Hip joint pain is often an extension of back pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is the main nerve running from the spinal cord and all the way to the feet. It can cause intense pain in the buttocks as well as down the legs. There are several factors that can cause sciatic pain.

A familiar cause of sciatica is disc herniation. This is also known as a slipped disc or prolapsed disc. This can be the result of an injury or it can be age related. Osteoarthritis can cause deterioration of the disc where it puts pressure on the area where the sciatic nerve attaches to the spine. This will cause excruciating pain in the hip and leg of the affected side.

Getting to the Cause of Hip Joint Pain

Obesity is another cause for sciatic involvement. A person is determined to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over the desirable body weight. Most people think of obesity as being severely overweight. For health purposes, that margin is much narrower. It specifically addresses the issue of body fat versus muscle tone. The spine must support the weight of the body. When it is stressed, it can cause disc misalignment leading to sciatic nerve damage.

Other factors, from poor posture to spinal tumors to exertion, can lead to pain in the hip joints. It is important to identify the cause and begin treatment right away. Some conditions will only worsen with time while others tend to resolve without intervention. Rest, proper alignment, healthy diet, and strengthening exercises will all help to keep the joint structure of the body mobile and pain free.