You might be familiar with sciatica as a back pain condition, but did you know you can also experience hip pain from sciatica? The problem is quite common but can be confusing for patients seeking care for a hip problem.

Many lower back problems we see at Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics presenting as hip pain are often caused by herniated discs. Herniated discs typically occur from simple wear and tear due to aging and are common in patients between 30 and 50 years old. When a disc herniates, the gel-like center of the disc protrudes into or through the disc’s outer lining. This herniated disc will sometimes press directly on the nerves in your spinal column, producing pain called sciatica.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Sharp pain in the legs like severe cramping
• Pain that increases when you cough or sneeze
• Tingling sensations running down your leg
• Leg numbness

Most commonly, sciatic nerve pain runs down the back of the thigh and into the calf and foot, but in some, the nerve runs down the front of the thigh, which means the pain might be confused with pain in the hip joint. Normally, hip joint problems are noticed in the buttock and wrapping around to the groin, but can seem like it runs down the thigh.

To know if your symptoms are hip pain from sciatica or caused by another condition, you’ll need an appointment with Dr. Hall to get to the source of your pain and to get relief now.

In the meantime, it may be good to know, sciatica pain will get better over time with ample rest. But if symptoms continue, Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics may recommend nonsurgical treatment options, including

Hot or cold therapies

Specific exercises and stretches

Regenerative Medicine when appropriate

Call us today and let us determine and eliminate the source of your back pain, hip pain or leg pain.

423-499-0003

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