Hip Pain and Gonstead Chiropractic: Understanding the Hip, Pelvis, and Lower Back

Hip pain can make simple activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting into a car, exercising, or standing for long periods uncomfortable.

Hip problems may develop gradually from repetitive stress, changes in activity, previous injuries, muscle weakness, or age-related changes. They can also occur following sports injuries, falls, automobile accidents, or other trauma.

When hip pain develops, most people naturally focus on the hip itself. However, the hip functions as part of a larger mechanical system that includes the pelvis, lumbar spine, knees, ankles, and feet.

From a Gonstead chiropractic perspective, evaluating these related structures may provide a more complete understanding of the mechanical factors that could be associated with hip pain.

The Hip and Pelvis Work Together

The hip is a highly mobile joint that connects the lower extremity to the pelvis.

The pelvis provides a foundation for the lumbar spine and serves as an attachment point for many muscles involved in movement and stabilization of the lower back, hips, and legs.

Because these structures work together, changes in one area can influence movement in another.

For example, a person with restricted hip movement may compensate by changing how the pelvis or lower back moves. Similarly, someone experiencing lower back or pelvic discomfort may alter the way they walk or use the hip.

These relationships do not mean that every hip problem originates in the spine. Hip pain has many possible causes, and an appropriate examination is important for determining what may be contributing to an individual's symptoms.

Stability and Mobility of the Hip

The hip must provide both stability and mobility.

It needs enough stability to support the body during standing and walking while also allowing the leg to move through a wide range of motion.

When the hip or surrounding structures are exposed to repetitive stress, certain muscles may become tense and movement may become restricted. A person may then compensate by using other parts of the body differently.

Over time, altered movement patterns may contribute to additional stress on the hip, pelvis, lower back, knee, or other areas.

The Connection Between the Hip and Lower Back

The lumbar spine and pelvis are closely connected to hip movement.

Activities such as walking, running, bending, lifting, and squatting require coordinated movement between the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hips.

For this reason, a person with hip pain may benefit from having not only the hip but also the lumbar spine and pelvis evaluated.

A Gonstead examination may identify specific findings involving spinal and joint motion that could be relevant to the patient's symptoms.

Hip Pain and Movement Patterns

The way a person moves can change after an injury or when pain develops.

Someone with hip discomfort may unconsciously shorten their stride, shift their weight, or avoid certain movements.

Similarly, a previous ankle, knee, or back injury may influence how the person loads the hip during everyday activities or exercise.

These movement patterns can be particularly important for athletes and people whose occupations require prolonged standing, walking, lifting, or repetitive movement.

Understanding these patterns can provide a more complete picture of the patient's condition.

Why Does Hip Pain Keep Coming Back?

Temporary pain relief does not necessarily mean that all contributing factors have been addressed.

Recurring hip pain may be associated with factors such as:

• Previous injuries
• Repetitive activity
• Restricted joint movement
• Muscle weakness or imbalance
• Changes in walking mechanics
• Occupational demands
• Sports activity
• Prolonged sitting
• Limited mobility

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine which factors may be relevant to the individual patient.

A Gonstead Approach to Hip Problems

The Gonstead System emphasizes a detailed examination rather than assuming that every hip problem has the same cause.

Depending on the patient's condition, an examination may include:

• Postural evaluation
• Static palpation
• Motion palpation
• Instrumentation
• Range-of-motion testing
• Orthopedic testing
• Neurological examination
• Evaluation of the lumbar spine
• Evaluation of the pelvis and sacroiliac region
• Evaluation of related joints and movement patterns
• X-rays when clinically indicated

These findings are considered together with the patient's history and reported symptoms.

This approach can help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether additional medical evaluation may be necessary.

Why Treating Only the Hip May Not Be Enough

The hip does not function independently.

The pelvis, lumbar spine, knee, ankle, and foot all contribute to lower-extremity movement. When hip pain is present, it can therefore be useful to consider the entire kinetic chain.

When appropriate, chiropractic care may focus on identified spinal or pelvic findings. Depending on the patient's condition, rehabilitation exercises, strengthening, mobility work, activity modification, or other forms of care may also be recommended.

The appropriate approach depends on the individual's examination findings and overall condition.

Hip Pain and Exercise

Regular movement is important for maintaining strength and mobility. However, continuing high-impact or repetitive activities despite significant pain may not be appropriate.

Athletes and active individuals may need to temporarily modify certain activities while irritated tissues recover.

A gradual return to activity can be considered based on the individual's symptoms, physical findings, condition, and recommendations from their healthcare professional.

When Should Hip Pain Be Evaluated?

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if you experience:

• Persistent or recurring hip pain
• Hip stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain while walking
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Pain when standing for prolonged periods
• Pain following an injury
• Hip pain associated with lower back or pelvic discomfort
• Changes in walking or movement patterns

Significant trauma, inability to bear weight, severe pain, visible deformity, or rapidly worsening symptoms may require prompt medical evaluation.

Gonstead Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain in Fairfax, VA

At Nova Gonstead Chiropractic in Fairfax, Virginia, we evaluate hip-related problems as part of the larger mechanical relationship between the hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine.

The Gonstead System provides a detailed approach for evaluating spinal and joint motion and identifying specific clinical findings that may be relevant to the patient's condition.

If you are experiencing hip pain, hip stiffness, pelvic discomfort, or hip problems associated with lower back pain or altered movement, a comprehensive examination can help determine whether Gonstead chiropractic care may be appropriate.

Nova Gonstead Chiropractic
Fairfax, Virginia

Healthy hip function depends on both stability and mobility. Looking at the hip together with the pelvis and spine can provide a more complete understanding of how the body moves and where mechanical factors may be contributing to symptoms.

NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic Clinic
9514 Lee Hwy (Route 29), Suite B
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 359-6262