Texas Orthopaedic Associates — Hip & Spine Specialists in Dallas–Fort Worth
Hip pain and lower back pain are two of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedic specialist — and also two of the most commonly confused. Because the hip joint and the lumbar spine sit so close together and share similar nerve pathways, pain from one area can easily feel like it’s coming from the other.
So how do you know if it’s really your hip… or your back?
Why Hip Pain and Back Pain Get Mixed Up
Both areas support weight-bearing movement — walking, bending, twisting, sitting, and standing — which means they stress and strain together. On top of that, nerves from the spine travel through the pelvis and hip region. Irritation in one area can “refer” pain somewhere else.
Patients often describe:
- Back problems that cause pain in the hip, buttock, or thigh
- Hip joint problems that cause pain in the groin or low back
- Nerve compression in the spine that mimics hip pain down the leg
This overlap makes self-diagnosing difficult without a proper orthopedic evaluation.
Clues That the Pain Is Coming From the Hip
Hip joint pain typically shows up in the front of the hip or groin and may worsen with weight-bearing or rotation of the leg. Common symptoms include:
- Groin pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
- Stiffness or limited hip rotation
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Catching or clicking with movement
Typical causes include hip arthritis, labral tears, impingement, bursitis, or tendon irritation.
Clues That the Pain Is Coming From the Back
Pain originating in the lumbar spine often travels along the buttock, hamstring, or calf, and may feel sharp, electric, or burning. Common signs include:
- Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or toes
- Pain that improves with sitting or worsens with bending
- Weakness in one leg
Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, or arthritis of the spine.
You May Have Hip and Back Problems at the Same Time
Many patients don’t have a single cause — they have a hip issue that changes posture and irritates the back, or a spine problem that alters gait and stresses the hip. This is called “hip–spine syndrome,” and it requires a specialist trained to treat both.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
You should schedule an evaluation if your pain:
- Lasts more than a few weeks
- Makes it hard to walk, stand, or sleep
- Is accompanied by leg weakness or numbness
- Limits your daily activities or exercise
At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, our fellowship-trained hip surgeons, spine surgeons, and non-surgical specialists work together to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain and build a personalized treatment plan.
Get a Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment in DFW
Whether your pain is coming from your hip, your back, or both, the right diagnosis is the first step to feeling better. We offer advanced imaging, non-surgical treatments, physical therapy, and surgical expertise across multiple locations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Schedule an appointment with Texas Orthopaedic Associates today to get answers — and get back to what you love without pain.
