01 Dec How to Tell If Your Hip Pain Is Actually Coming From Your Spine
Hip pain is a common complaint, but the hip is not always the real problem. Many people are surprised to learn that pain felt in the hip can actually start in the spine. When this happens, treating the hip alone will not bring lasting relief.
Understanding where your pain is coming from is the first step toward feeling better.
Why Hip Pain Can Be Misleading
The spine, nerves, and hip joints are closely connected. When a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated, the pain can travel and show up in the hip, buttock, or even down the leg. This is known as referred pain.
Because the pain feels like it is in the hip, many people assume they have a hip injury or arthritis. In reality, the spine may be the true source.
Signs Your Hip Pain May Be Coming From Your Spine
Hip pain that starts in the spine often follows specific patterns. You may notice:
- Pain in the hip that also affects the lower back
- Pain that travels into the buttock, thigh, or leg
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg
- Pain that worsens with sitting or bending
- Pain that improves when lying down
- Stiffness in the lower back, along with hip discomfort
If your hip pain changes based on how your back moves, the spine may be involved.
Common Spine Conditions That Cause Hip Pain
Several spine-related conditions can cause pain that feels like hip pain, including:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- SI joint dysfunction
These conditions can irritate nerves that supply the hip and leg, leading to pain that feels far from the spine itself.
When Hip Treatments Do Not Work
If you have tried rest, physical therapy, or hip-focused treatments without relief, it may be time to look at your spine. Ongoing pain often means the root cause has not been treated.
Hip pain that does not respond to treatment is a sign that further evaluation is needed.
How Principal Spine Finds the True Source of Pain
At Principal Spine, we focus on identifying where pain actually begins. Our evaluation may include:
- A detailed symptom review
- Physical and movement testing
- Imaging when needed
- Diagnostic nerve blocks to pinpoint pain sources
By understanding whether the pain is coming from the spine, the hip, or both, we can create a treatment plan that targets the real problem.
Treatment Options That Address Spine-Related Hip Pain
When hip pain comes from the spine, treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation and inflammation. Options may include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet or SI joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Regenerative medicine
- Personalized movement and posture guidance
Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition, symptoms, and goals.
Get Answers and Move With Confidence
You do not have to guess where your hip pain is coming from. With the right diagnosis and care, it is possible to reduce pain and improve movement.
Schedule a consultation today and let our team help you find the true source of your hip pain and the relief you deserve.