How Hip Dysfunction Can Trigger Functional Back Pain: What You Need To Know

Back pain can arise from various causes, ranging from spine fractures to kidney infections. However, the majority of back pain is mechanical in nature. Essentially, the mechanical functions of the spine and its supporting structures fail to perform as they should, causing the joints to become swollen and inflamed.

Understanding Mechanical Pain Syndromes

Mechanical pain syndromes typically stem from a functional movement disorder. In simple terms, a functional movement disorder occurs when there is an issue with the control of an otherwise healthy system. For example, if someone has an altered gait due to Parkinson’s disease, this is a clear movement disorder. On the other hand, when someone’s gait changes due to tight hips caused by prolonged sitting, as is common for office workers who sit for over 2,000 hours a year, this is considered a functional movement disorder.

The Implications of Functional Movement Disorder

Understanding that back pain is often a result of functional movement disorders is crucial for effective treatment. Common remedies like anti-inflammatory medications (such as Advil or Aleve), icing, and stretching are often insufficient. While these may provide temporary relief, they primarily target the pain itself and overlook the underlying functional disorder causing the pain. The key to effective treatment is addressing the root cause: the movement disorder.

The Role of Hip Mobility in Back Pain

A common contributor to mechanical back pain is restricted hip motion. In today’s modern world, where many people spend hours sitting, the hip flexors—muscles responsible for bringing the knee towards the chest—become shortened and tight. These shortened hip flexors limit the ability to extend the hip properly. However, hip extension is essential for various functional movements such as standing up, walking, running, and jumping.

When the hips are restricted, the body compensates by using the lower back to perform movements it should be able to do with the hips. Specifically, the gluteus maximus muscles, which are meant to extend the hip, are not effectively engaged. As a result, the body may unconsciously overextend the lower back during each step as a substitute for hip extension. This repetitive motion of arching the lower back can go unnoticed for a long time, until the pain from inflamed spine joints becomes apparent and, in some cases, disabling. The discomfort is often exacerbated after walking, running, or prolonged standing.

Correcting the Functional Movement Disorder

To address this issue, it’s essential to restore proper hip motion to avoid compensatory back movements. The best approach to treating this functional movement disorder involves chiropractic rehabilitation. This targeted therapy works to re-balance the hips and restore proper movement patterns, ultimately relieving the strain placed on the lower back. Without fully addressing the dysfunction at its source—through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan—the symptoms are likely to return over time.

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Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
J. Colby Poston, DC
Daniel H. Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

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