Top 5 Causes of Severe Lower Back and Hip Pain You Should Never Ignore
Severe lower back and hip pain can be debilitating, affecting your daily activities and quality of life. While occasional discomfort might be common, persistent or intense pain is a red flag that should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for timely treatment and preventing further complications.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This condition can compress nearby nerves, leading to severe lower back pain that often radiates to the hips or legs. Activities such as heavy lifting or sudden twisting motions commonly trigger herniated discs.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain along the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back down each leg. It typically manifests as sharp, shooting pain starting in the lower back and moving through the hips and down one leg. Sciatica results from nerve irritation caused by conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects cartilage—the cushioning between bones—in your hips and spine. Over time, cartilage breaks down causing bones to rub together painfully. This leads to stiffness, swelling, and severe pain in both the lower back and hips, especially during movement.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis involves narrowing of spaces within your spine which puts pressure on nerves traveling through it. This condition often causes chronic lower back pain accompanied by hip discomfort and numbness or weakness in your legs, significantly impacting mobility.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect your spine to your pelvis; dysfunction here can cause intense pain in both the lower back and hips due to inflammation or abnormal movement of these joints. Factors such as injury or arthritis may contribute to SI joint dysfunction.
Severe lower back and hip pain should never be overlooked as it might signal serious underlying health conditions that require medical attention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key steps toward relief and recovery—don’t hesitate to consult healthcare professionals if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
