A famous song and poem describes how the thigh bone connects to the hip bone, and the hip bone connects to the backbone. This simple song provides an understandable explanation of interrelated back, hip and thigh pain. Since the body functions as an integrated unit, an injury or misalignment in one part may have adverse effects in another. Determining the origin of back, hip and thigh pain is a complex task, and requires an understanding of the patient's typical posture and movement patterns.
Expert Insight
The majority of the force generated for walking and running purposes is created by muscles originating in or passing through the pelvic and thigh area, explains Thomas E. Hyde and Marianne S. Gengenbach, in their book titled "Conservative Management of Sports Injuries." The authors report that the pelvic, hip and thigh areas account for 21 percent of inline skating injuries, 10.9 percent of running injuries, 10 percent of injuries incurred by military recruits, and 8.07 percent of injuries in males and 9.04 injuries in females incurred in various sports.
Identification
The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball, which is the round head of the thigh bone, is deeply set into the hip cavity. Most long-term hip problems are age-related, but muscle, tendon and bursa injuries may also cause back, hip and thigh pain.
Effects
An article on the Brigham and Women's Hospital Health Library website details the cause and effect mechanisms of hip, back and thigh pain. A quick directional change may cause a groin pull, resulting in pelvic area pain. Forceful movements may tear the hamstrings, creating pain in the backs of the legs. The possibility of piriformis syndrome may complicate the diagnostic procedure. The piriformis muscle lies underneath the buttocks. Standing for extended periods or performing repetitive movements may cause the piriformis to tighten and put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is located in the lower back. The nerve pressure may cause pain in the buttocks and the back of the leg. Bursitis, another common cause of hip pain, results from an inflammation of the fluid sacs surrounding the hip joint. Speed-walking, aerobic dance and carrying a baby on your hip may cause bursitis.
Misconceptions
Piriformis syndrome is often misdiagnosed as sciatica. While repetitive movements or long-duration standing causes priformis syndrome, sciatica is caused by a lumbar disc pressurizing the sciatic nerve.
Prevention/Solution
A holistic approach is required for any back, hip and thigh pain prevention program. Ask a certified fitness professional or a physical therapist to perform a complete postural analysis. Correct your work station so that your chair and computer are in an ergonomic position. Core muscle strength, as indicated by studies performed by University of Queensland physical therapist Paul Hodges, plays a key role in preventing back pain. Stretching and strengthening the supporting muscle group is another important component of of a pain prevention program. The National Academy of Sports Medicine suggests using foam rollers to release muscular tension, as the method combines the benefits of massage and stretching exercises.
References
- "Conservative Management of Sports Injuries"; Thomas E. Hyde, Marianne S. Gengenbach; 2007
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Health Library: Hip and Thigh Pain
- Spine Universe: Piriformis Syndrome and the Sciatic Nerve
- Perform Better: Using Foam Rollers
- "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation"; Altered Trunk Muscle Recruitment in People with Low Back Pain; P.W. Hodges, C.A. Richardson; September 1999
