Bottom Line:

While figuring out the difference between hip and S.I. (sacroiliac) joint pain can be extremely confusing, being able to identify which one is the culprit is crucial when you’re looking for relief. Knowing that the hip joint is supposed to be extremely mobile, while the S.I. joint is supposed to be extremely stable can certainly help you decipher between the two. 

 

Your S.I. joint connects your tailbone (sacrum) and to you hip bones (iliacus).  

 

This joint is very fibrous, and made up of multiple ligaments that connect two bones. This makes the joint very stable and strong, only allowing a few millimeters of motion. In a percentage of the population, the joint can even become fused later in life. 

 

Your hip on the other hand is much less stable, and much more stable! This mobility allows the leg to be moved in all ranges of motion and planes of movement. 

Why it Matters:

While the hip and S.I. joint are very different in structure and function, they share similar pain patterns, which often makes it difficult to tell one from the other. 

 

In fact, it's common to have S.I. joint pain mimic low back pain. Bending backward usually aggravates S.I. joint pain as a result of the compression that happens in the joint as you move. Along with this, the S.I. joint can refer pain to the buttock and outer hip area. 

 

Hip pain is more likely to occur when you walk, squat, lunge, or bring your knees to your chest.  

 

Let’s take a closer look at each.

 

·   Low back pain is often characterized by pain that radiates into the buttock or leg and may travel down to the foot.

·   S.I. joint pain usually accompanies difficulties standing, walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of the car.

·   Hip pain typically occurs when walking, squatting, and putting weight on or rotating the leg.

 

Next Steps: 

Have you felt discomfort and aren't exactly sure if it's your low back, S.I. joint, or hip?

 

It's important to find a chiropractor and get a complete evaluation so you can begin to abolish your pain. These pains can hinder your ability to do about anything throughout your day and can be pretty constant. 

 

Now’s the time to put it to rest! 

 

Why?

 

Our hips tend to wear as we age, and if your doctor is only looking at a hip X-ray to determine a plan of care, you may find yourself getting treatment for a problem that you don't have. Osteoarthritis of the hip, since it is weightbearing, can be common as you age. It is important to know that this does not necessarily correlate to your pain. 

 

At our practice, we take a look at all structures/joints that may be contributing to your pain and provide an integrated approach. Your care is extremely personalized to align with your condition and goals! 

 

Our movement assessments ensure that we can pinpoint your individual challenges, giving you the best opportunity to find a care plan that will help you get out of pain, naturally. 

Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS

ProMove Chiropractic & Performance

402.915.4901

drsealey@promovechiropractic.com

Science Source(s): 

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Spine-Health. 2021.