Hip and back pain are two very common symptoms. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their life. Pain can be dull and achy or sharp and debilitating, according to the National Institutes of Health. There are many different causes of hip and back pain including herniated disc, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, sacroiliitis and muscle strain. Most back pain is mechanical in nature and not serious, but any back or hip pain that does not resolve within a few days, gets worse or is accompanied by neurological symptoms should be diagnosed by a doctor.
Rest
According to FamilyDoctor.org, a day or two of rest following a back injury can help, but more than this can actually exacerbate the problem. Lying on the back with a pillow under the knees can help relieve pressure and relax injured back muscles. Wearing a corset-type back brace for a day or two can help support painful back muscles and joints. Avoiding any offending activities can help, but patients should resume normal activities as quickly as possible.
Ice/Heat
Ice can be used immediately after an injury of the hip or back to help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin, but should be wrapped in a towel. Ice packs can be applied to the back and hip areas for 20 minutes every two hours for the first few days. After 72 hours, when inflammation has had a chance to decrease, switching to heat may help ease pain and restore blood flow.
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, are ideal in treating low back and hip pain because they treat both inflammation and pain. These drugs are readily available over the counter. If pain is more severe, narcotic pain relievers such as codeine or morphine may be prescribed for a short period, according to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Another option is to have corticosteroids injected directly into the offending joint in the lumbar spine to reduce inflammation.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate or adjust the spine and pelvis. The goal of a spinal manipulation is to restore appropriate motion to the sacroiliac and low back joints. These adjustments can help relieve pain and stress on injured joints and discs. According to the American Chiropractic Association website, The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recommends spinal manipulation as a first professional treatment choice for acute low back pain.
Exercise
Many conditions that cause low back and hip pain may be related to muscular imbalance. Weak muscles surrounding the spine can allow joint dysfunction to occur in both the low back and the sacroiliac joints. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain. Gentle range of motion exercises will loosen and strengthen the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine and pelvis, improve posture and strengthen abdominal muscles.
