Hip pain affects nearly every facet of life.
For instance, chronic hip pain can make it hard to walk, sit, and even sleep. Also, hip pain is an extremely common condition that plagues many people every year. Therefore, we need to develop effective, widely available methods for treating this annoying ailment. In this article, we will investigate the issue of hip pain and show how chiropractic care can improve the symptoms related to this condition.
The Hip Joint
At the most basic level, the hip is the junction between a ball on top of the femur (femoral head) which fits into the socket of the pelvis (the acetabulum).
However, the hip is much more complicated than this simple explanation.
For instance, there are many ligaments, nerves, arteries, muscles, tendons, and other structures that are part of the hip. Also, the SI joint (the junction between the pelvis and the spine) is often considered to be part of the hip joint.
Dysfunction in any of these structures can lead to debilitating hip pain. Furthermore, problems in the foot, knee, and low back can also lead to hip issues.
Hip Pain Causes
Often hip pain is caused by one of the following common conditions:
IT Band Tightness
The IT band runs along the outside of the leg; from the hip down to the knee. When this structure becomes overly tight, patients often experience pain in their hips and/or knees. You can feel this structure easily by running your hand down the outside of your leg. As you investigate this tissue, you might even detect some tight areas yourself!
Arthritis
As we age, most of us will experience arthritis in at least one area of the body. For many people, arthritis occurs in the hips.
There are many different types of arthritis. However, the most common form, by far, is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is an arthritic condition caused by wear and tear on the joints. As these joints experience more and more pressure, they continue to degrade.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which patients begin to lose bone mass. This is a huge issue for older people, especially when it occurs in the hips. In fact, many people with osteoporosis will experience hip fractures. Hip fractures, in turn, will often cause permanent disability for many older individuals.
Strained Muscles
If you’ve paid attention to many of the current trends in fitness, you’ve probably come across some tools to loosen up your psoas muscle. This muscle is a deep, important hip flexor muscle. When it is very tight, your posture can be thrown off. This leads to pressure and pain in the hips.
Chiropractic Care and Hip Pain
If you’re experiencing hip pain, you need to find a solution.
In all likelihood, you’ve probably tried some medications, and you may have experimented with some corrective exercises. If you’ve gone to see a hip surgeon, you may even have been instructed that you need to undergo a joint replacement surgery.
While these treatments may work for some people, they often don’t address the root cause of hip pain. Plus, surgeries are permanent, and they can never be undone. Therefore, you should strongly consider seeking treatment from your local chiropractor before scheduling a surgery.
Chiropractors work to realign the spine, correcting any imbalances that could be causing pain in the hips. Chiropractic treatments are quick, effective, affordable, and long-lasting. Never underestimate the importance of keeping your spine in optimal alignment.
Your Keystone Chiropractic team is ready to help you today! We would love to be your go-to Plano, TX chiropractors, and we are determined to help kick your hip pain to the curb. Book your appointment now!
