Back and hip ache occurs for a variety of reasons. Treatment for back and hip pain varies, depending on the cause of the pain. Therefore, in order to find any relief from back and hip pain, you have to identify the source of the pain. Possible causes of hip and back ache include muscle strains, disc problems, bursitis and arthritis. Consult your physician to determine the cause of your pain.
Muscle Strain
If you are experiencing lower back pain or hip pain that worsens when you move, you may have a strained muscle. Muscle strains can occur after strenuous activity or after working your back muscles for an extended period of time. According to MayoClinic.com, a strain occurs when a muscle becomes stretched or torn. For minor strains, treatment with rest, ice and compression may alleviate symptoms. A more severe strain, such as a tear, may require surgical intervention to repair the muscle.
Disc Problems
If you have lower back pain, you may have a bulging or herniated disc in your spine. Disc problems are often caused by a condition called degenerative disc disease. This condition can affect adults of any age, not just the elderly. Degenerative disc disease may be caused by a twisting injury, such as when swinging a golf club, or by everyday spine wear and tear. You can often treat degenerative disc disease with injections, pain medication, physical therapy or exercise. However, surgical treatment may be necessary if the pain is severely limiting or is not relieved after at least six months of conservative care.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis, or trochanteric bursitis, is caused by inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, a fluid-filled sac within the hip joint. Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis include pain in the hip or thigh, pain when pressing or lying on the hip and pain with walking up the stairs. Trochanteric bursitis can occur from an injury or simply from lying on the hip for an extended period of time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment for trochanteric bursitis includes anti-inflammatory pain medicines, hip injections, physical therapy and surgery in severe cases.
Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when a joint becomes inflamed. This results in pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased mobility in the joint. The lower back and hips are both susceptible to arthritis. According to MedlinePlus, a website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, arthritis can be caused by general wear and tear on the joint or it may be the result of an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for arthritis varies greatly, depending on the cause, but may include pain medications specific to your type of arthritis, as well as physical therapy and exercise.
