What Is Hip Pain?
Hip pain refers to discomfort in or around the hip joint, which connects the thigh bone to the pelvis and supports much of your body’s weight during standing, walking, and other everyday movement.
Hip pain can originate directly in the joint, in the surrounding muscles and tendons, or be referred from the lower back, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters before starting treatment.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
- Osteoarthritis — wear on the cartilage of the hip joint, common with age.
- Muscle or tendon strain — overuse or a sudden movement can strain the muscles surrounding the hip.
- Referred pain from the lower back — nerve irritation in the lumbar spine can cause pain that’s felt in the hip.
- Bursitis — inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
- Sciatica — nerve compression in the lower back can cause pain that radiates into the hip and leg.
- Structural issues — conditions like hip impingement can cause pain during certain movements.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain in the hip, groin, or outer thigh
- Stiffness, especially after sitting or first thing in the morning
- Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- Reduced range of motion
- A clicking or catching sensation with movement
- Pain that radiates from the lower back into the hip
When to See a Doctor
Most hip pain improves with conservative care over a few weeks. But certain symptoms call for prompt evaluation.
Seek care promptly if:
- Sudden, severe pain following a fall or injury
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Visible deformity of the hip or leg
- Fever accompanying hip pain
- Pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks of conservative care
If any of these apply to you, call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation rather than waiting it out.
How We Treat Hip Pain at Kyro Care
Every case starts with a physical exam to determine whether your pain is coming from the joint itself, the surrounding muscles, or referred from your lower back. Once we understand the cause, treatment may include:
Chiropractic adjustment
Addresses misalignment in the lower back or pelvis that may be contributing to hip pain.
Soft-tissue therapy
Reduces tension in the muscles surrounding the hip joint.
Targeted strengthening exercises
Builds stability in the muscles that support the hip and pelvis.
Activity guidance
Practical recommendations to reduce strain during daily movement.
We focus on conservative, non-surgical care first, and most patients notice meaningful improvement within two to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hip pain is from my back? +
Hip pain that’s accompanied by lower back pain, or that follows a specific nerve pattern down the leg, often points to a spinal source. A physical exam can help clarify where your pain is actually coming from.
Is walking good or bad for hip pain? +
It depends on the cause. Gentle walking is often beneficial, but certain hip conditions may need modified activity in the short term. We can help guide you based on your specific situation.
Will I need imaging for hip pain? +
Not always. Many cases can be evaluated with a physical exam. Imaging is typically reserved for suspected fractures, significant trauma, or cases that don’t improve with conservative care.
Can chiropractic care help hip osteoarthritis? +
While chiropractic care can’t reverse joint wear, it can improve mobility, reduce compensatory strain on the spine, and help manage pain as part of a broader approach.
What is hip bursitis? +
Bursitis is inflammation of the small cushioning sacs around the hip joint, often caused by repetitive movement or direct pressure, and it typically responds well to conservative care.
How long does hip pain usually take to improve? +
It varies by cause, but many patients notice meaningful improvement within two to six weeks of starting a structured treatment plan.
