For years, John has been struggling with disruptive hip pain resulting from a hip misalignment. Sad to say, he’s not alone in this ordeal — hip pain is prevalent among athletes and our senior citizens.
Determined to find a solution, he sought out various avenues for pain relief, hoping to regain his freedom of movement and enjoy an active lifestyle once again. After researching different treatment options, John discovered that chiropractic care could be the answer to his hip pain and misalignment woes!
Let’s find out how chiropractic treatment provides long-lasting pain relief and effectively addresses hip misalignments, allowing patients like John to reclaim their mobility and live life to the fullest!
What are the Main Causes of Hip Pain?
The onset of hip pain is brought about by various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Some of the most common causes of hip pain include:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (i.e., tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip) leads to pain and discomfort in the hip area.
- Fractures: A break in the upper part of the thigh bone (i.e., the femur) can lead to severe pain and difficulty moving the hip.
- Hip labral tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that provides stability. A tear in this cartilage can cause pain and instability.
- Infections: Infections in the hip or surrounding tissues can cause pain and inflammation.
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip wears away, causing bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and pain.
- Referred pain: Hip pain can sometimes be caused by issues in other parts of the body, such as the knees or the lower back.
- Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve (i.e., running from the lower back to the leg) can cause pain in the hip area.
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing the muscles, ligaments, or tendons around the hip translates into pain and discomfort.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of the tendons attaching muscles to the hip cause pain during movement.
How Do Chiropractors Perform Hip Adjustments?
Chiropractors perform hip adjustments using a variety of techniques to restore proper alignment, improve joint function, and relieve pain.
The choice of treatment option will depend on the chiropractor’s expertise and the patient’s unique needs, medical history, and condition.
During a hip adjustment, the patient is typically positioned on the chiropractic table, lying down on their side, back, stomach, or sitting. Dr. Gregory Doerr then carefully assesses the patient’s hip joint to identify any misalignments or movement restrictions.
Once the problem area has been identified, Dr. Doerr uses controlled force to manipulate it. This may involve a quick, high-velocity thrust or a slow, low-force adjustment. The goal is to reposition the joint, increase its range of motion, and reduce pain and inflammation.
Chiropractors may use other techniques in addition to joint manipulation to enhance the effects of hip adjustments. These can include soft tissue therapies, such as massage or trigger point release, as well as stretches and exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility around the hip joint.
Are Chiropractic Hip Adjustments Painful?
Chiropractic hip adjustments are a pleasant, pain-free treatment option when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor.
However, the sensation experienced during a chiropractic hip adjustment can differ from one patient to another. You may experience a mild, temporary discomfort or pressure as your chiropractor manipulates the painful joint, although not enough to put a damper on your experience!
Communicating openly with Dr. Doerr and his team about your comfort level during treatment is essential. An expert chiropractor will always adapt their technique to suit the patient accordingly! It is common to experience mild soreness in the treatment area after chiropractic adjustments.
Thankfully, this expected side effect is temporary and can easily be managed with ice, heat, or over-the-counter pain medications as recommended by your chiropractor.
What is a Hip Misalignment?
A hip misalignment occurs when the bones and structures forming the joint are not properly aligned, causing an imbalance.
Proper alignment of the hip joint is essential for maintaining optimal function, stability, and range of motion.
Hip misalignment can stem from various causes, including injuries, muscle imbalances, congenital deformities, or wear and tear due to aging or overuse. It may also originate from pain located in other parts of the body, such as the lower back and pelvis (i.e., referred pain).
Symptoms of hip misalignment include pain or discomfort in the hip, groin, or lower back, reduced range of motion, stiffness, and difficulty walking or performing daily activities.
If left untreated, misaligned hips can lead to chronic pain, joint instability, and an increased risk of injury.
Will Chiropractic Care Address Hip Misalignment?
Yes, chiropractic care can effectively address hip misalignment!
Chiropractors receive special training to identify and treat various musculoskeletal issues, including misalignments in the hips. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment, improving joint function, and reducing pain and inflammation through a combination of manual adjustments and other complementary therapies.
Through manipulative therapy targeting the hips and surrounding soft tissues, chiropractors help correct misalignments, increase the joint’s range of motion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate any associated pain or discomfort.
In addition to manual adjustments, chiropractors may recommend specific stretches and exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles supporting the hip joint and improve overall stability. They may also provide guidance on proper body mechanics, posture, body weight, and ergonomics to help prevent future hip misalignments.
The effectiveness of regular chiropractic care for hip misalignment varies depending on the underlying conditions and the patient’s specific needs. If you suspect you’re dealing with a hip misalignment, consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of a personalized treatment plan.
Ready to Be Free From Your Hip Pain? Dr. Doerr Can Help!
At the Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, follows the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
- “Hip Misalignment Symptoms.” American Hip Institute & Orthopedic Specialists, www.americanhipinstitute.com/blog/hip-misalignment-symptoms-32658.html. Accessed 7 Apr. 2023.
