Hip Pain Treatment in Grand Rapids
Getting out of the car, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or just walking across a parking lot shouldn’t hurt. When your hip starts aching, it can change how you sleep, work, and stay active. We look for the cause of the problem instead of just covering up the symptoms.
Why Hips Hurt
Your hips carry your body weight with every step and connect your spine to your legs. Pain around the hip can come from the hip joint itself, the muscles and tendons around it, the SI joints where the spine meets the pelvis, or even the low back. Because these areas work together, a problem in one often shows up as pain in another.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
- SI joint irritation: pain near the dimples of the low back that can spread into the buttock
- Hip bursitis and tendon irritation: pain on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side
- Tight hip muscles: long hours of sitting, driving, or running equipment shorten the muscles that move the hip
- Hip arthritis and joint stiffness: groin or front-of-hip pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
- Pain referred from the low back: irritated joints or nerves in the low back can be felt in the hip and buttock. See our low back pain and sciatica pages.
- Pregnancy: changes in posture and loosening ligaments can strain the hips and pelvis. See our pregnancy chiropractic page.
Where Does It Hurt?
Where you feel the pain gives us clues about what may be involved:
| Where you feel it | What may be involved |
|---|---|
| Outside of the hip, worse lying on that side | Bursitis or gluteal tendon irritation |
| Groin or front of the hip | Hip joint (stiffness or arthritis), hip flexor strain |
| Back of the hip near the low-back dimples | SI joint, low back |
| Deep in the buttock, sometimes down the leg | Piriformis tightness, sciatica, low back |
This is a general guide, not a diagnosis. Patterns overlap, and an exam is what sorts it out.
How We Find the Source
We start with your history: when it started, what makes it worse, and how it’s affecting sleep and daily activity. Then we check how your hips, pelvis, and low back move, test the strength of the muscles around the hip, and look at how you stand and walk. We also take X-rays right here in our office when needed to evaluate the integrity of the hip joint. X-rays show the joint space, signs of arthritis or wear, alignment of the pelvis and low back, and the health of the bone, so we know exactly what we’re working with before we start care. If we find something that needs further imaging or a specialist, we’ll tell you and help you get there.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
When the hip, pelvis, or low back isn’t moving well, an appropriate adjustment may help restore motion and ease stress on irritated tissues. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- Adjustments to the hip, pelvis, SI joints, and low back
- Graston Technique and Active Release Techniques for tight muscles and irritated tendons
- Massage therapy for the hips, glutes, and low back
- Laser therapy to help calm pain and inflammation
- Stretching and strengthening for the hips and core
- Tips for sitting, sleeping, and getting in and out of the car
When to Get Emergency Care
Go to the ER or call 911 right away if you can’t put weight on your leg after a fall, especially if you have osteoporosis or are older. Also get prompt medical care for a hot, swollen hip with fever, sudden severe hip pain without an injury, or hip pain with a history of cancer. A child with a limp and fever should be seen by a medical provider right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my hip pain coming from my hip or my back?
It can be either, or both. Pain in the groin usually points to the hip joint, while pain in the buttock or near the low-back dimples often involves the SI joint or low back. Our exam checks both so we treat the right area.
Can a chiropractor help with hip arthritis?
We start with X-rays to see how much wear is in the joint. We can’t reverse arthritis, but many people move better and hurt less with gentle adjustments, soft tissue work, and targeted exercises. We’ll be straight with you about what to expect and when a referral makes sense.
Why does my hip hurt when I lie on my side?
Pain on the outside of the hip when lying on it is often from an irritated bursa or tendon. A pillow between your knees and treatment of tight hip muscles often help.
How long until my hip feels better?
It depends on the cause and how long it’s been going on. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks of care. We’ll give you a realistic timeline after your exam.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can see a chiropractor in Minnesota without a referral. Some insurance plans have their own rules, and our front desk can help you check your benefits.
Get Moving Comfortably Again
If hip pain is slowing you down, Davis Chiropractic Health & Wellness, P.A. can help you find out why and build a plan to get you moving freely again. Reach out to our practice today to schedule your evaluation.
