What is Hip Pain?
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone to the pelvis. It is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body and is used in many daily activities, from walking and running to climbing stairs and getting in and out of a chair. Hip pain is an umbrella term for sustained discomfort or pain that is felt in the hip joint or surrounding areas, such as the thigh or groin. While there are many potential causes for hip pain, one of the most common is untreated misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Hip Pain
Hip pain can have a wide range of signs and symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of the most common symptoms include aching pain in the hip, thigh, or groin area, stiffness or difficulty moving the hip joint, weakness or instability in the hip or thigh, tenderness or pain when the hip is touched or when bearing weight, reduced range of motion in the hip joint, swelling or warmth in the hip area, limping or favoring one side when walking, and a clicking, popping, or snapping sensation in the hip joint.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Hip Pain
The upper cervical spine can contribute to hip pain through several mechanisms. One of which is through the nerves that originate from the upper cervical spine and innervate the hip, thigh, and leg. A misalignment in the upper cervical spine can lead to compression or irritation of these nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hip and thigh area.
Another way the upper cervical spine can affect hip pain is by impacting the alignment of the pelvis. The upper cervical spine and pelvis have a close relationship, and any misalignment in the upper cervical spine can cause a shift in the musculoskeletal stability and alignment of the spinal column. If left unaddressed, this can also cause the pelvis to shift out of alignment in an attempt to compensate for the changes in the spinal column, leading to further discomfort and pain in the hip and lower back region.
How our Treatment for Hip Pain Works
At Upper Spine Knoxville, Dr. Bejian Shamloo can help alleviate your hip pain using gentle and pain-free upper cervical chiropractic treatment. When treating hip pain, Dr. Shamloo takes a holistic approach, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your condition rather than just treating the symptoms. By restoring the health and function of the upper cervical spine, the rest of the spinal column can return to its natural alignment, relieving pressure on the hip and reducing pain.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Shamloo will perform a range of advanced diagnostic tests, such as 3D imaging and infrared thermography, to examine your upper cervical spine and identify any misalignments that may be contributing to your hip pain. Armed with this information, Dr. Shamloo will use traditional chiropractic techniques to gently adjust the misaligned vertebrae back into proper alignment. Though you may experience some relief immediately, multiple sessions may be necessary to ensure the adjustment holds.
If hip pain is preventing you from doing the things you love, we can help! Dr. Shamloo provides patients with upper cervical chiropractic treatments in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.