Causes of sciatic nerve pain in the hip in Hastings, MI

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest in the human body, and it branches into most of the structures in the lower body. For instance, this nerve runs through the buttocks. It also branches into the hip and runs down the back of the legs and into the feet. With such a large coverage area, issues with the sciatic nerve can lead to pain almost anywhere in the lower body. There are several common causes of sciatic nerve pain in Hastings, Michigan, and each of them can lead to pain in your hip. 

1.   Herniated disc

A herniated disc is by far the most common cause of sciatic nerve pain. This issue happens when the outer shell of this vertebrae-cushioning structure is damaged, and this damage can more easily occur as you age because discs thin over time. Also, impacts from car accidents or sports injuries can lead to this issue. 

The damage to the outer disc shell can allow the inner material of the disc to poke out and press against the sciatic nerve root. The irritation of the disc rubbing on the sciatic nerve typically leads to shooting pains that start in the back, but the pain can then spread through the buttocks and hips and down the legs. 

2.   Piriformis syndrome

A condition called piriformis syndrome can also lead to sciatic nerve pain in the hip. The piriformis is a muscle deep in the buttocks, and it helps rotate your hip. The piriformis is also one of the muscles used to tip the pelvic forward and backward. This muscle is located right over the sciatic nerve as it runs through the hip. 

Piriformis syndrome is when the piriformis is inflamed. The inflammation is typically the result of repetitive leg movements, such as running, and it can cause the muscle to rub against the sciatic nerve. In turn, the rubbing can cause the nerve to send out pain signals that are felt in the hip.

Let Advent Physical Therapy help treat the sciatic nerve pain in your hip

At Advent Physical Therapy, our team offers effective sciatic nerve pain treatment to the residents of Hastings. Your treatment with us will begin with a free screening, and this gives our team the chance to determine what’s causing your pain. We’ll then use this information to create a personalized treatment plan to fit your needs, and this plan will be designed using therapy techniques such as: 

• Manual therapy
• Cupping
• Balance training
• McKenzie Method

Are you ready to start treating your pain now? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.