Does hip or leg pain wake you when you roll over, or make getting out of the car uncomfortable? If you have been calling it sciatica, your hip may deserve a closer look. I'm Dr. Megan Tomberlin at Waves of Wellness Chiropractic in Leland, and this video explains three clues worth noticing.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes pain related to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots, often in the lower back. Pain commonly travels through the buttock and down one leg. Hip problems can also cause pain beyond the hip itself, which helps explain the confusion.
Hip Pain or Sciatica? Three Helpful Clues
- Groin pain and stiffness. A deep ache near the groin, difficulty putting on socks, or discomfort getting into a car can suggest a hip joint problem. Pain may also spread into the thigh, buttock, or knee.
- Tenderness on the outside of your hip. Pain when lying on one side or climbing stairs can involve irritated tendons or nearby tissues. This is sometimes called greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
- Tingling or numbness with leg pain. Burning or shooting pain traveling toward the lower leg or foot raises concern for nerve involvement. Your back may not be especially painful.
These patterns are clues, not a diagnosis. Hip and back problems can happen together, so I consider both areas.
What Can Cause These Symptoms?
Possible causes include:
- Hip osteoarthritis. Changes in joint cartilage can contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
- Tendon or bursa irritation. Tendons and small cushioning sacs around the outer hip can become painful.
- Irritated spinal nerves. A herniated disc or narrowing around nerves can contribute to sciatica.
The treatment plan should fit the findings. A familiar pain pattern does not tell us everything about its cause.
What Happens During an Assessment?
I start by asking where your pain travels, when it began, and what makes it better or worse. Your examination may include:
- Checking how your hip and lower back move.
- Observing your walking and testing muscle strength.
- Assessing sensation, reflexes, and other signs of nerve involvement.
We also discuss your goals, whether that means sleeping comfortably or walking farther. Imaging or referral may be appropriate when the findings suggest it would guide care.
Exercise and Activity Adjustments
Targeted exercises can help build strength and improve tolerance for everyday activity. For tendon-related hip pain, gradually increasing exercise demands can help tissues handle activity more comfortably. I tailor recommendations to your symptoms and abilities.
- Adjust activities that repeatedly aggravate your pain.
- Stay gently active within your comfort level.
- Avoid forcing stretches that increase shooting pain or numbness.
Joint Mobilization
When appropriate, controlled hands-on joint movements may help reduce discomfort and improve mobility. This care supports a plan that includes exercise. I select techniques based on your examination, explain the approach, and reassess your response.
Soft Tissue Treatment
Hands-on work with muscles and surrounding tissues may help ease discomfort and make movement more comfortable. It can complement strengthening and activity guidance. The goal is progress with daily tasks, and treatment needs vary from person to person.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Seek emergency care for:
- New difficulty emptying your bladder or loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Numbness around the groin or severe or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
- Severe hip pain after a fall or inability to bear weight.
A hot, swollen hip with fever also needs urgent medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hip pain feel like sciatica?
Yes. Hip problems can cause pain in the buttock, thigh, or knee. An examination helps distinguish referred hip pain from nerve-related symptoms.
Can I have hip pain and sciatica at the same time?
Yes. Hip and spine conditions can occur together. Assessing both areas helps guide a treatment plan that addresses the findings.
Should I keep stretching if it hurts?
Do not force stretches that increase pain, tingling, or numbness. Seek guidance on movements appropriate for your symptoms and examination findings.
Book Your First Appointment in Leland
You do not have to figure this out alone. Call Waves of Wellness Chiropractic at (910) 859-8359 to book your first appointment. Dr. Jordan and I welcome patients from Leland, Wilmington, Brunswick County, and surrounding areas. Find us at 473 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 118, Leland, North Carolina 28451, or visit wavesofwellnesschiro.com to learn more.