Hip pain can result many different causes. Referred pain from the low back is a common cause for much of the pain people experience in their hip. If a person has had previous trauma or injury to the hip, this can predispose the hip to arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the hip more commonly occurs if someone has a family history of it or if they are overweight. The extra weight puts a lot more stress on the hip joints than normal.

The symptoms and presentation of hip pain will vary from individual to individual. The pain may start off as a mild pain in the groin region or buttocks. The hip may feel stiff in the morning and then subside as the day progresses. It is common to have accompanied pain into the front of the upper leg or into the knee. The hip may even be overlooked because of the pain in the knee. Hip pain is often increased with weight bearing activities because they put more stress on the hip.

The muscles around the hip or leg may also weaken with hip problems and there may be reduced motion in the joint. This is often noticed when a person is walking or running. It may also be difficult for the person to squat down such as when tying their shoe. Rest usually helps the pain subside, but not always. If there is a lot of inflammation or arthritis in the joint, the person may experience pain at rest as well. Using a can or walking stick can help take pressure off the hip joint and make walking easier.

There is very little evidence that supports reversal of joint degeneration of the hip. However, many people with hip pain have found relief through chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic can help to slow the progression degenerative changes in the joint. Chiropractic is effective in restoring normal motion of the joint and may help to avoid surgery of the hip.

Chiropractors are trained to perform a detailed evaluation of the hip. This evaluation will include neurological, orthopedic and muscle testing to diagnose the cause of the problem. An exam of the spine and lower extremity will also be performed to rule out other causes of hip pain. X-rays are helpful to provide a clear picture of the hip joint and detect degenerative changes in the joint.

Chiropractic care helps to reduce inflammation of the joint, restore normal range of motion, reduce muscle spasms, correct misaligned bones and strengthens weak muscles. The treatment involves stretching and massage to help healing in the muscles. The chiropractor may also perform a chiropractic adjustment to correct misaligned bones of the hip or spine.

- Nathan Leavitt DC

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