According to Dr. Craig Liebenson, a world-renowned chiropractic and rehabilitation expert, it has been reported that 60 percent to 80 percent of the general population will have low back pain at some time in their lives. Many of these people will recover within six weeks, but some will continue to have disability over the long term.
Pain in the hip, back or groin can be caused by many factors. Some of these factors include injury to the lumbar spine or pelvis; muscle strain; overall lifestyle habits, such as stress, diet, weight and activity level; and more serious causes like tumor or infection.
Current treatment centers on teaching the patient active rehabilitation procedures to help regain the proper function in the spinal system compared to treatments of the past that were largely passive in nature.
Lumbar Spine Disorders
The lumbar spine is made up of the lowest five vertebrae in the spine. This is a common location for pain to originate. Several structures are located in the lumbar spine that can contribute to pain, including the facet joints between the vertebrae, the intervertebral disc, the stabilizing muscles that attach to the spine in this area, and the nerves that innervate the structures in this area.
Pelvic Disorders
Two main areas are affected in the pelvis. The sacro-iliac, or SI, joints are where the sacrum, the tailbone, meets the innominate bones, the hip bones, on each side. Pain in the SI joints can radiate into the back, leg or groin. Pain and dysfunction can also occur at the hip joint where the femur attaches to the hip. This can cause muscle imbalance and walking trouble that can lead to further problems into the low back, buttocks and leg.
Muscle Strain and Posture
In addition to the structures mentioned above, a main cause of pain in the low back is the effect of poor posture on the stabilizing muscles of the spine and pelvis. In the book "The Biomechanics of Back Pain," muscle sprain and strains, trigger points, and weak or tight muscles are stated as some potential causes of pain in the low back, hip or pelvis. Some examples of muscles that can lead to pain and dysfunction include the psoas, external and internal rotators of the hip, piriformis, quadratus lumborum, and other muscles like the hamstrings and multifidus.
Lifestyle Habits and Pain
The way that a person lives her life can greatly influence her symptoms. Some causes of pain and dysfunction related to lifestyle include living a sedentary life with little or no exercise, eating an inflammatory diet, enduring high levels of psychological stress, and having poor job satisfaction. Oftentimes the habits of sitting all day under tremendous amounts of stress while eating a poor diet will manifest as pain and dysfunction in the body.
Other Serious Causes of Pain
M. Adams et al. in "The Biomechanics of Back Pain" state that tumors and infections can also cause pain in the back. The authors also note that these are usually rare. Other causes include fracture or other traumatic causes of pain.
Seek a Professional
Back pain is related to many factors, and it is important to find out the cause of the pain and dysfunction. If the back pain does not resolve on its own quickly, you should seek the help of a professional.
References
- "Rehabilitation of the Spine"; Liebenson C; 1996
- "The Biomechanics of Back Pain"; Adams M, Bogduk N, Burton K, Dolan P; 2002
