Lower back pain that spreads to the hip is often due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This is commonly referred to as sciatica.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica involves the sciatic nerve, a large nerve that runs from your lower back down the back of each leg. When this nerve is affected, pain can radiate beyond your lower back.
How Sciatica Connects Lower Back and Hip Pain
| Area Affected | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Back | The primary location of the pain, often originating from a disc issue, bone spur, or nerve compression. |
| Hip | Pain can spread to the hip because the sciatic nerve passes through this region. |
| Buttocks | Pain frequently extends to the buttocks as it is along the path of the sciatic nerve |
| Leg | The pain often travels down the leg and can sometimes reach as far as the foot. |
Factors Contributing to Sciatic Nerve Pain:
- Disc Herniation: A ruptured or bulging disc in the spine can press on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the nerve.
- Bone Spurs: These can form in the spinal column and put pressure on the nerve.
- Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can sometimes compress the sciatic nerve.
Recognizing Sciatic Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back, hip, and buttocks
- Pain radiating down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness
What To Do
If you are experiencing lower back pain that radiates to your hip, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
