Reduce Hip Internal Rotation Might Be Causing Your Low Back Pain
How Reduced Hip Internal Rotation Impacts Low Back Pain and Sciatica
At River Forest Health and Wellness, we frequently see patients suffering from low back pain and sciatica who often overlook a crucial part of their body: the hips. Specifically, a reduction in hip internal rotation can lead to or exacerbate low back pain and/or sciatica symptoms. This relationship between hip mobility and lower back health is critical to understanding why addressing hip mechanics is vital for long-term relief.
The Role of Hip Internal Rotation
Hip internal rotation is the movement of the thigh inward toward the midline of the body. This movement is essential for normal gait, balance, and overall functional movement. When this range of motion becomes restricted, it forces other parts of the body, such as the lower back, to compensate.
In a healthy body, the hips provide much of the rotational movement needed for activities like walking, running, or squatting. However, when hip internal rotation is limited, the lumbar spine (lower back) compensates by rotating or bending more than it should. This excess motion in the lower back can lead to pain and dysfunction over time.
How Reduced Internal Rotation Leads to Low Back Pain
When the hips lack internal rotation, it causes a ripple effect throughout the lower body. Here’s how it can lead to low back pain:
Increased Stress on the Lumbar Spine: With reduced hip mobility, the lumbar spine compensates by over-rotating during everyday movements. This can increase pressure on the intervertebral discs, muscles, and ligaments of the lower back.
Pelvic Imbalance: The pelvis and hips work closely together to maintain spinal alignment. When internal rotation is limited on one side, it can lead to pelvic imbalances, pulling the lower spine into abnormal positions, which can lead to misalignments, muscle tension, and pain.
Altered Biomechanics: A lack of hip internal rotation changes how you move, often leading to dysfunctional movement patterns. This alters the natural biomechanics of the spine and pelvis, making the lower back more prone to injury.
Sciatica and Hip Dysfunction
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, leading to radiating pain that travels down the leg. While sciatica can have many causes, such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis, reduced hip internal rotation can exacerbate sciatica in the following ways:
Piriformis Tightness: The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, plays a role in external hip rotation. When internal rotation is limited, the piriformis becomes overactive, leading to tightness. A tight piriformis can compress the sciatic nerve, causing or worsening sciatica symptoms.
Increased Nerve Compression: Reduced hip mobility forces compensatory movements in the lower back, which can increase pressure on the nerves exiting the spine, including the sciatic nerve.
Altered Gait Mechanics: When internal rotation is reduced, it changes the way you walk, potentially leading to excessive stress on the lower back and sciatic nerve.
Addressing Reduced Hip Internal Rotation to Relieve Low Back Pain and Sciatica
At River Forest Health and Wellness, our team of experts integrates various therapies to improve hip mobility and address the root causes of low back pain and sciatica. By focusing on restoring normal hip internal rotation, we can help alleviate excess stress on the lower back and reduce nerve compression.
Our Comprehensive Approach Includes:
McKenzie Therapy: This therapy helps restore proper joint mechanics and reduce disc pressure, improving both hip and lumbar spine function.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS): DNS emphasizes re-establishing ideal movement patterns, focusing on core and pelvic stability to support both the hips and the lower back.
Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle chiropractic adjustments can add mobility to the hip, pelvis and lumbar spine, improving the biomechanics of the entire lower body.
Manual Therapy: Soft tissue techniques like active release and myofascial release can help relax tight muscles, such as the piriformis, and improve overall hip mobility.
Corrective Exercises: We design tailored exercise programs to improve hip internal rotation, strengthen the core, and correct gait imbalances.
Conclusion
Hip internal rotation plays a crucial role in maintaining lower back health. When this range of motion is restricted, it can lead to compensations in the lumbar spine, resulting in pain and sciatica. By addressing the underlying hip dysfunction, we can alleviate low back pain and reduce the risk of sciatic nerve irritation.
If you've been struggling with acute or chronic low back pain, schedule an appointment today to have your Hip assessed to see if it is a contributing factor to your symptoms!
