HIP PAIN Leg and Hip pain are most commonly caused by misalignments of the spine. This can irritate the nerves causing pain and muscle spasms. Your hips and legs support the entire body and give you strength, stability, flexibility, and mobility. For this reason there is a high amount of stress put on these body parts. Hip pain can sometimes be confused with back ache because of where the spine connects with the pelvis. The hip is a ball and socket joint where the femur (thighbone) connects with the acetabulum / pelvis (hipbone). Cartilage separates the two bones and acts as a cushion to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. When that cartilage wears out, pain and swelling occur, causing hip pain. This is more commonly known as arthritis. Sitting for extended periods or poor posture can result in a slipped or ruptured disc causing pain in the legs and hips. The inter-vertebral disc develops small cracks allowing the soft nucleus to leak out. If the disc pushes on the sensitive tissues and creates pain, it is referred to as a slipped disc. The disc pressing against the spinal nerve causes sciatica, numbness and weakness in the legs. If the rupture is large enough but not managed correctly, surgery may be required to remove the herniated disc material. Sometimes pain occurs as result of a fracture or sprain. Normally fractures only happen in older people who fall and have osteoporosis. Usually there will be stiffness, swelling, numbness, and very limited mobility after a leg or hip fracture. Immediately consult a medical professional if you think that you have fractured your leg or hip. Sprains are less severe but should be examined by your doctor to prevent from injuring yourself further. There are three types of disease that can cause hip and leg problems: organic, metastatic and degenerative. The organic disease is a result of some structural change in body parts, such as the misalignment of the spine or a fracture. Metastatic disease is when cancerous cells attack the lower spine or the muscles of the legs and hips. Aseptic Necrosis is a metastatic disease and occurs when an insufficient amount of blood flows to the hip. It is more common with a previous injury or in people with sickle cell anemia. When this occurs in children it may be known as Perthes Disease. A degenerative disease occurs in older people who have spent their life lifting, bending, or have had serious injury to the lower region of the body. Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease. The bones, muscles, and nerve ending deteriorate causing pain and swelling. Through a careful case history and examination, we can determine the cause of your leg and hip pain. Fractures or pathological disease will result in being referred to another specialist, however most other ailments can be treated by spinal adjustments. Additionally we will will discuss exercises to rehabilitate and stabilize the injured and misaligned spinal structures. Diet, posture, and work habits, may be examined because true health will be achieved when the true causes are identified and corrected. Give us a call today to see how we can help you enjoy a lifestyle free from hip pain!