Causes and Treatment: Pinched Nerve in Hip
Have you been experiencing a sharp pain in your hip accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness in your leg? If you have, the odds are you have a pinched nerve in your hip. It can be a devastating condition that can significantly reduce the quality of your life. Unfortunately, approximately 85 out of 100,000 adults experience a pinched nerve at some point.
Knowing the symptoms and possible treatments for a pinched nerve in your hip can help restore your quality of life as soon as possible. So, keep reading to discover the causes and various treatment options for a pinched nerve in the hip.
What’s a Pinched Nerve in the Hip
A pinched nerve in the hip occurs when the surrounding tissues compress a nerve, causing numbness, weakness, tingling, or even pain. Pinched nerves often happen due to overuse, herniated disc, inflammation, or injury.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. You can also embrace various preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and warming up before exercising. Taking regular breaks and avoiding repetitive motions can also help.
What are the Common Causes of a Pinched Nerve in the Hip
Now that you know what a pinched nerve is, you are probably wondering what causes a pinched nerve in the hip. The truth is that the causes of pinched nerves in the hip vary. One common cause of this condition is injuries such as dislocated hip or a hip fracture. Inflammation, including that caused by bursitis or arthritis, is another typical cause.
Another common cause of a pinched nerve is hip overuse due to prolonged sitting or repetitive motions. If the disc in your lower back is herniated, it may apply pressure on the nerves and compress it. Those above 50 are more likely to experience this condition due to degeneration of the body and arthritis. Obesity is also a risk factor for a pinched nerve. The excess weight in the body may put additional pressure on the hip joint and the nerves resulting in inflammation and compression.
Aging can also cause a pinched nerve due to the wear and tear of the spine and the discs. The spinal discs tend to flatten as we age, moving closer together. These movements can place additional pressure on the nerve and compress them. Some conditions like diabetes and pregnancy can cause bone or tissue in the hip to compress a nerve.
Do Pinched Nerves on the Hip Go Away on Their Own?
Fortunately, most pinched nerves tend to go away on their own. In most cases, a pinched nerve will take around four to six weeks to go away. You can manage the pain and improve the symptoms with over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. Always consult your primary care provider before taking any medication.
Please note that pinched nerves don’t always resolve on their own. Sometimes, they can become severe, resulting in chronic pain or permanent nerve damage. So, seeking treatment is highly recommended if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days.
What are the Typical Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve in the Hip?
A pinched nerve in the hip manifests itself in a number of symptoms, such as:
- Hip weakness
- Numbness in the hip and leg
- A dull or sharp ache
- Tingling sensation
- Feeling like your leg has fallen asleep
How is a Pinched Nerve in the Hip Treated?
If you have been experiencing a pinched nerve, you are likely looking for the most effective treatment option. Fortunately, you can always manage pinched nerves at home. Here is your detailed guide on how to treat a pinched nerve at home:
✅ Apply heat or ice on the swollen area for relief
✅ Get enough rest
✅ Use over-the-counter pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to improve the symptoms
✅ Take anti-inflammatory medications orally or get an injection to relieve the pain
✅ Try light exercises and stretches to reduce the pressure on the nerves
If these at-home treatment options fail, it’s time to consider long-lasting treatment options. Physical therapy and surgery are the most effective treatment options. Physical therapy should be your first alternative before you turn to surgery. The good thing about physical therapy is that it can be personalized based on your specific needs. Physical therapy focuses on restoring your quality of life as fast as possible. Additionally, it will enhance your balance and mobility.
If you are an athlete, physical therapy for a pinched nerve in the hip will restore your pre-injury efficiency and increase your efficiency in your chosen sport. A therapist who does physical therapy will design an effective treatment plan to help you stretch and strengthen the muscles and bones in the hip. You will also learn how to use heat and cold to manage the pain. Physical therapy also aims to prevent re-injury. So, expect your doctor who does physical therapy to use manual therapy and active release technique to avoid re-injury.
Surgery should only be an option in more severe cases. Surgery for a pinched nerve in the hip involves the removal of growths, such as bone spurs compressing the nerve. It can also affect the release of the compressed nerve from the surrounding tissue. Always consult your doctor to choose the best treatment option for your needs.
How to Prevent a Pinched Nerve in the Hip?
You can always lower your risk of experiencing a pinched nerve in the hip by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Also, stretch before and after every exercise and take regular breaks. Avoiding repetitive motions and maintaining a healthy weight are also essential.
Related: What to Do for a Hip Labral Tear
Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain in the Hip With Physical Therapy
A pinched nerve can be a debilitating condition that can adversely impact your daily life. If a pinched nerve in the hip is affecting the quality of your life, take action now before it’s too late. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you overcome a pinched nerve by reducing pressure in the surrounding tissues and muscles. Schedule your free consultation at a La Clínica clinic near you.
