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Determining Origin of Hip and Spine Pain

Author: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Published: 2017/02/06 - Updated: 2021/04/03
Topic: Pain: Acute and Chronic - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Determining the origin of lower back pain that can radiate to the buttocks, groin, thigh, and knees. Buttock or back pain, with or without a tingling sensation, most likely originates in the spine.

Introduction

Many patients live with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and even knees. The challenge for patients, and often their doctors, is determining the origin of the pain - the hip, the spine, or both.

Main Content

A new article published in the February Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) outlines the identical symptoms associated with hip and spine pain and discusses the diagnostic steps and tests required to treat them appropriately.

However, patients with complex "hip-spine syndrome" have lower back and hip pain with no clear source of the discomfort. Hip arthritis, for example, can increase pressure on the lower back.

"In these instances, similar or overlapping symptoms may delay a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment," said article author Afshin Razi, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Hospital for Joint Diseases.

The article recommends that patients provide a detailed health history and undergo a comprehensive physical examination that includes an assessment of:

"Plain and advanced imaging studies and diagnostic injections also can be used to further delineate the primary problem and guide the appropriate sequence of treatment," said Dr. Razi.

Diagnoses for hip and spine pain can include:

"Focusing on both the spine and the hip as potential causes of pain and disability may reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis, and the management of conditions affecting the spine and/or hip may help reduce the likelihood of persistent symptoms," said Dr. Razi.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and published on 2017/02/06, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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Cite This Page: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2017, February 6 - Last revised: 2021, April 3). Determining Origin of Hip and Spine Pain. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved June 13, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/pain/hip-spine.php

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