We ask a lot of our hips. They carry our weight, help us to move freely, and allow us to pivot, jump and bend. They absorb the impact of day to day activities such as walking and lifting, as well as the strain of sports and exercise. With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that many Canadians suffer from hip pain from time to time. Hip pain can be experienced differently depending on the cause, with discomfort being felt in the front, back or sides of the hip. Of course, the amount and duration of pain also depends on the problem behind it. Here are a few reasons that patients may be having hip pain:
Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa – a fluid filled sac that surrounds tissue and protects from rubbing and friction. Common causes of bursitis include repetitive activities such as tennis, running and dancing, sudden injury from a fall or an accident and even aging, as the tendons tend to be less pliable as we get older.
Inflammatory Conditions: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory illnesses can all lead to hip pain due to joint degradation or inflammation in the affected area.
Sciatica: Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back all the way down your legs. This condition is often the result of a herniated disk or spinal deterioration. It may cause pain and inflammation of the lower spinal nerves, which can often radiate into the hips and thighs as well.
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. It often presents in adolescence when kids are experiencing rapid growth. The curvatures can be minor in nature, or in rare and severe cases it may be pronounced enough to require bracing or surgery. Scoliosis may contribute to pain and strain in the back and hips.
Pelvic Health: Pelvic conditions can be difficult to diagnose and often require a specially trained professional for optimum treatment. Certain pelvic problems can present with pain and inflammation in the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Patients with pelvic pain symptoms should seek assessment to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment options are provided.
Chiropractic Solutions to Common Hip Problems
As chiropractors, we provide natural solutions to our patients for pain relief and healing. Depending on the root cause of your pain, we approach your treatment plan with a goal of providing short-term and long-term management of your symptoms.
What should you expect at your first appointment? Your chiropractor will conduct a full exam and history to determine the source of your pain. Once diagnosed, they may suggest a number of different therapy options to treat your condition, including:
- Chiropractic adjustments to address any problems or musculoskeletal sensitivities in the spine that could be contributing to your hip pain.
- Personalized exercise and stretching routines to build strength and improve range of motion. These help to expedite healing and allow you to better support your spine and hips.
- Movement advice to improve spinal and hip positioning both seated and upright, to correct any strains brought on by improper alignment.
- Axial manipulation of the hip helps to extend and loosen the muscles and soft tissues and improve range of motion
- Kinetic chain treatment to ease pain, improve alignment and increase mobility throughout the spine, hips, ankles and feet.
If you are suffering with hip pain, there’s no need to just grin and bear it. Schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors for a consultation today. Learn how we can help you to find relief without surgery and medication.