hip pain symptoms and treatment

Hip Pain and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment is well known as a solution for back pain, a remedy that many people turn to when they want relief without having to rely on medications that mask pain instead of treating the underlying cause. However, chiropractic care is also effective in treating a variety of other musculoskeletal conditions, including those that may not seem to be directly connected to misalignments of the spine. Hip pain is one such condition that can potentially benefit from including chiropractic care as a complement to traditional medical approaches.

The Chiropractic Approach

Although there are a growing number of studies showing the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for various kinds of pain, hip pain is an area that has not yet been fully explored in the research. The theory behind chiropractic treatment is that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, is necessary for optimal health and freedom from pain. When joints are out of alignment, restoring that alignment allows healing and restores mobility without invasive surgery or potentially addictive medication.

Misalignments can cause pain almost anywhere in the body, including the hips. When left unaddressed, those misalignments impede mobility, inflame the surrounding muscles and soft tissue, and cause pain. Among the patients who might seek chiropractic care to deal with hip pain are those dealing with:

  • Chronic pain: Ongoing pain may be the result of a specific, known condition or have no clear cause.
  • Arthritis: This group of related joint disorders frequently causes movement issues and pain. Osteoarthritis, which occurs when the protective cartilage in your joints wears down over time, is the most common form of arthritis.
  • Hip dysplasia: In this condition, which is often congenital, the hip socket does not fully cover the “ball” of the upper thighbone. This can allow the joint to become partially dislocated.
  • Femoroacetabular impingement: Abnormalities of the hip socket, thigh bone, or both can cause abnormal contact during hip movement, causing pain and affecting the range of motion.
  • Spinal issues: Hip pain may actually be referred pain from the back, caused by conditions such as sciatica or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joints.
  • Recovery from injury: Injuries like broken bones or soft tissue damage, such as from an accident, may cause ongoing pain or limit mobility after the initial injury has healed.

In all these cases, the chiropractic approach, which focuses on identifying the root cause of the pain and then addressing it through properly aligning the affected joints, can improve the patient’s comfort and wellness.

What to Expect at Divine Spine

At Divine Spine, we start with a complete examination that includes questions about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, medications, and treatment goals. We take a comprehensive look at the affected joints with on-site digital x-rays that allow us to get an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors that may be causing or contributing to your hip pain. From this information, we create an individualized treatment plan designed to address your pain and restore healthy joint alignment.

Sometimes patients who are in pain are hesitant to consult a chiropractor because prior experience or what they’ve heard from others leads them to expect uncomfortable twisting or popping manipulations. Unlike traditional chiropractors, Divine Spine does not use jarring manual adjustments to correct joint alignment. Instead, we use state-of-the-art technology to deliver precise, computerized adjustments. This method is both effective and ideal for patients who can’t tolerate sudden movements that might exacerbate their pain.

Solving Hip Pain

Hip pain stemming from several possible sources may often be worse when the spine and musculoskeletal system are out of alignment. If you have hip pain and traditional medical treatment hasn’t produced the relief you need, Divine Spine can help get to the bottom of the issue. Our customized treatment plans aren’t just about fixing what’s wrong; they’re intended to help you achieve and maintain long-term wellness so you can live the active, pain-free life you deserve. To schedule your free initial consultation, contact us here.