Hip Pain

Why does my hip hurt?

Occasional hip pain is common, especially after a long period of activity you’re unaccustomed to. Walking for hours can make your hips hurt, as can spending hours sitting in one position if you’re used to more daily activity. 

In many cases, pain that’s felt in your hip might originate from an entirely different part of your body, a condition called referred pain. It’s not uncommon for hip pain to trace back to problems in your lumbar spine, groin, or pelvis. 

Some other common causes of hip pain include:

• Arthritis
• Sprains
• Sciatica
• Bursitis
• Dislocation
• Tendinitis
• Certain cancers

This wide range of causal factors is why a proper diagnosis is such an essential part of devising a treatment plan. 

When should I see a doctor for hip pain?

Mild hip pain often resolves itself with a few days of rest, heat/cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain medication. If the discomfort persists, you should schedule a diagnostic exam at Align Healing Center to find answers. 

Hip pain that the following symptoms accompany should receive an evaluation in an emergency room or urgent care setting.

• Visible joint deformity
• Intense pain
• Inability to put weight on the joint
• Swelling
• Inability to move your hip or leg

Any sign of infection, like fever, swelling, or a sensation of heat near the joint, is also an indication that emergency care is warranted. 

Doesn’t hip pain require surgery?

Far too many people assume that hip pain leads directly to surgical intervention. While there are certain scenarios in which surgery is the right treatment path, treatment for many types of hip pain is far less invasive with less risk. 

Chiropractic care at Align Healing Center for hip pain begins with an examination of your hip joint, pelvis, and spine. You share your symptoms and your health history, which gives your provider a deeper understanding of your current condition. X-ray imaging can also assist in the diagnostic process.  

Your customized treatment plan might involve professional manipulation of your hip joint to improve range of motion and relieve pain. Often, you receive laser therapy alongside manual chiropractic adjustments. While the adjustments provide your body with necessary alignment, the laser therapy provides healing to regions of your hips by allowing the flow of water and nutrients to reach the area, giving you effective pain relief. 

The staff at Align Healing Center may also recommend lab work using SpectraCell technologies to understand your body’s needs and reduce inflammation in your hip that contributes to chronic pain.

Align Healing Center also offers the latest in infrared sauna technology, which treats joint pain by safely heating your tissues to promote improved muscle relaxation and circulation. 

You can also benefit from corrective exercises that strengthen and support your hip joints. Not only can these routines relieve pain and improve joint function, but they can also protect against future injury. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) might also play a role in your treatment plan. PRP injections contain a concentrated solution made from your own blood that can speed soft tissue repair and reduce inflammation. 

To learn more about your treatment options for hip pain, schedule a visit with Align Healing Center today. Online booking is one option, or you can call to check appointment availability.