Millions of people suffer from lower back pain with hip pain each year. In many cases, this can be traced back to issues with your spine and posture.
From a herniated disc to pinched nerves and tight hip flexors, it can be a struggle to get answers!
Ready to get to the core of these pains? Parade Chiropractic has teamed up with Physickle on a comprehensive guide that will help you understand your lumbar and hip pain.
What are the common causes of lower back and hip pain?
- Lumbar disc injuries
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Lumbar facet sprain
- Piriformis syndrome
- Sciatica
- Tight hip flexors
- Bursitis
Lumbar disc injuries
The discs in our spine act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when one becomes herniated or slips out of place, it can lead to severe pain.
This type of injury often occurs after lifting heavy objects or making sudden movements with your back.
Every day, we see someone with disc issues – it’s reaching epidemic levels! Why? Modern life stresses our lumbar spine through these mechanisms:
- excessive sitting and slumping
- lack of regular movement throughout the day
- inhibited and weak core, leg and back muscles
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint is a large section where your spine meets the pelvis, and when it becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back, and radiate out to your hip.
Because there are no muscles that directly control the SI joint, it relies on strong posture and a well-functioning lumbar spine to stay clear of issues.
Hence, SIJ dysfunction is common during pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, and weak glutes.
Lumbar facet sprain
The facets are small joints in the spine that allow us to bend and twist! A sprain occurs when these joints become stretched or torn, often due to repetitive movements or an injury.
Treatments for this type of pain include initial ice and rest, alongside chiropractic adjustments to correct faulty movement at the vertebrae and tisues around the sprain.
Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can become tight or irritated and press on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can lead to pain and numbness that radiates down the leg, known as piriformis syndrome.
It’s a nasty experience and you’ll feel a very tight pull in the back of your hip, and likely some low back pain!
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips and legs, becomes compressed or irritated. The most common cause is nerve root compression in your lumbar spine. This can happen from:
- a herniated disc
- disc disease
- degeneration in the facet joints
A classic sciatica pattern is pain, tingling, and/or numbness in the lower back and legs.
Tight hip flexors
The hip flexor muscles, located in the front of your hips, connect the lower body to the spine. When they become tight or overused due to repetitive movements or prolonged sitting, it can lead to tightness and dull pain in the lower back and hips.
Is sitting so much causing all my back and hip problems?
There is a lot of evidence that links sitting too much with various health problems, including back and hip pain. When you sit for extended periods, your psoas muscle becomes tight and shortened, which can put chronic stress on your lower back.
Additionally, sitting a lot builds tension in your hips and upper body, leading to neck discomfort and pain.
It’s important to get up and move around every 30 minutes, to stimulate your spine and nervous system, and maintain your range of motion.
Correct chair setup is absolutely vital, so we will get your ergonomics sorted too!
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, that cushion the joints become inflamed. This can happen due to repetitive movements or pressure on the joint, leading to pain and stiffness in the affected area.
Typical treatments have included rest and anti-inflammatory medication, along with physiotherapy. We find that with chiropractic care on your side as well, bursitis can be better managed.
Learn more about how chiropractic can help with hip bursitis here.
Posture
Proper posture is crucial in preventing and reducing lower back and hip pain. Sitting with a straight spine, avoiding slouching or hunching forward, and standing tall can help alleviate strain on the lumbar region and hips.
Your chiropractic recommendations will involve a full posture assessment, to see which other spinal joints need some attention!
Movement
Regular stretching and exercise will improve muscular balance and flexibility, reducing tension in the lower back and hips.
Targeted exercises such as core strengthening, glute activation, and hip stretches can be especially helpful for many of the above issues. Ask our team how exercise and chiropractic work together for great results.
At Parade Chiropractic, our tried-and-tested system to get you moving and feeling great, is called the 3-legged stool:
- Chiropractic adjustments at the right frequency, as per your treatment plan
- Break bad posture and movement habits
- Perform corrective exercises tailored to your case
How chiropractic works for hip and back pain
After a close look at your hip joint, lumbar spine, and posture, an accurate diagnosis will empower you to move forward with your health.
Chiropractic care can address the root cause of your lower back and hip pain by correcting restrictions in the spine, switching off tense muscles, and reducing inflammation.
In addition, chiropractors often provide education on proper posture and exercises to help prevent future back and hip issues.
Our passion is the health and longevity of the families that call Adelaide home.
There are numerous causes for lower back and hip pain, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief and get back to living your life comfortably!
To learn more about these issues and how to treat them, head to our bookings page here, or call us on 08 7226 6862 to schedule an appointment at Parade Chiropractic to see if we can help.
Dr Jason
Comments are closed.