What is hip pain?
Hip pain can come from the hip joint itself, from the surrounding muscles and tendons, or be referred from the low back or sacroiliac (SI) joint, the joint connecting your spine to your pelvis. These areas sit close together and commonly mimic each other, which is why an accurate exam matters before assuming the source.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the groin, outer hip, or buttock
- Pain that's worse with walking or climbing stairs
- Stiffness getting up from sitting
- Pain that seems to move between the hip and low back
- A limp or altered walking pattern
- Pain that radiates into the thigh
Common causes
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Referred pain from the lumbar spine
- Hip flexor or gluteal muscle strain
- Early joint degeneration
- Prolonged sitting
Does this sound like you?
If you have any of these, it may be time to get evaluated
This isn't a diagnosis. Sudden, severe hip pain after a fall, especially in older adults, or an inability to bear weight, needs urgent evaluation rather than a scheduled visit.
Our approach
We evaluate whether your pain is coming from the hip joint itself or being referred from the spine, since the treatment differs. Chiropractic adjustment addresses SI joint and lumbar dysfunction when that's the driver. We take in-house X-rays when indicated, and refer for further imaging if the exam points toward a hip-joint issue that needs a closer look.
What to expect at your first visit
Your exam includes orthopedic tests specific to both the hip joint and the sacroiliac joint, plus an assessment of your low back, since the two areas interact so closely. We explain what we found in plain language and build a plan around the actual source of your pain.
Why early, local care matters
Mistaking a hip problem for a back problem, or the reverse, can delay the right treatment for weeks. An accurate diagnosis early saves time and gets you started on care that actually addresses what's going on.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it's my hip or my back?
What is SI joint dysfunction?
Do I need an X-ray for hip pain?
Can chiropractic care help hip pain?
When is hip pain a sign of something more serious?
Key takeaway: Hip pain often overlaps with back pain, and the two commonly mimic each other. An exam distinguishes hip-joint issues from spine-referred pain, which determines whether adjustment, imaging, or referral is the right next step.