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What Causes Lower Back And Hip Pain

The Most Common Causes Of Lower Back Pain Are A Strain Or Sprain

Low Back & Hip Pain? Is it Nerve, Muscle, or Joint? How to Tell.

Whether you notice it or not, your lumbar spine gets put to work throughout the entire day.

Amid all of this work and motion, a lower back sprain or strain can result from an acute injury, such as one experienced while falling, lifting something too heavy or playing sports. A sprain or strain can also develop over time due to repetitive movements or poor posture.

“Straining a muscle or spraining a ligament are the most common causes of lower back pain,” says Dr. Palmer. “While they can be serious, these common causes of lower back pain aren’t long-lasting taking anywhere from a few days to heal or, at most, a few months.”

Your doctor can help you determine the particular course of self-care that can help heal your lower back pain.

“The treatment for a pulled back muscle or strained back ligament is fairly simple and can include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, ice to help reduce inflammation, heat to promote healing, and avoiding strenuous activity until the pain recedes,” explains Dr. Palmer. “The best course of care will depend on the severity of your injury as well as your overall core and lower body strength.”

If your lower back pain persists despite treatment, it may be time to consider other causes of lower back pain.

When The Spine Is The Likely Culprit

Most lower spine problems are caused by a herniated disk that presses on nerves in the spinal column. This produces the pain known as sciatica, which can be felt in the hip. You may have a herniated disk if pain:

  • Is limited to your back, buttocks or hip.
  • Shoots down your leg.
  • Worsens with sitting or bending.
  • Improves when standing or walking.

If you have night sweats, ahistory of cancer, or pain that is not relieved by lying down ,see your doctor the problem may be more serious.

Some people develop whatDr. DeMicco calls a double whammy problems in both the hip and lower back.Its not surprising, since both osteoarthritis and spinal changes are morecommon with each passing decade, he explains.

Radiating Lower Back Pain Questionnaire

Use our free symptom checker to find out what’s causing your pain.

Severe pain always gets your attention and keeps it there, making you wonder if there is something worrisome that is wrong.

Back pain and outer hip pain area can be especially troublesome, causing you pain when you move, walk, and even when you sleep. Sciatic nerve pain is especially troubling, causing pain in the butt literally and shooting pain in the leg that begins in the mid buttock and runs down the back of the leg down to the ankle.

We’ve put together a handy guide that will help you pinpoint the exact cause of your pain and know how seriousor mild, your condition is and to know if you need to get help immediately or see a doctor at your convenience.

If you are concerned that the cause of your radiating back/hip/leg pain might be something serious, check the more serious possible causes of your pain below to see what doctors say about when to worry about radiating hip and back pain.

You can also consult our handy back pain quiz, which will help you use your symptoms to diagnose possible causes for your pain.

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Other Causes For Hip Pain And Back Pain

In this article we discussed conditions of the spine which can lead to hip pain. However, there are also hip related conditions which can cause lower back pain. SI joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis of the hip and other conditions can lead to pain in the hip and lower back. Therefore, if you experience both hip pain and back pain it may make sense to visit your doctor who can help diagnose your condition.

Treatments For Lower Back Pain

How To Unlock Hip Flexor: back pain causes hip pain

The source of your lower back pain will help guide your treatment options. These include:

  • Core strengthening to improve the ability of your abdominal muscles to support your spine
  • Weight loss to decrease lower back strain
  • Lower back and leg stretching to improve mobility and flexibility to alleviate areas of nerve compression and joint stiffness
  • Application of ice to decrease pain and inflammation or heat to improve mobility and decrease stiffness
  • Medication, hemodialysis, or kidney transplant to improve kidney function
  • Medical management of underlying conditions that increase the risk of kidney disease, such as hypertension or diabetes
  • Medications such as DMARDs and biologics to treat autoimmune forms of arthritis
  • Antibiotics or antivirals to treat infections
  • Pain medications taken orally via pill form, topically via creams or gels, or through injections into painful joints
  • Surgery to relieve chronic nerve compression

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Are Tight Hip Flexors Contributing To Your Low Back Pain

Friday, Jul 15, 2016

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Herniated Disc And Pinched Nerve Can Lead To Back And Hip Pain

As the discs between the spinal vertebrae age, the outer layer may become compromised, allowing the material to leak into the spinal canal. Patients with this condition are said to have a herniated disc. A herniated disc leads to pain when the disc material puts pressure on the nerves protected by the spine. Because the nerves within the spinal cord are responsible for communication between the brain and other areas of the body, this pain can also be felt in other areas of the body.

The lumbar region of the spine is located between the ribs in the pelvis. The five major nerves which emanate from the spine in this region are responsible for communication between the brain and thighs, lower legs, ankles, and feet. They also assist in controlling the abdominal muscles. Pressure on any of these nerves due to herniated disc in the lumbar region of the spine can result in a shooting pain down the legs.

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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.

How Do I Treat Arthritis In The Hip

Hip and Lower Back Pain and Relief

There is no magic cure for this. But there is a number of ways to reduce the pain, and take your lifestyle back.

They include:

  • Exercise: Low impact strength training like aerobics or tai chi
  • Weight loss: Aim to lose 5% within a 20-week period

Walking Aids

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs
  • Topical NSAIDs
  • Opioid and narcotic analgesics *

Surgical

Some physicians may suggest joint lavage and arthroscopic debridement. However, the medical community is divided on how effective either of these procedures may be.

The joint lavage comes from the French word for clean, and as you can imagine the procedure involves the cleaning and flushing of the joint with a sterile solution. Results have been mixed.

Whereas, arthroscopic debridement involves your surgeon removing loose tissue fragments from your hip joint. Again, results have been mixed.

Both procedures have been described as both a good short term solution to pain, as well as criticized as a mere placebo.

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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.

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.

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Muscle Relaxation For Lower Back And Hip Pain

Taking time to relax is imperative to muscle health. Many of us often only find time to relax at night as we are falling asleep, but if our muscles are engaged throughout the entire day and only have one instance of relaxation, its not going to be enough to prevent tension from building.

One of the best ways to relax your iliopsoas is to elevate your legs on a couch or ottoman while laying on the floor. This is a traditional restorative yoga practice and can be done for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Consult your doctor about this exerciseif youve just had hip surgery, as having your hip at a 90-degree angle is not advised for about 6 months.

Another very accessible way to achieve muscle relaxation is to get a professional therapeutic massage. Deep tissue massages can be great for relieving muscle tightness, but they tend to be more invasive and too intense immediately post-surgery. Opt for a soothing Swedish instead!

Stretches To Relieve Chronic Back And Hip Pain

Treating Your Feet Could Offer Up Relief For Lower Back ...

Several exercises and stretches can relieve the chronic pain in these areas brought about by several factors and conditions. Trying these activities may greatly help in reducing the severity of the pain and difficulty experienced.

Adductor Opener

This stretch helps lessen the pain in the back and the hips through the opening of the adductor muscles as well as the hip flexors.

  • In a standing position, point the toes at 45 degrees with the feet open and heels in.
  • Squat low as if in a sitting position while placing the hands on the inner thighs.
  • Press the thighs open and feel the stretch in the groin and thighs for about 30 seconds.

Childs Pose

This is a basic stretch that involves the entire back. It helps in opening and moving up the hips through proper stretching of the glutes.

  • In a tabletop position, bring the toes together while taking the knees out and the hips back.
  • Lower the forehead to the ground with the hands positioned straight forward.
  • Relax the arms and keep the shoulders away from the ears for about 30 seconds.

Figure 4 Twist

This stretch reduces the lower back and hip pain. It increases the external hip rotation, providing the pain relief.

Runners Lunge

This stretch helps in relieving the pain with the movements done on the flexors, quadriceps, and even the abdominal muscles.

Supine Figure 4

This stretch exercise helps reduce the pain in the hips. It stretches the glutes and other muscles.

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Did You Know That Lower Back Pain Can Be Caused By Hip Joint Osteoarthritis

Hip joint osteoarthritis is among the most common joint disorders with 87,733 hip replacements recorded by the national joint registry in 2016. Research studies suggest that the incidence of lower back pain accompanying hip arthritis is in the range of 20-40% of cases.

Arthritic changes to the cartilage surface lining the head of the femur and the acetabulum cause gradual thickening and shortening of the hip joint capsule . The resulting reduction in flexibility at the hip joint impacts upon surrounding muscle tissue often causing shortening and decline in strength and control, thus accelerating the rate of damage to the cartilage surfaces.

The long term effect of reduced mobility at the hip joint is often over use of neighbouring joints, namely the knees and lower back. Hip rotation is often most affected by the hip joint soft tissue changes, and the movement that appears most limited when we assess hip arthritis. The consequence of this when turning ones body is that the ball and socket joint of the hip will contribute only little towards the turn. Often unknown to the individual, the lumbar spine and knees will over contribute and experience additional torsion.

When To See A Specialist For Lower Back Pain

If you’re experiencing lower back pain that’s not responding to rest and self-care, it’s time to consider seeing a spine specialist.

“A spine specialist will likely perform a physical exam as well as one or more imaging scans to diagnose the root cause of your lower back pain. Depending on your diagnosis, he or she will then design a treatment plan aimed at alleviating your pain and preventing it from disrupting the everyday activities you enjoy,” says Dr. Palmer.

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What You Need To Know About Hip Flexors Scoliosis Lower Back Hip Pain

When youre unsure whether your hip flexors are in good shape, its best to consult a medical professional. The doctor will evaluate your hip flexors based on the severity of your problem and recommend a course of action. The therapist will work with you to determine which exercises are best for you. If youre not sure, you should seek medical advice. Your chiropractor will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If youre concerned about your hip flexors, talk to your doctor. A hip flexor injury can lead to further issues with the spine, and its essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, doctors and specialists are well equipped to provide these treatments. Youll be treated promptly and effectively. Youll feel better in no time. If you suffer from a weakened hip, youll want to seek medical advice immediately.

If youve injured your hip flexors, the first step is to avoid re-injuring them. A professional should treat you as soon as possible to prevent future injuries. The pain that your hip flexors cause should not be severe. The next step is to reduce pressure on your muscle by exercising. For instance, you may need to stretch your muscle before you start a physical activity. Its important to avoid squats if youre concerned about your pain.

The Connection Between The Lower Back And Hip Pain

Causes of Lower Back Pain and Hip Pain

Your body is an intricately connected, well-oiled machine. When one piece stops working properly, it affects just about everything. You need your bones for support, your joints to connect them, and all your muscles, tendons, and ligaments to move in the wonderful ways you do.

When one part of the body is injured, weak, loose, or too tight, it impacts how the rest of your body works. Thats why even when you have knee surgery, it can create lower back and hip pain.

The lower back and your hip pain are especially interconnected because of the iliopsoas muscle and the piriformis muscle. If one is too tight, it will add tension to the other, and if one part of your low back or hip is weak, both muscle groups will overcompensate and tighten to protect it.

Since the psoas connects to the spine and works hard to stabilize the back, and the iliacus connects to the pelvis to help stabilize the hip and sacroiliac joint, theyre a primary foundation for both your back and hips.

After surgery, especially hip or knee surgery, your iliopsoas is at a very high risk of tightening and causing an anterior pull. That tug on your pelvic bone strains the connection between your pelvis and tailbone, particularly where the two bones meet.

Thehip socket cradles your femur to allow a perfect fit and comfortable movements. When an anterior rotation begins with your pelvis, the thigh bone no longer sits well into the hip socket, and can cause friction or even pull the hip joint out of place.

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Know The Source Know The Solution: Treating Back Pain And Hip Pain

Once your pain is identified as truly originating in your hip or in your low back, your doctor will work with you to craft a treatment plan to address it. In many cases, this regimen will include medication to reduce inflammation and pain, and a specially designed physical therapy program to teach you movements, stretches, and physical activities to help alleviate symptoms and prevent them from returning. Depending on the nature of your pain, your doctor may also recommend lifestyle modifications to treat your pain. For both spine pain and hip pain, surgery is rarely necessary and viewed as a last-resort treatment option.

Jones HR, Burns TM, Aminoff MJ, Pomeroy SL. Pain. Chapter: Diagnosis of Low Back, Buttock, and Hip Pain. Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations: Spinal Cord and Peripheral Motor and Sensory Systems, Section 8, 201-224.My Hip Hurts: Or Is It Back Pain? UPMC HealthBeat. https://share.upmc.com/2014/09/hip-hurts-back-pain/. Published September 8, 2014. Accessed July 8, 2019.Nall R. What causes lower back and hip pain? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325433.php. Last reviewed June 10, 2019. Accessed July 8, 2019.Oh, My Aching Back Or Is It My Hip? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/oh-my-aching-back-or-is-it-my-hip/. Published August 25, 2015. Accessed July 8, 2019.

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