The hundreds of bones and muscles in our musculoskeletal system are cleverly interlinked relying on each other for support and function. Yet this intricacy can begin to feel less like smart biomechanics, and more a literal pain in the back. When something goes wrong in the body in one area, that affects another and one of the most common examples of this is between the hip and the back.

When the hip is the culprit of your pain

Hip issues often create groin pain, but interestingly when this happens it’s often on the opposite side to the affected hip.

Amongst the most common causes of hip pain is osteoarthritis of the hip joint. You may be able to gain some idea as to whether this may be affecting you if you’re suffering from the following symptoms…

• The pain begins in your groin
• Pain and discomfort fluctuates, but becomes more frequent with time
• Pain worsens when you stand, walk or undertake any activity, and is always relieved by rest
• Your joints feel stiff
• You have begun to walk with a limp
• Motion at the hip is limited

Other symptoms that point to something else, but suggest that pain is originating in the hip, include:

• Pain that stretches down the inner aspect of the thigh
• Pain that affects the knee or is felt in the knee when the hip is moved
• Small movements when in bed makes the pain worse

When the spine is more likely the cause

Amongst the most common conditions to impact the spine is a herniated disc, and is suffered by 40% of those aged 40 and over; this condition occurs when the outer part of one of the cushion-type pads between the spine vertebrae is damaged and the inner part is squeezed out and my press on nerves.

You may have a herniated disc if:

• The pain is restricted to your spine, buttocks or hip
• You find that the pain often shoots down your legs
• The condition worsens when you sit or bend
• The condition improves whenever you stand or walk

It’s also not beyond the realms of possibility that you may also be suffering from issues in both the hip and back.

The body is formed from incredibly complex structures – yet this amazing complexity can also be its downfall when it comes to conditions and associated pain. We’ve tried to shed some light on how the hips and the spine can have related pain, but there’s no substitute for a medical opinion. Should you be experiencing pain in your hip, back, or both give us a call and see one of our Osteopaths. We’ll give you a full diagnosis and advice on how to help improve the pain. Give us a call on 020 8316 5316.