Have you ever felt a deep, annoying ache around your lower back or hips and wondered where exactly the pain is coming from? You are not alone. Hip pain and lower back pain often feel very similar, and it can be challenging for you to figure out what’s really causing the discomfort. In this guide, you can learn everything about hip pain versus lower back pain.
Hip pain vs. lower back pain: Why is it confusing?
Your hip and lower back pain are close neighbours in your body. Nerves, muscles, and joints in that area all work together, and sometimes they also share the pain. That’s why it’s easy to mistake one for the other. But knowing where the pain starts, how it completely feels, and what movements make it worse or better can give you some important clues.
Also Read | Hip pain isn’t just for seniors: Why young adults are affected too
Hip pain vs. lower back pain: How to tell the difference?
Hip pain is usually felt on the outside of the hip and upper thigh. Sometimes it travels down the front of the leg, and you might even feel it when walking, getting up from a chair, or climbing stairs. Lower back pain is usually felt in the lower spine above your buttocks and can also spread to the back region of the thigh or down the legs.
Hip pain might feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain when moving, and it can also cause stiffness in the hip joint, especially in the morning. Lower back pain can feel sharp, stabbing, or even burning; it might come with some muscle spasms or tightness.
Hip pain vs. lower back pain: Common causes of pain
Hip pain is common if you have osteoarthritis. It causes stiffness, pain in the groin, and trouble with movement. Hip bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs near your hip joint, and of course, tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons around the hip, often from overuse.
Some of the main causes of lower back pain include muscle strain from lifting something heavy or sudden movement, or spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Degenerative disc disease can also cause pain as discs in your spine just wear down with age.
Hip pain vs. lower back pain: Test and diagnosis
If your pain doesn’t go away in a week or two, or if it gets much worse, then it’s a good idea to visit a doctor. They might ask you some questions, like when the pain started or what makes it really better or worse. They might also check your posture and walking style.
Also Read | Chronic hip pain: Causes, diagnosis, and solutions
Hip pain vs. lower back pain: Prevention tips
Whether your pain is in the hip or lower back, you can prevent it. Stay active, but don’t overdo it. Walking, swimming, or biking are great options. You should always warm up and cool down before and after workouts, and lift properly using your legs and not your back.
While it’s not always easy to tell the difference between hip pain and lower back pain, paying attention to where it hurts, how it feels, and when it happens can offer some big clues.
