Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain and Its Differentiating Factors

My wife has been very grateful that she’s married to a chiropractor. Her main complaint is often her hips and sacroiliac (SI) joints, especially during pregnancy. Hip pain can be a source of significant discomfort and limitation, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Whether stemming from injury, overuse, or underlying musculoskeletal issues, finding effective relief for hip pain is crucial for maintaining mobility and well-being. However, understanding the source of hip pain is essential for targeted treatment. I’ve seen patients say they have hip pain, and point to anywhere, front or back, around the waist line. Because of this, we'll explore how chiropractic care can address various types of hip pain, including SI pain, pelvic pain, and actual hip joint pain, and discuss the key differences between them.

The hip joint is a large, ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis, allowing for a wide range of motion. Hip pain can arise from various conditions, including osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains, and structural abnormalities. Additionally, pain in the hip region can also be referred from other areas of the body, such as the lower back or sacroiliac joints.

Differentiating Types of Hip Pain:

Sacroiliac (SI) Pain:

SI pain originates from dysfunction or inflammation in the sacroiliac joints, which connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the pelvis. SI pain may present as a dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hips, often aggravated by prolonged sitting, standing, or walking.

Pelvic Pain:

Pelvic pain encompasses discomfort originating from the pelvic region, including the pelvic bones, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. Pelvic pain may manifest as a deep ache or pressure in the lower abdomen, groin, hips, or pelvic floor. It can be associated with conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic girdle pain, or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

Hip Joint Pain:

Hip joint pain specifically arises from dysfunction or damage within the hip joint itself, such as osteoarthritis, labral tears, hip impingement, or avascular necrosis. Hip joint pain typically presents as a deep, localized ache in the groin or outer hip area, often worsened by weight-bearing activities like walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting.

Chiropractors take a comprehensive approach to hip pain, aiming to identify and address the underlying causes through hands-on treatments, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle modifications. Here's how chiropractic care can help alleviate hip pain:

Evaluation and Diagnosis:

Chiropractors conduct a thorough assessment to differentiate between SI pain, pelvic pain, and actual hip joint pain. This may involve a combination of physical examination, orthopedic tests, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI (if needed), and patient history to determine the source of hip pain accurately.

Chiropractic Adjustments:

For SI pain and pelvic pain, chiropractic adjustments may focus on getting correct motion in the sacroiliac joints, lumbar spine, and pelvis to restore proper biomechanics and alleviate pressure on the affected structures. For hip joint pain, adjustments may target the hip joint itself to improve mobility and reduce inflammation.

Soft Tissue Therapy:

Chiropractors may incorporate soft tissue therapy techniques, such as massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy, to address muscular tension, tightness, and imbalances contributing to hip pain.

Exercise Rehabilitation:

Tailored exercise programs are designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hips, pelvis, and core to improve stability, flexibility, and function. Exercises may include hip stretches, strengthening exercises, and proprioceptive training to enhance balance and coordination.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Chiropractors provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments, proper posture, and lifestyle modifications to support hip health and prevent future issues. This may include recommendations for ergonomic seating, proper lifting techniques, and activity modification to avoid aggravating hip pain.

Hip pain can have a significant impact on daily activities and quality of life, but chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to finding relief. By addressing the underlying causes of hip pain, whether it's SI pain, pelvic pain, or actual hip joint pain, chiropractors help patients restore function, mobility, and overall hip health. If you're experiencing hip pain, consider consulting with a chiropractor who specializes in musculoskeletal health.

Our Physicians can focus on your overall health and wellness, enabling you to run FASTER, jump HIGHER, and recover QUICKER. Helping you ultimately in achieving your greatest health and wellness goals.

Be it an CAR ACCIDENT, WORK INJURY, or PLAY.

At Cedar City Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, We have MORE than just your back!