Hip Pain
Pain in the hip is a common problem, and it can be confusing for you because there are many causes of hip pain. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the underlying problem.
Hip Pain Symptoms
- Do you experience pain in one or both hips whenever you twist them or when you cross your legs?
- Does the pain wake you up in the night and make it hard to get a good night’s rest?
- When you arise in the morning, or when you get out of your car, are you stiff and do you find it an effort, initially, to move your legs?
If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions it is likely that you have imbalances and alignment problems in your lower extremities that, in addition to creating hip pain, can over time lead to degenerative joint disease in your hips if not addressed.
Though hip pain and related problems regularly point to age-related degenerative conditions, particularly osteoarthritis of the hip joint, osteoarthritis isn’t always the perpetrator. In fact, rather than being the original source of the problem, osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be the ultimate result of damage to your hips at a previous time.
Gait changes as the result of biomechanical problems such as an ankle sprain or knee strain, can cause hip pain. Also, if you change jobs, alter the way you sit, take on a new sport or activity, or start driving for long periods on a regular basis, your gait may shift to compensate for these new changes.
In addition, gait imbalances can occur from leg length dissimilarities, foot pronation conditions, even carrying a baby or small child on your hip. Strictly speaking, anything that generates an asymmetry or imbalance when you are in motion can cause painful hip problems.
As part of the chiropractic management of your hip problem, along with adjustments, your chiropractor may suggest that you wear orthotics. Your chiropractor will also offer suitable progressive rehabilitative exercises that include muscle stretching and strengthening.
Hip pain won’t disappear on its own. Hip pain indicates that something needs to be remedied. Your chiropractor can help to get you out of pain, get back into balance, and get your life back!
What Treatment Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Provide?
The aims of the treatment are:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improving movement of the joint
- Relaxing painful muscle spasm
- Strengthening weakened muscles
- Lifestyle and exercise advice
- Nutritional advice
The treatment will involve stretching and massage techniques to tight and tender muscles, gentle mobilization techniques and manipulation of the effected joints and the use of ultrasound or interferential modalities.
You will also be given exercises based on your personal need and fitness level. Supervised exercise-programs have been shown to be far more effective than unsupervised programs and we would suggest that it should be your first choice.
Good nutritional support and a healthy lifestyle are of course always important to keep you healthy and feeling well. It becomes particularly important if your body needs to heal from an injury.
