Back Clinic Hip Pain & Disorders Team. These types of disorders are common complaints that can be caused by a variety of problems. The precise location of your hip pain can give more information about the underlying cause. The hip joint on its own tends to result in pain on the inside of your hip or groin area. Pain on the outside, upper thigh, or outer buttock is usually caused by ailments/problems with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. Hip pain can also be caused by diseases and conditions in other areas of your body, i.e. the lower back. The first thing is to identify where the pain is coming from.
The most important distinguishing factor is to find out if the hip is the cause of the pain. When hip pain comes from muscles, tendons, or ligament injuries, it typically comes from overuse or Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). This comes from overusing the hip muscles in the body i.e. iliopsoas tendinitis. This can come from tendon and ligament irritations, which typically are involved in snapping hip syndrome. It can come from inside the joint that is more characteristic of hip osteoarthritis. Each of these types of pain presents itself in slightly different ways, which is then the most important part in diagnosing what the cause is.
The pelvis is designed to bear and distribute the weight of the body along with regular everyday movement. It is built to properly distribute weight between the upper and lower body that utilizes the core muscles, ligaments, and joints creating a complex pelvic girdle that helps the body function properly. The bones of the pelvis house and protect organs like the:
Reproductive system
Bladder
Below the digestive tract
When pain in the pelvis presents, daily physical activities can become difficult to get through. Chiropractic treatment combined with lifestyle adjustments can bring pain relief and strengthen the pelvis muscles/bones to maintain optimal function.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
When pain presents there can be a variety of underlying causes contributing to it. Certain causes are more serious than others. This is why seeking professional medical guidance is highly recommended for the best outcomes. Possible causes include:
These are a few causes that can contribute to mechanical changes and imbalances within the pelvis anatomy. If the pain is thought to be caused by an internal organ issue with nausea, fever, vomiting, or severe pain contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Chiropractic Relief
The pelvis can be thought of as a direct continuation of the spine. The lowest fused five vertebrae are known as the sacrum and are part of the pelvic girdle complex. Individuals dealing with pelvic pain typically experience the sensation within the joints themselves. These are the pubic symphysis and/or sacroiliac joints. These joints interact with the entire skeletal system. Learning how they operate can help bring relief and recovery. This is where a chiropractor can help.
Chiropractors are experts in total body alignment, restoring balance to the pelvis and spine. Plus through the treatment, they help increase the body’s natural ability to heal itself. When the lower back or pelvis is out of alignment the entire body along with its systems can be thrown off balance causing dysfunction. Chiropractic promotes and increases balance with pelvic adjustments and diverse therapies that include:
A professional chiropractor is one of the best options for the management and alleviation of pelvis pain. Pelvis misalignment can impede nerve energy and adequate blood flow. Chiropractic restoration strengthens and maintains optimal long-lasting results. Whether the pelvic pain comes from an injury, pregnancy, or pelvic shift/imbalance, a chiropractic provider can help address and alleviate the pain.
Body Composition
Lifestyle Adjustments for Optimal Kidney Health
The kidneys are small organs that work twenty-four-seven to filter blood and flush waste. In one day the kidneys pump more than 400 gallons of recycled blood throughout the body. When the kidneys do not function properly the body can be engulfed with waste. This is why it is vital to keep them healthy. Individuals usually don’t realize how an unhealthy lifestyle can harm/injure the kidneys. Chronic kidney disease slowly progresses over years, and it is not reversible. Incorporating some basic healthy lifestyle adjustments can lower the risk of developing kidney-related diseases. Here are a few lifestyle adjustments that can keep the kidneys healthy.
Drinking plenty of water
An adequate supply of water in the kidneys flushes out sodium, urea, and toxins helping avoid kidney stones. The goal is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Everyone’s water levels are different but body composition analysis can calculate what a normal level should be.
Healthy foods maintain a healthy body
Poor diet and visceral fat gain have been linked to chronic kidney disease. Reducing visceral fat can be achieved by eating a restricted caloric diet of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein, as well as cutting back on processed foods.
Be cautious consuming supplements, antibiotics, and over the counter medications
Regular use of common medications and supplements can cause kidney damage and disease. Consult with a doctor before taking medications and supplements if there is kidney function impairment.
Fitness and activity
Individuals need to participate in regular cardiovascular and weight-resistance physical activity/exercise. High blood sugar levels have been shown to stress the kidneys. Building adequate muscle mass helps control blood sugar.
Smoking and kidney health issues
Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the kidneys. This reduces proper blood flow and accelerates kidney malfunction.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Kim DH, Cho D, Dickman CA, Kim I, et al. Surgical Anatomy & Techniques to the Spine. 2nd Ed. Saunders, Elsevier, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.
Lirette LS, Chaiban G, Tolba R, Eissa H. Coccydynia: An Overview of the Anatomy, Etiology, and Treatment of Coccyx Pain. Ochsner J. 2014 Spring;14(1): 84-87.
The number of individuals experiencing hip along with back pain is increasing and could benefit from chiropractic hip realignment. Chiropractic treatment is the recommended first-line option for hip pain and other issues related to misaligned hips. It is non-invasive and allows the body to heal naturally.
Shifted Hips
Hips that fall out of proper alignment have the potential to cause a variety of health issues in the body. The hips support a great deal of the body�s weight and facilitate substantial movement. The hips need to be properly balanced to allow for optimal mobility without compensation from the lower back and legs. A shift in the hips can occur from:
Shifted hips can cause pain in the low back, hips, and legs. This occurs from an altered gait and range of motion in this region. However, the hip joints, pelvic bones, muscles, and ligaments can all contribute to hip shifting and pain. Hip issues can also cause sciatica.
Hip Function
The hips do not receive as much attention until aches and pain start to present. Our hips are involved in nearly everything we do, providing numerous functions. It is no wonder they can cause tremendous pain when they’re out of alignment. The hips:
Keep the body upright
Bear the body’s weight
Allow for smooth:
Walking
Kicking
Running
Jumping
Sitting
Hip Adjustment
How to know if a hip adjustment is necessary? If there is any type of discomfort, soreness, and especially pain, achiropractor is the best medical professional to perform an examination and recommend if an adjustment is necessary or could just need ice/heat and rest.
However, if the source is being caused by another condition or injury the chiropractor will recommend the proper health care professional/specialist that can treat the issue. Hip pain can also be brought on from a different part of the body having its own issues. One of the most common types of hip pain is actually from a hernia or sciatica.
Chiropractic Hip Realignment
Chiropractic techniques focus on rebalancing the body, especially when realigning the hips. Manual manipulation and mobilization treatment techniques can improve flexibility, strength, and positioning to promote optimal balance and hip realignment.
A combination of adjustment techniques can be performed on the hip and spinal joints. Massage treatment can be incorporated into the treatment plan to loosen tight muscles, as the hips are realigned and are able to move freely. The holistic nature of chiropractic doesn’t just treat just the symptoms but identifies and treats the root cause. If the pain continues or worsens then the possibility for hip surgery could be recommended.
Complex Treatment
Working on imbalanced hips is not as straightforward as adjusting the low back. This is because there are a variety of arteries, nerves, joints, muscles, and other tissue structures that need to be considered during hip realignment. A chiropractor will use a careful combination of techniques when treating an imbalanced hip due to the complex nature of the area. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors will suggest ways to improve hip mobility at home. This includes:
Stretches
Posture work
Exercises
These will help prevent the hips from shifting out of alignment. Treating pain at its source is what chiropractors do. Chiropractic hip realignment along with the realignment of the spine will allow the body to move freely, maintain balance and strength.
Hip Labral Tear Rehabilitation
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Okuzu, Yaichiro et al. �Hip-Spine Syndrome: Acetabular Anteversion Angle Is Associated with Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Lumbar Hyperlordosis in Patients with Acetabular Dysplasia: A Retrospective Study.��JB & JS open access�vol. 4,1 e0025. 29 Jan. 2019, doi:10.2106/JBJS.OA.18.00025
Osteonecrosis is a condition that causes the death of bone tissue from temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the affected area. It is commonly known asAvascular necrosis and can lead to miniature/tiny breaks in the bone and the bone/s eventually collapsing. Specifically, it affects the upper part of the femur or femoral head and surrounding joints.
It can occur in any bone however, osteonecrosis typically affects the hip/s. Pain associated with osteonecrosis of the hip can be localized to the center of the groin, thigh, or buttock. Because of the hip joint’s close proximity to the sciatic nerve, misdiagnosis for sciatica is common.
Mimicking Sciatica Symptoms
Unfortunately, many health care providers can misdiagnose osteonecrosis hip pain as sciatica. Whatever the cause of the hip injury, most individuals with hip pathology report pain in the groin, upper thigh, and buttocks.
That is why a trained medical professional that knows the differences in the symptoms of each condition can make all the difference in making a proper diagnosis. And a proper diagnosis leads to proper and complete treatment of whichever condition it may be. With osteonecrosis, misdiagnosis often delays the proper treatment and continues to progress. Common symptoms of sciatica:
Leg pain is the primary symptom can be mild to severe
Low back pain is secondary can be mild to severe
Nerve-related symptoms
Numbness
Tingling
Shooting pain
Pins-and-needles sensation
Muscle weakness
Hip pain especially flexion and internal rotation of the hip.
Leg or foot weakness
Osteonecrosis Symptoms and Similarities
For many, there are no symptoms in the early stages of osteonecrosis. As the condition worsens, the affected joint could present pain symptoms only when weight is placed on it. Eventually, individuals begin to feel the pain even when lying down. Pain can be mild to severe with a gradual development. Other symptoms that mimick sciatica:
Walking Inability
Walking gait is complicated with both conditions which is a major cause behind the misdiagnosis.
Limping
Individuals often limp with osteonecrosis of the hip and spinal disc problems. This is another reason that the condition is misdiagnosed as a spinal disc problem or nerve root compression of the sciatic nerve.
Hip Pain
The tributaries/veins of the sciatic nerve also supply the hip area and often cause confusion between the two conditions.
Differences
Despite all of the similarities. There are differences in both conditions.
Nature of The Pain
With sciatica, the pain is related to the nervous system. Movement can complicate the pain. While rest helps to reduce the pain.
With Osteonecrosis the pain is geared toward the muscular. Rest does not help reduce the pain. In fact, the pain increases at night.
Location
Sciatica pain can radiate through the whole leg from the low back to the toe.
Osteonecrosis pain is confined to the hip joint, groin, and radiates to the knee joint only. Osteonecrosis pain does not radiate below the knee joint.
Restricted Movement
Osteonecrosis of the hip joint, means the movements involving the hip joint are restricted. Individuals cannot rotate the leg to the right and left. Individuals cannot bend or fold from the hip.
With sciatica, the rotation of the leg is not affected. Movements involving stretching the sciatic nerve can cause relief or pain.
Walking Gait Differences
Gait is the way an individual stands and walks.
Osteonecrosis of the hip joint causes individuals to not be able to open the hip joint properly or to step properly.
With sciatica, an individual tends to lean on their side to relax the compression on the nerve.
Risk Factors
More than 20,000 people enter hospitals for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the hip yearly. Other than the hip, areas of the body likely to be affected are the shoulder, knee, hand, and foot. The condition can occur for a variety of reasons. A few of these include:
Fracture – a broken bone can interrupt the blood flow to other sections of the bone.
Dislocation of bone or joint/s
Alcoholism
Trauma
Radiation damage
Steroid use
Some individuals can have more than one condition or injury that contributes to hip flexor pain. An example is that it is possible to have both hip osteoarthritis and hip impingement. Without proper treatment, the condition can worsen, causing joint or hip pain from the degradation of the bone.
Anyone can be affected, but osteonecrosis is most common in individuals aged 30 to 50. Treatment options include a total replacement of the hip known as arthroplasty. And if it is sciatica then chiropractic treatment is a first-line treatment protocol. However, a chiropractor can make the distinction between the two and treat sciatica or refer the patient to the proper specialist.
Lower Back Pain Relief
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Li, Wen-Long et al. �Exploring the Risk Factors for the Misdiagnosis of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head: A Case-Control Study.��Orthopaedic surgery, 10.1111/os.12821. 16 Oct. 2020, doi:10.1111/os.12821
Back discomfort and pain could be caused by hip issues and could be resolved with hip replacement. According to a recent study, a total hip replacement solved back pain in four out of five individuals dealing with spinal discomfort and pain. When the hip/s are stiff or cannot move normally, this places added pressure on the spine. Studies show that low back pain was resolved in 82% of individuals after a total hip replacement known as total hip arthroplasty or THA. The body is designed as a fluid chain with fluid motion connecting the neck all the way down to the toes.
When a region like the hip tightens/stiffens, it generates added stress/pressure on the other areas of the body, which in this case happens to be the lower spine. Individuals with mild arthritis of the spine are able to experience increased pain reduction than individuals with severe arthritis. An insight into the relationship between the hips and low back that can lead to accurate diagnoses and optimal treatment plans.
Hip Issues
The hip/s move with the lower back during activities like walking, sitting, bending, etc. Tight muscles, normal wear-and-tear, and osteoarthritis can reduce hip movement, forcing the lower back to make awkward and poor posture causing adjustments. Individuals usually relieve the painful position by increasing the curve of their lower back.
If an individual has severe arthritis of the hip, they put a lot of stress and pressure on the low back that often results in low back pain. Advanced hip osteoarthritis is the breakdown of joint cartilage and the most common type of arthritis. Individuals with this type experience low back pain 50% of the time, and even higher depending on the individual’s condition. 80% to 90% of individuals with hip or knee arthritis, unfortunately, develop low back arthritis.
There is not yet a clear reason as to why this occurs. It is theorized that some osteoarthritis risk factors like obesity and high-impact/force activities can be modified with lifestyle adjustments. Other risk factors that include injury, trauma, age, and congenital conditions like hip dysplasia, cannot be avoided. Hip osteoarthritis isn�t the only hip issue that can also cause lower back pain. Other hip issues.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the pelvis. It is a shock absorber between the upper body, the pelvis and can stiffen with time. Sacroiliac joint pain affects around 15% to 25% of individuals with low back pain. It worsens when climbing stairs, getting up from a seated position or running. Symptoms include:
Low back pain
Pain in buttock/s
Groin pain
Stiffness
Instability
Piriformis syndrome
About 200,000 individuals each year are affected with piriformis syndrome and is often misdiagnosed as symptoms resemble sciatica. What happens is the piriformis muscle, which connects the sacrum to the top of the femur, tightens/irritates the sciatic nerve. Symptoms are often mistaken for sciatica with pain in the buttocks, numbness, and tingling that travels down the back of the leg and into the feet.
Diagnosis
A doctor or chiropractor will use a combination of diagnostic tools. This typically includes a physical exam, X-rays with other specific tests to help identify the source of pain. What typically happens is a patient will undergo a hip and lumbar spine X-ray, but the thoracic spine, pelvis, and hip areas are missed. Getting the middle segment is critical to see how the spine and hips are working together. It is critical to understand the hip-spine connection. All spine patients should have X-rays of the hips to make sure any problems don’t go undetected. The overlap of symptoms with these two areas could be overlooked.
If necessary a diagnostic injection into the hip joint can help precisely locate the pain source. This can be done at the clinic or doctor’s office using ultrasound or X-ray to guide the needle. If no pain relief results from the injection, hip replacement is still not considered because the pain could be coming from the spine. A critical part of the diagnosis is not just imaging. One of the most important parts is getting a thorough history of symptoms. X-rays and MRI show what the problem could be, however, the symptoms could coming from another area.
Treatment Options
Before total hip replacement is considered there are nonsurgical approaches to be considered. All diagnoses should start with conservative treatment. Physical therapy, chiropractic, gait training, and core strengthening can optimize the spine to better manage hip issues and arthritis. Conservative therapies could also include:
Weight loss
Activity modification like walking instead of running
Anti-inflammatory medication
Cortisone injections
Total hip replacement is the last option for individuals experiencing pain, difficulty walking, and limited mobility. The procedure removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip joint. This includes the head of the thighbone along with the socket where it fits and replaces it with artificial parts.
Conclusion
Get a second opinion. Individuals are encouraged to educate themselves as much as possible on the condition. The hip and spine is a complex relationship. The most important information for patients is that they understand along with their doctor where the pain is coming from, the hip, spine, or both.
Reduce Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
A doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist could recommend therapeutic stretches along with exercises as part of a sacroiliitis or sacroiliac joint pain treatment plan. Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation in one or both of the sacroiliac joints. This could be caused by:
Pregnancy
Injury
Infection
Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Sacroiliac joint pain is a symptom related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The symptoms of sacroiliitis and sacroiliac joint pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and legs. These symptoms can be similar to sciatica and can mimic other lower back disorders.
Some of the stretches and exercises included are common for treatment plans for various low back conditions/problems. Talk with a chiropractor or doctor to get their recommendation prior to starting any exercise or stretching program.
Stretches
Piriformis stretch
The piriformis muscle extends over the hip and can aggravate the sacroiliac joint when it becomes tight. To help stretch the muscle:
Lie on back with knees bent
Feet flat on the floor
Slowly raise the right leg
Bring the right knee toward chest
Gently pull the leg in until there is a comfortable stretch in the buttock
Exhale during the stretch movement
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds
Lower leg
Repeat on the left leg
Repeat each side 3 times daily, as needed
The stretch helps the muscle fibers to lengthen/elongate and relax.
Trunk rotation
Trunk rotation increases flexibility in the low back and hips. This can help relieve pressure on the sacroiliac joints. To do this stretch:
Lie on back with knees bent
Feet flat on the floor
With knees together
Slowly rotate to one side
Feet, hips, and back should stay on the floor
Hold 3-5 seconds
Move knees to the opposite side
Repeat 5-10 times on each side
Bridge
This is a stretch that strengthens the muscles in the lower back, buttocks, and hips.
Lie on back with arms at side
Knees should be bent, and feet flat on the floor
Slowly raise hips while squeezing buttocks and hamstrings
Hold raised position for 5 seconds
Repeat 10 times
Water Therapy and Yoga Exercises
Aquatics and yoga are a gentle and natural form of exercise that is recommended for staying active. Talk to a doctor before starting any exercise program. Aquatic therapy, known now as hydrotherapy/water therapy, is one of the gentlest forms of exercise and is highly effective.
Exercising in water creates an almost weightless environment without gravity. Hydrotherapy uses the resistance from the water to improve strength and flexibility without straining the muscles. Regular exercise can cause pain by placing added pressure on the sacroiliac joints. Water therapy conditions the spine and hip muscles without generating muscle stress. Another option for individuals with back pain is yoga. The following poses are recommended and beneficial for the sacroiliac joints:
Child�s pose
This pose stretches the hips and thighs and is a great yoga pose for beginners.
Cobra
Cobra pose can help strengthen and stabilize the sacroiliac joints.
Lie flat on the stomach
Hands beneath the shoulders
Slowly push up as far as the arms extend
Bring upper body off the ground
Keep the pelvis and legs on the floor
When extended, be sure low back and buttocks are relaxed
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds
Gently lower to the floor
Triangle pose
Triangle pose helps to strengthen the sacroiliac joints and makes them less susceptible to pain. However, this pose involves twisting, so make sure to do this pose only when the joints are stable and pain-free.
Before stretching and exercise
Before starting any stretching or exercise program, check with a doctor or chiropractor, if the joints are able then the stretching/exercise could begin right away. However, in most cases, a doctor will refer the patient to a physical therapist or chiropractor to create a customized exercise and stretching plan. The therapist will show exactly what activities will strengthen the joints and how to do them properly and safely. These movements can help condition the spinal and abdominal muscles. This can help prevent future episodes of back pain.
If an individual just had surgery for sacroiliac joint pain, the surgeon more than likely prescribed a customized rehabilitation stretching/exercise program. Follow instructions, and get the surgeon�s approval before engaging in anything outside of the plan.
Staying fit safely
When dealing with sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis, physical activity may need to be redefined after treatment. As regular exercise could mean strenuous activity and could do more damage. Exercises like heavy weightlifting, contact sports, and intense biking could place excessive pressure on the joints. A doctor or chiropractor will offer the best stretching and exercises for every individual.
Physical activity combined with gentle stretching and conditioning exercises can effectively reduce low back and hip pain. Talk to a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist about incorporating healthy exercise into a daily regimen. For some, the workout might not feel like there’s anything going on, but the effects on the pain will be.
Chiropractic Hip Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and its symptoms can also be a cause for low back pain conditions and disorders.
This condition is also known as:
Sacroiliitis
SI joint inflammation
SI joint syndrome
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
SI joint strain
It can make regular activities like sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping frustrating, difficult and unbearable. It has been found in around 30-35% of individuals.�Many individuals can spend months or even years dealing with symptoms but are never aware that it’s not the correct diagnosis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. These joints are so close to the hip and low back, that it is common for sacroiliac joint dysfunction to be mistaken for other causes/conditions of low back pain, like a herniated, slipped or bulging disc.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Symptoms
When low back pain is present, it can be quite difficult for a doctor to figure out the exact source/cause of your pain.
These are a few recognizable symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Low back pain is the most common.
Pain could also present in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and possibly the groin area.
The pain can be so severe that just touching the area is unbearable.
Other activities that can cause symptoms:
Common movements like climbing stairs, sitting down/getting up out of a seat, can cause pain. Pain can also be aggravated from standing or walking for extended periods but improve when relaxed or lying down. Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis can also present.
Causes of Joint Dysfunction
A variety of conditions can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The most common:
Arthritis
Joint pain can be caused by spinal osteoarthritis because as the cartilage around the sacroiliac joint wears down, the bones can start to rub against each other. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine that can also cause joint dysfunction.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women can experience low back pain or pelvic pain from sacroiliac dysfunction because the joints get stretched and lose their elasticity during pregnancy. Hormone changes and added weight during pregnancy can place added stress on the sacroiliac joints.
Accident Trauma
High impact from an auto accident, slip and fall injury, or sports injury could damage the sacroiliac joint/s.
Viral Infection
Infections are extremely rare but could be another cause of joint pain.
There are a variety of treatment options that can help reduce and prevent low back pain.
Exercise/Physical Therapy
Exercise and physical therapy are therapies that doctors highly recommend before other treatments like pain medications or surgery. Exercise, chiropractic and physical therapy can help manage pain and other symptoms. Consult your doctor before starting any physical therapy or exercise program. Your doctor can recommend a chiropractor or therapist that can help get you started with the proper exercise treatment plan.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help reduce stress on the joints, that are strained and tight. It also helps maintain joint flexibility. A physical therapist will perform passive and active treatment therapies to help manage joint pain.
Passive treatments – the physical therapist does the majority of the work. An example of passive treatment applying heat or ice along with massaging the area.
Active treatments – the patient participates in the treatment with at-home exercise routines is an example of active treatment.
A combination of passive and active treatment provides the best outcomes and offers the most benefits, as the patient has the know-how of proper posture, exercises that they can do and injury prevention. A chiropractor and physical therapist can build a physical therapy program to help address your symptoms.
Exercise
With sacroiliac joint dysfunction, you do not have to do hard intense exercise. The benefits come from a consistent gentle exercise routine with an emphasis on consistency. Exercising stretches and strengthens muscles of the low back muscles and helps maintain joint flexibility.
An overall exercise plan should incorporate the three main types:
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is known to cause low back pain, but diagnosing can be hard for some doctors. Especially those that do not have a great deal of experience in sacroiliac joint pain. However,�chiropractors specialize in this area as the SI joint is an important part of the musculoskeletal system.
Piriformis syndrome will cause dull, mild pain in the low back, buttocks and can radiate down the leg.
Hip pain attributed to avascular necrosis will be severe and constant.
Sacroiliac joint pain could be attributed to the hip and the low back because the sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum in the spine to the hip bones.
Symptoms that the Spine Is the Root
Where groin pain is a sign that the pain is linked to the hip when the pain is above the waistline and travels down the body usually indicates a low back issue.
Among the most common degenerative conditions that affect the lumbar spine are:
Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Pain is caused by irritating the low back nerves, which result in pain shooting down the leg/s and:
Weakness
Numbness
Reduced range of motion
Arthritis of the spine brings on pain usually when first getting out of bed or rising up after sitting.
It usually improves after beginning to move.
Spinal stenosis or nerve pressure compression pain worsens with prolonged standing or walking, while relief comes with sitting.
Getting to the Root
When there is pain in the lower body and are not sure whether it’s the back or hip, the first course of action is to visit your doctor or a chiropractor.
They will review your medical history and perform a series of physical exams, such as various movements to get an idea of what is going on.
Your primary doctor may refer you to a doctor/chiropractor who specializes in hip or spinal conditions to make an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor will ask you to describe the:
Pain
Location
When it worsens
When it’s relieved
What the pain feels like (e.g., sharp, dull).
The doctor may have you perform various movements to observe your biomechanics.
The goal is to determine what movements trigger the pain.
For both spine and hip pain, surgery is rarely necessary and only utilized as the last-resort option.
Labrum Tear Hip Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Andrew Hutchinson turned into chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab after suffering a high ankle sprain and a hip labrum tear for which he moved through with surgery to repair it. After being bedridden for weeks so as to correctly recuperate, Andrew Hutchinson transitioned to chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to regain his strength, freedom, and flexibility before returning to perform. Although he has suffered other sports accidents, Andrew Hutchinson continues to trust in chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to keep his spine properly aligned and maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Labrum tears in athletes may occur from a single event or recurring trauma. Running may lead to labrum tears as a result of labrum being used more for weight-bearing and taking excessive forces while at the end-range motion of the leg. Sporting activities are likely causes, especially the ones that require frequent hip rotation or pivoting to some wealthy femur as in ballet or hockey. Continuous hip rotation places increased pressure on the capsular tissue and injury to the iliofemoral ligament. This then causes hip instability placing increased stress on the labrum and resulting in a cool labrum tear.
What’s Afoot
Muscle imbalances in the hip, such as tight hip flexors, can cause low back pain � or at least contribute to it. When the hip flexor muscles are too tight, it causes what is known as an anterior pelvic tilt. In other words, the muscles cause an anterior pull on the pelvis. This affect posture and throws the entire lower body out of alignment. It can also affect the knees and feet if left untreated.
NCBI Resources
Hip flexors can become too tight if the person sits for extended periods of time or engages in activities like cycling and jogging. A chiropractor can guide you through exercises that will help release the tight muscles and stop the micro spams that occur as a result. They will also assess your knees, feet, and ankles to ensure that the issue has not through them out of alignment as well. Correcting the cause of the problem will often correct the associated issues and resolve the pain allowing you to return to your normal activities.
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