Numerous conditions can cause back and hip pain. According to the Family Doctor website, lower back problems can cause hip pain, along with pain in the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet. Hip pain that accompanies lower back pain is relatively common and may be caused by degenerative conditions affecting the spine, traumatic injuries or overuse injuries. However, simultaneous lower back and hip pain can also be caused by separate conditions. A person with lower back pain and hip pain should visit a physician to determine the exact cause or causes of the pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause long-term back and hip pain. According to MayoClinic.com, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves joint pain and inflammation. Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as rheumatoid spondylitis, most commonly affects the joints between the vertebrae or spinal bones and the sacroiliac joints, although it can cause pain and inflammation in other parts of the body, too, including the hips. Common signs and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis include chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, pain in affected areas that is worse in the morning or following periods of inactivity, pain where tendons attach to bone and pain in the hips, shoulders, knees, feet and eyes. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis, such as being a young male and possessing the HLA-B27 gene.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, can cause simultaneous back and hip pain. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS, states that osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is particularly common in older individuals. Approximately 27 million people in the United States over age 25 are believed to have osteoarthritis, says the NIAMS. Osteoarthritis affects joint cartilage -- the firm, yet slippery tissue that coats the ends of bones where they form a joint -- causing it to wear away over time. Possible causes of osteoarthritis include the aging process, heredity, joint trauma or stress, muscle weakness and imbalance and obesity. Common signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include pain in the affected joints, joint tenderness and stiffness, reduced range of motion in involved joints and bone-spur formation. The lower back and hips are among the most common locations for arthritis-related pain and joint degeneration.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that can cause pain in the back, hips and other parts of the body. According to Medline Plus, polymyalgia rheumatica is a relatively common condition in women over the age of 50. In some cases, polymyalgia rheumatica may occur in conjunction with another inflammatory condition known as giant cell arteritis, which may cause headaches, vision problems, jaw pain and other problems. Common signs and symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica include pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs, upper arm tenderness, decreased range of motion in involved joints, fatigue, unexpected weight loss, depression and malaise. Medline Plus states that polymyalgia rheumatica often self-resolves after about one year.
