Sufferers of hip and lower back pain often find their daily routines altered and their productivity levels dropped due to consistent or severe pain. Anyone suffering from hip and lower back pain should start looking for ways to relieve that pain by first discovering the cause. This may involve a trip to a doctor who can properly diagnose the cause of the pain, which may range from a serious issue such as arthritis or a herniated disc, to a less serious condition such as weak core muscles. Once the cause of the pain has been determined a plan can be developed to treat that pain.
One of the more common causes of hip and lower back pain is sciatica. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back and down the back of each leg becomes compressed anywhere along its length. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or even a loss of mobility or feeling in more severe cases. Sciatic nerve compression can be caused by a herniated disc in the spine, muscle tightness, or injuries resulting from trauma. If the hip and lower back pain is due to sciatica, the person should first try to stretch the muscles of the hips and legs, and then take part in a regular exercise routine to strengthen the muscles. If the nerve pain is the result of a herniated disc, the RICE treatment may apply. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Most herniated disc injuries heal on their own, leading to back and hip pain relief.
Sometimes hip and lower back pain is the result of conditions such as arthritis or tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons that connect muscles to bones become inflamed; this inflammation may be the result of an injury, overuse, or improper use of a joint. The RICE treatment may work for treatment of this type of pain, though in some cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be used to treat the condition. The most severe cases may require surgery.
Arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage and ligaments in a joint begin to wear out. This degradation can lead to hip and lower back pain, and unfortunately, no cure for arthritis exists. Treatment focuses on pain management and slowing the advance of the condition. The most severe cases of arthritis in the hip or knees may result in the need for a joint replacement surgery.
