Pinched nerves in the hip
You may be experiencing sharp, shooting hip pains that make it hard to stand or walk. A pinched nerve may be causing pain in your hip. Pinched nerves in the hip occur when there is pressure on a nervous, causing irritation and inflammation. A pinched nerve can be caused by a herniated disk, but also by arthritis, bone spurs or an injury.
Symptoms
A pinched nerve can cause pain to radiate down the leg. It may also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the muscles that are served by the nerve. The pain can be sharp or dull. You may feel tingling or numbness in your leg. The symptoms can worsen when you stand, walk or sit for long periods. The nerve can be permanently damaged if it is pinched over a long period of time. The severity of symptoms will determine the treatment for a pinched or irritated nerve. It may involve rest, ice, heating, physical therapy, surgery, etc.
Causes
Pinched hip nerves can be caused by many things. Herniated disks are a common cause. The soft inner material bulges through a tear on the outer layer. This can cause pressure on the nerve roots.
Bone spurs are another common cause. Bony growths along the edge of bones. As they grow, they can pinch nerves. Another possible cause is arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation and pain to the joints. It may also lead to nerve damage or irritation.
Treatment
The first thing you should do if your hip is pinched is visit your doctor. The doctor will probably prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. If they don’t help, you might need to have steroid injections and/or surgery.
The majority of people who have a pinched hip nerve can find relief from conservative treatments like anti-inflammatories or physical therapy. If these treatments don’t help, you might need more aggressive treatments like steroid shots or surgery. Your doctor will determine which treatment is right for you depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms.
Home remedies
Many home remedies can relieve the pain associated with pinched hip nerves. Here are the most effective ones:
- Ice: Applying cold to the affected area will help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Heat: Applying warmth to the affected area will help relax muscles and relieve pain.
- Massage: Massaging affected areas can loosen muscles and improve circulation.
- Stretching can relieve pain and tension in the hip muscles.
- Regular exercise will help to strengthen hip muscles and increase flexibility.
Medications
Many medications can help to relieve the pain associated with a pinched hip nerve. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are some of the options. You can also try prescription strength anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants. Surgery is sometimes necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve. However, this is usually the last option. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing hip pain due to a pinched-nerve.
Surgery
Pinched hip nerves can cause severe pain and discomfort. It may be necessary to perform surgery in order to relieve pressure on the nerve.
A pinched hip nerve can be treated with minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin to access the nerve. By cutting away the tissue pressing against the nerve, the surgeon releases pressure.
Most people feel better after surgery. After surgery, the incision will be closed using staples or stitches. You may need to rest for a couple of days. Wear a brace or splint to support your hip while it heals.
Exercises
You can perform certain exercises to relieve the pain and discomfort if you have pinched hip nerves. Try these exercises:
- Hamstring stretches. Hamstring stretches can relieve nerve pain and take pressure off your hips.
- Gluteal stretches. Stretching the glutes will also reduce pressure in your hips, and help ease nerve pain.
- Hip abduction exercises. These exercises strengthen the muscles surrounding your hip joint, helping to stabilize it and reduce pain.
These exercises can relieve pain and discomfort if you have pinched hip nerves. Try them out today!
Physical Therapy
You may wonder if physical treatment can help if you are experiencing pain in your hip, which could be caused by a pinched or irritated nerve. Physical therapy can provide relief from this type of pain.
Physical therapy can relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce pain. The therapists use different techniques such as stretching, massage, ice, or heat therapy. Talk to your doctor if you have a pinched hip nerve.
