Are you hip?

The hip-spine syndrome is a combined hip and spine pathology that is still perplexing many clinicians. It is defined as the presence of pathologic changes in both the hip and spine where the primary source of pain could be either the hip or spine -- depending on the patient. Oftentimes the pathologies are inter-related. For example, a hip that doesn't move very well can cause the low back to arch too much. The can cause narrowing of the nerve channels between the lumbar vertebrae, leading to buttock and thigh symptoms.

A baseball pitcher was referred by a spine surgeon to The Center for Spine Pain after he failed to improved with standard physical therapy and a spinal injection. All his pain was in the low back. No pain was in the hip, and yet his hip was stiff. This changed his pitching motion and, indeed, he had to arch his back excessively during his pitching motion to compensate for the lack of hip extension. Five treatments with us to normalize the low back joints AND the stiff hip joint eliminated the back pain fully and completely.

Admittedly the above case was subtle and difficult to recognize. No abnormal x-ray findings showed up on hip x-rays. In typical cases of hip-spine syndrome (involving older patients) the problem may need a spine injection or a hip injection to differentiate the primary cause of the problem. In some cases surgery is required. However, in every case a qualified spine specialist (such as you'll find right here with the Doctors of Chiropractic at The Center for Spine Pain!) should recognize that the syndrome exists and provide an examination that looks beyond the local area where you're feeling pain. Oftentimes an injection (or a surgery) can be avoided altogether!

Unfortunately, because spinal MRI "abnormalities" are the rule rather than the exception in the general population, a significant number of patients are likely subjected to unnecessary spine procedures. [1] The care of back pain and neck pain is often challenging at best, and we know and work with many fine physicians and surgeons who do their best to minimize procedures. We join with them in helping you to minimize the procedures you'll need by diagnosing your problem quickly and accurately, and providing safe, affordable non-surgical options whenever possible.

~JPC

[1] Truumees, E. Change is in the air. SpineLine Nov-Dec, 2007, p. 9. (Dr. Truumees is a spine surgeon at William Beaumont Hospital and the Beamont Comprehensive Spine Center in Royal Oak, Michigan.)