Common Causes of Lower Back and Hip Pain and Treatment Options

One of the commonest pains we experience in our life is lower back pain. It’s so common that around 80% of adults experience it some or the other time in their lives, as per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The intensity of the pain can range anywhere between a dull ache and a sharp pain that can affect our mobility as well as quality of life. Earth’s Wisdom today wants to reveal some facts about this topic of great concern.

Similar Kinds of Pain

Firstly people may mistake back pain for hip pain because your hip joint is situated close to your spine. So, if there is an injury to your hip, the pain is felt in the lower back. You may even feel:

• Stiffness
• Problem in sleeping
• Pain while moving or walking
• Pain in the groin on the affected side

Causes of Hip and Lower Back Pain

5 factors are supposed to cause lower back and hip pain.

1. Arthritis

One of the most common causes of hip and back pain is arthritis. Even the front part of your thigh and groin area experiences pain. Typically caused by aging and wear and tear, this disorder is characterized by the inflammation of one or more of your joints and its common symptoms are pain, numbness, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility.

Treatment: Arthritis treatment is mainly focused on symptom relief and mobility improvement. Thus, pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by your doctor. So also, DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) may also be prescribed to stop or deter your immune system from attacking your cells. Physical therapy may also be recommended to increase the range of movement and strengthen your joints.

2. Pinched Nerve

If a nerve is pinched, it gives rise to an uncomfortable situation that may lead to tingling, discomfort and shooting pain, especially if it takes place in your spine, back or hip. This happens when overly pressure is given on a nerve by the tissues, muscles or bones around it. Because of such a pressure, proper nerve function is hampered and weakness, numbness and pain are caused.

The good news is that this pain is short-term and doesn’t cause any permanent damage after the treatment. However, persistent pressure can cause permanent damage.

Treatment: Rest is the most common treatment. Physical therapy may also be recommended to increase strength and mobility.

3. Strained Muscles

Usually muscle strains and sprains can cause acute back pain. This happens when your ligaments are stretched beyond their capacity or sometimes even torn. On the other hand, strains are caused by a different reason i.e. overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. While this immediately results in back pain, it may also give rise to discomfort or dull aches in your hip.

Treatment: Proper stretching or if the case is more severe, physical therapy are the treatments of strains and sprains.                                             

4. Herniated Disc

A herniated disk is also known as slipped or ruptured disk and arises when the jelly-like substance inside your spinal disk comes out through the tougher exterior of the disk making adjacent nerves irritated and thus causing numbness and pain. However, in some patients painful symptoms never occur. Apart from back pain, you may also experience weakness, tingling, and pain in thighs, butt and hips.

Treatment: Your doctor may prescribe pain-killers and muscle relaxers. In severe cases, physical therapy or even surgery may be suggested.

5. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The joint that connects your sacrum (a triangular bone located between the tailbone and the lumbar spine) to your hip bones is known as sacroiliac joint or SI joint. Its function is to absorb shocks between legs, pelvis and upper body. Injury or strain to this joint may cause radiating pain in your back, hip and groin.

Treatment: Treatment is focused on pain reduction and normal movement of the SI joint. Pain medication, rest and/or cold and hot compresses may also be prescribed to decrease inflammation and muscle tension. Sometimes even a steroid injection is helpful. Surgery may be an option if the case is more severe.

Knowing about the lower back and hip pain, you can take better care of yourself and avoid strenuous activities so that you can live a pain-free life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lower back and hip pain is a common ailment that affects many individuals at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating, affecting a person's ability to perform daily activities. There are several common causes of lower back and hip pain, including poor posture, injury, arthritis, and sciatica.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for managing lower back and hip pain. These include physical therapy, chiropractic care, medication, and in some cases, surgery. However, before beginning any treatment, it's important to identify the underlying cause of the pain.

One of the most effective ways to prevent and manage lower back and hip pain is through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise and stretching can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall health. Maintaining proper posture, especially when sitting for extended periods, can also help prevent lower back and hip pain.

It's also essential to listen to your body and seek medical attention if the pain persists or worsens. Ignoring the pain can lead to more severe complications, and delaying treatment can prolong recovery time.

Lower back and hip pain can be debilitating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it's possible to manage and even prevent it. By adopting healthy habits, seeking medical attention when necessary, and taking proactive steps to prevent injury, individuals can reduce the risk of experiencing lower back and hip pain and enjoy a pain-free life.

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