Hip pain from back?

Posted by melissa123 @melissa123, 2 days ago

I have been having hip pain. A few weeks ago my husband and I had been in Disney Springs and walked about 5 miles. After I was in real bad pain in my left hip. I decided to call an Orthopedic doctor. I went to a group someone suggested. They did an x-ray and the doctor said there is nothing wrong with your kip. It's your back. He gave me a script for PT (which I haven't gone yet due to time). How would he know it's not my hip from just an x ray and not an MRI? And what would be wrong with my back? I do feel some pain in my back kind of all over at times. The doctor was very dismissive and didn't seem to care and didn't answer any questions.

I am in my mid 50's and workout at the gym 4-6 times a week. I am a little overweight so I am trying on losing some weight.

Anyone have any input?

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The lower back can definitely cause hip pain as can the sacroiliac joint. A PT can sometimes be more helpful than an orthopedist in diagnosing and coming up with treatment for this so hope you can go soon. In my experience my orthopedist, though nice enough, spends only a few minutes because the main goal of the appointment is to assess whether I need surgery or not. And he sees a gazillion patients. You do not need surgery so the doctor didn't have much to evaluate! I found an orthopedist who does not do surgery and spends 45 minutes with patients in pain. Pain management might help too. But I would try PT first!

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@windyshores

The lower back can definitely cause hip pain as can the sacroiliac joint. A PT can sometimes be more helpful than an orthopedist in diagnosing and coming up with treatment for this so hope you can go soon. In my experience my orthopedist, though nice enough, spends only a few minutes because the main goal of the appointment is to assess whether I need surgery or not. And he sees a gazillion patients. You do not need surgery so the doctor didn't have much to evaluate! I found an orthopedist who does not do surgery and spends 45 minutes with patients in pain. Pain management might help too. But I would try PT first!

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When my low back L5-S1 spondylolysis goes out of "joint" the chiropractor gets it back in place. For me, all it takes is a little push to move it. I do exercises I found on PT web sites and that keeps it in place. If my low back and into the left hip starts to be painful, I do the exercises a few times a day. Can't afford PT or chiropractic care longterm. I have the entire spine herniated, bulging, scoliosis so I have to be diligent and take care of myself.

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I recently saw a hip/knee surgeon for hip pain. I have had pain in my left hip for almost 2 years......not bad but couldn't lay on my left side for more than 10 minutes at a time before pain started. Hip surgeon said it was arthritis, but said the X-rays of my right hip showed bursitis (and a bone spur).
This highly rated surgeon in Denver recommended Physical Therapy for my knee and left hip pain.
However, a month ago my right hip began to hurt so badly that I was in excruciating pain. I will have another appointment with this surgeon, but apparently, according to his office and their x-rays, my pain is from a muscle problem not a problem with the hip joint.
This week at Physical Therapy, I received a treatment called dry needling. It worked wonders on my hip pain, which lessened and I could sleep better.
Apparently the dry needling and a cortisone injection both have the same positive effect on relieving pain.
My advice is to seek out the best doctor you can find in your area. Finding the best doctor by searching for the best reviews has served me well this past year. Also going to the best Physical Therapy group in your area will serve you well. Doctors and PT clinics are not all the same.

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Thank you! Yes I know doctors or PT's are not created equally. This group was highly recommended. Not this doctor specifically though. When I called they sent me to him because I didn't know if I had hip or back issues. I will NEVER go back to him. I will go to PT and see how that goes and take it from there. Thank you for sharing!

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@windyshores

The lower back can definitely cause hip pain as can the sacroiliac joint. A PT can sometimes be more helpful than an orthopedist in diagnosing and coming up with treatment for this so hope you can go soon. In my experience my orthopedist, though nice enough, spends only a few minutes because the main goal of the appointment is to assess whether I need surgery or not. And he sees a gazillion patients. You do not need surgery so the doctor didn't have much to evaluate! I found an orthopedist who does not do surgery and spends 45 minutes with patients in pain. Pain management might help too. But I would try PT first!

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Yeah this Orthopedist does not do surgery and spent 5 minutes and didn't answer any questions except to say its not your hip.

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@daisy22

When my low back L5-S1 spondylolysis goes out of "joint" the chiropractor gets it back in place. For me, all it takes is a little push to move it. I do exercises I found on PT web sites and that keeps it in place. If my low back and into the left hip starts to be painful, I do the exercises a few times a day. Can't afford PT or chiropractic care longterm. I have the entire spine herniated, bulging, scoliosis so I have to be diligent and take care of myself.

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Nice you are helping yourself!

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Hi Melissa,

The xray would have ruled out osteoarthritis in the hip joint. An MRI probably wouldn't be necessary.

Most pain originating with the hip is felt in the groin. A PT should be able to help as it sounds like this is a soft-tissue problem - it could be a tight piriformis muscle, gluteus muscle, posture - and any number of other causes.

I would find a PT with a degree in kinesiology. Anyway, just some thoughts. Hope you get some relief!

Joe

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I'm83. I did a lot of running around in an airport and then when I came home I put heat on my sore hip when I should have used cold packs. I ended up with horrible hip pain that made me scream. At one point the pain made me fall down and I ended up in the emergency room. Anyway, it turned out that it was actually caused from arthritis in my back, not my hip. The pain just referred it's self to my hip. I finally had one steroid injection in my back and I haven't had any trouble since. That happened about a year ago.

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