If a nerve in your hip is pinched by surrounding muscles, bones, or tendons, you may experience tingling or pain. Pinched nerve pain is a common problem, and it can create a range of uncomfortable sensations. You may have a pinched nerve in the hip if you have:
- A dull ache through the hips and buttocks.
- Sharp or searing pain in the thigh, hip or groin areas.
- Numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in the hip that may extend down the leg.
- Muscle weakness and restricted range of motion, especially during certain activities.
Read below for details on what causes a pinched nerve in the hip, and how to treat a pinched nerve in your hip at home or with help from a physical therapist.
What Causes a Pinched Nerve in the Hip?
You may be able to identify a sports injury or accident as what causes a pinched nerve in the hip, but the problem can also occur due to repetitive stress, not stretching before or after exercise, or simply sleeping in an improper position.
How to Treat a Pinched Nerve in Hip: Home Remedies & Physical Therapy
How to treat a pinched nerve in the hip depends on your pain level. First, try home remedies like rest, anti-inflammatories, and alternating between heat and cold pads. If your pain is more persistent or severe, you may need to address the tight muscles and tendons that are causing the pinched nerve.
A physical therapist can suggest specific stretches that will gently relieve pressure on too-tight muscles and tendons, and advise you on how to treat a pinched nerve in the hip at home, should the issue recur. Your therapist may treat you with Active Release Technique and manual therapy, and suggest stretches that target the:
- Gluteal muscles – Tight muscles in the buttock area may be what causes a pinched nerve in your hip. What’s more, tension in the gluteal muscles can worsen lower back pain.
- Piriformis muscle – A flat, narrow muscle located in the gluteal area, the piriformis can become tight and aggravate pinched nerve pain in the hip.
- Lower back and abdominals – Strengthening your abdominals and stretching your lower back can reduce pressure and tension in your hip. Your physical therapist will give you a range of stretches and exercises to increase flexibility, which will help you to reduce pain in the present—and avoid what causes a pinched nerve in the hip going forward.
Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain With Physical Therapy
If nerve pain in the hip is limiting your mobility and preventing you from Request an appointment today at an IMPACT Physical Therapy location near you! You can find us in Chicago (South Loop, Lakeview, and Norridge). We also have facilities in Champaign Urbana, and in the southwest suburbs of Hinsdale, Oak Lawn, and Orland Park.
