Persistent joint pain can keep you from enjoying your favorite activities, and it’s even more frustrating when you can’t pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from. When dealing with hip pain, it can be a challenge to know whether it’s the hip joint itself or an issue in the lower back that is causing it. That’s because the hip joint and lower spine share overlapping nerves and movement patterns, so pain in one area is often felt in the other.
So when you feel pain in your hip, which specialist should you see: a hip surgeon or a spine doctor? Knowing how hip-related pain differs from spine-related pain can help you understand your body’s signals and take the right next step.
Why Hip and Spine Pain Can Feel the Same
There’s a reason why these two areas are so easily confused. Your lower spine and hip joints are neighbors that rely on the same network of nerves to communicate with your brain.
Their movement patterns also overlap, so when one area is compromised, it often forces the other to compensate. For example, if you have hip arthritis, you might change the way you walk or stand to avoid pain, which inadvertently puts extra stress on your lower back.
Because hip pain is often mistaken for a back problem and back pain is sometimes blamed on the hip, it’s important that your treatment journey begins with a proper medical evaluation. Getting you back to health quickly depends on identifying the true source of your pain.
At-a-Glance: Comparing Hip and Spine-Related Pain
For a quick way to gauge which specialist you might need, use this table to compare your symptoms.
| Feature | Likely Hip-Related | Likely Spine-Related |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Location | Deep in the groin or front of the hip | Lower back, buttocks, or radiating down the leg |
| Pain Quality | Stiffness or a dull ache; may include clicking or catching | Sharp, burning, or "electric" sensations |
| Neurological Signs | Rare | Frequent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg/foot |
| Triggers | Walking, standing, or getting in and out of a car | Prolonged sitting or bending the spine |
| Common Causes | Osteoarthritis, labral tears, or bursitis | Disc herniation or spinal stenosis |
Signs Your Pain Is Likely Coming From the Hip
Pain caused by the hip joint itself often has specific characteristics. Many patients describe pain deep in the groin or at the front of the hip. Stiffness is common, especially after periods of rest.
You may be dealing with a hip-related issue if you notice limited hip motion, discomfort when walking or standing, or pain when getting in and out of a car. Clicking or catching sensations can also point to a hip joint problem.
Common hip conditions include osteoarthritis, labral tears, bursitis, and hip impingement.
Signs Your Pain May Be Related to the Spine
Spine-related pain often behaves differently. Symptoms frequently begin in the lower back and travel through the hip, buttock, or leg. This type of pain may feel sharp, burning, or electric.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot are common signs of nerve involvement. Pain may worsen with prolonged sitting or certain movements of the spine rather than the hip.
Conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and arthritis of the spine are frequent causes.
Why Choosing the Right Hip Pain Specialist Matters
Hip and spine conditions require different treatment approaches. Treating the wrong area can delay relief and allow symptoms to worsen.
That said, choosing the wrong specialist initially is not uncommon. Orthopedic teams regularly collaborate, and further evaluation often clarifies whether the hip or spine is the main source of pain.
How Providers Determine the Source of Hip Pain
Because imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) often shows wear and tear in both the hip and spine, which is very common as we age, your provider likely won’t rely on pictures alone. Instead, the process is a bit like detective work:
- Detailed discussion about your pain: We start by listening to your story, when the pain started and what makes it feel better or worse.
- Physical exam and movement testing: We look closely at how movement affects pain and whether certain positions trigger symptoms.
- Targeted injections as confirmation: If the source is still unclear, a diagnostic injection can be used to temporarily “numb” a specific area. If your pain disappears, we’ve found our culprit.
When You Should Seek an Evaluation for Your Pain
We know that many people hope the pain will simply go away on its own. However, early intervention is often the key to avoiding more invasive procedures later on. You should consider scheduling an evaluation if:
- Your hip or back pain lasts longer than a few weeks
- Your discomfort is starting to limit your daily activities, or continues to worsen
- You have noticed changes in strength, sensation, or mobility
Early assessment can help guide treatment and prevent further joint or nerve damage.
Remember this: diagnosis doesn’t always lead to the operating room. Many of our patients find lasting relief for their hip pain through physical therapy, medication, or specialized injections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip and Low Back Pain
How Vero Orthopaedics Can Help
At Vero Orthopaedics, our team evaluates hip and spine pain with a comprehensive approach. Our specialists work together to identify the true source of pain and develop a treatment plan based on your diagnosis, activity level, and goals.
Whether your pain is coming from the hip, the spine, or a combination of both, our focus is on providing clear answers and appropriate care options so you can move forward with confidence.
If you are experiencing persistent hip or back pain, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward relief.
