Customer question:
Can sciatica be felt in the hip? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Of course, sciatica can also manifest as hip pain. It's not uncommon for people with sciatica to first notice discomfort in the buttocks or hips. The sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in the human body, originates in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg.
But before it goes down the leg, it travels through the hip area.
Can sciatica be the result of a hip injury?
While sciatica stems primarily from issues related to the lumbar spine, it is possible that hip injury or post-injury compensatory mechanisms indirectly contribute to sciatica symptoms. Although hip injury can potentially contribute to sciatica-like symptoms, the most common causes of true sciatica remain issues related to the lumbar spine, such as a herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
How do you distinguish between sciatica and hip pain?
Sciatica and hip pain can sometimes present overlapping symptoms, making the distinction difficult. However, understanding the typical features and causes can help distinguish one. If you are experiencing pain and unsure of its origin, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Sciatica:
- Origin: Sciatica originates from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, usually due to a problem in the lower spine, such as a herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
- Pain Pathway: Sciatica usually presents as a sharp, burning, or shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks, spreads down the back of the thigh, and may continue to the shin, ankle, and feet.
- Associated symptoms: Tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness are common symptoms. The pain may be aggravated by prolonged sitting, posture, or specific movements you perform.
- Unilateral symptoms: Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body, although it can occasionally affect both sides.
Pain in the hip:
- Origin: Hip pain can be due to various causes, including osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, hip tears, or fractures.
- Pain is usually localized to the hip joint and may radiate to the groin or down the front of the thigh. It is more focused on the hips instead of coming from behind.
- Associated symptoms: Depending on the cause, hip pain may be associated with stiffness, decreased range of motion, or a clicking or catching sensation in the hip joint.
- Activities: pain may be aggravated by weight-bearing activities, walking, or direct pressure on the hip.
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