional stress at the same time. The longer the stress and back pain continue, the more difficult it is to ease the symptoms and return the patient to normal functioning.
Treatment involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes opioid medications for pain, though both have risks when used long term. Antidepressants may also be tried, along with psychological counseling.
Corticosteroid injections for the back are effective for some patients, and fusion surgery is sometimes attempted. Lifestyle changes in the form of improved diet, exercise, and stress management are very helpful in most cases.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: lower back pain, unintentional weight loss, back pain that shoots to the butt, fever, involuntary defecation
Symptoms that always occur with chronic low back pain of no specific origin: lower back pain
Symptoms that never occur with chronic low back pain of no specific origin: thigh numbness, buttocks numbness, lower back pain from an injury
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Common Causes Of Hip And Knee Pain And How We Can Help You Treat It
Hip and knee pain are very common and quite often are experienced together. Frequently when experiencing hip pain patients will begin to compensate how they weight bear when walking, standing and climbing stairs this compensation can begin to aggravate the knee on the same or opposite side. The same compensations can occur leading to hip pain if pain originates in the knee. Hip joint pain and knee pain can seriously interfere with your life, especially if you are dealing with both. Whichever may be hurting you, treatment at Curran Physical Therapy can help get to the root of your problem safely and comfortably, without the need for harmful drugs or surgery.
What Could Cause Lower Back And Hip Pain On One Side
One-sided back or hip pain is a common issue. Sometimes one-sided pain can indicate a non-skeletal, non-spinal, or non-muscular issue.
The most common causes of lower back pain on one side are tissue injuries from trauma, muscle strain, arthritis, kidney stones, or a kidney infection. If your one-sided pain is stemming from a non-muscular or non-skeletal issue like kidney stones or a kidney infection you will likely have painful urination, nausea, vomiting, and a fever.
However, one-sided hip pain often indicates tendinitis, bursitis, or tight muscles.
What causes lower back and hip pain?
Sometimes lower back occurs alongside hip pain. This may happen on one side or both. Certain health conditions or injuries can affect the nerves in both the hips and the lower back.
These pains usually occur as a result of overuse or injury, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. People may notice the pain on the left or right side of the body or both.
In this article, we look at possible causes of lower back and hip pain. We also discuss the various treatment options and how to relieve pain.
It is easy to overwork the lower back and hips because they are responsible for lifting, twisting, and moving the legs and trunk. Pains due to overuse and minor injury are common in these areas of the body.
Although these pains are common, people should not ignore them. Rest and early treatment can significantly improve a person’s outlook.
The causes are similar in males and females. The following are some of the most common causes of lower back and hip pain.
Sprains and strains are a common cause of pain around the back and hips. A sprain is a torn or overstretched ligament, while a strain is a torn or overstretched tendon or muscle.
People with sprains and strains are likely to experience discomfort that worsens with activity and gets better with rest.
Common causes of sprains and strains in this area include:
- sports injuries
- a fall or trauma
- twisting the body in an awkward way
- lifting something heavy
Playing a sport or engaging in other physical activity without warming up properly can contribute to muscle strain.
Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the hip or lower back can cause:
- muscle pain
- muscle weakness
- tenderness
- swelling
- reduced range of motion
Treatment
People will usually find that their symptoms improve with a few days of rest.
Gentle stretching can speed up recovery. Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the pain and swelling that these muscle injuries cause.
If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, the injury may be more serious, for example, a muscle tear. In this case, a person should see their doctor.
The hip flexors are muscles that extend from the hips to the knees. They are responsible for the range of motion in the legs and hips. If these muscles are stiff and tight, often due to remaining in a seated position for too long, a person may experience back and hip pain.
Hip flexor strains, which are strains in the hip flexor muscles, can also cause sharp pain in the back and hips.
Symptoms of tight hip flexor muscles include:
- tenderness in the upper leg
- muscle spasms in the hips or thighs
- soreness in the hips and thighs
Some people may also experience a sense of weakness when trying to kick the leg or lift the knee toward the chest.
Treatment
Physical therapy exercises and stretching can help relieve tight hip flexors and reduce discomfort. Examples include pulling the knee toward the chest or lunging one leg forward from a kneeling position to create a stretch in the hips.
Avoiding activities that can increase hip flexor tightness, such as sitting too long at a desk or wearing high heels for extended periods, can also help.
Share on Pinterest A herniated disk may cause pain in the lower back, legs, and hips.
A herniated disk occurs when one of the cushioning disks between the vertebrae slips out of place. The disk can put pressure on a nearby nerve, which may cause tingling and burning pain in the lower back that extends to the hips and legs.
Older adults are prone to herniated disks because of the natural wear and tear of the spine that occurs over time. The disks also become less flexible with age.
Common causes of a herniated disk include:
- improper lifting or twisting while lifting
- a fall or trauma
- being overweight
- repetitive strain on the back
- driving for long periods
- smoking
Symptoms of a herniated disk include:
- sciatica, or a sharp, shooting pain from the buttocks down the back of one leg
- numbness in the leg or foot
- muscle weakness in the leg or foot
In severe cases, people may experience a loss of bowel and bladder function. If this occurs, they should go to the hospital or call 911 right away.
Treatment
The treatment for a herniated disk involves relieving pain and discomfort while it heals. Bed rest will usually help relieve the pain too.
Other treatment options include:
- physical therapy exercises
- taking NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation
- epidural steroid injections, which involve injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space containing the inflamed nerves
In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to correct a herniated disk.
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the lower portion of the spine to the pelvis. If these joints move too much or too little, people may feel pain in the back and hips.
The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include an aching lower back that makes it difficult for a person to find a comfortable position. The pain will usually worsen with physical activity, such as running or climbing stairs.
A herniated disk and arthritis can cause symptoms similar to those of SI joint dysfunction.
Treatment
Treatment options for SI joint dysfunction include:
- NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation
- physical therapy exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic muscles
- stretching and applying ice to the affected areas
- the injection of a steroid into the SI joint
A doctor may suggest that a person has corticosteroid injections to reduce spinal inflammation. In rare instances, they may recommend surgery to fuse the joints.
Osteoarthritis of the back can result in the breakdown of the protective and cushioning cartilage of the spine. This loss of cushioning can cause the spinal bones to rub together and place greater pressure on the nerves, including the nerves that go to the lower back and hips.
Arthritis in the back and hips causes joint stiffness and pain. A person may also experience weakness in the legs and hips, which can interfere with their everyday activities.
Treatment
Doctors do not have a cure for arthritis, but people can manage their symptoms using medication and lifestyle methods. These include:
- exercises that strengthen the back and hips muscles to improve flexibility and range of motion
- trying home remedies for arthritis
- alternative therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and nutritional supplementation
- surgery, if arthritis causes significant spinal canal narrowing
- NSAIDs
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing chronic inflammation in the spinal joints. Lower back and hip pain are often some of the first symptoms that a person with ankylosing spondylitis experiences.
Symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness that is usually worse in the morning. Other symptoms may include:
- low-grade fever
- appetite loss
- malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort
Treatment
Doctors do not have a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but, as with other forms of arthritis, people can manage the condition with a range of medical and at-home treatments.
Prescription medications, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and NSAIDs, can help. Certain lifestyle measures, including doing regular physical activity, icing affected areas, and not smoking, can also be beneficial.