Pain in the back of the hip can be caused by several conditions, the most common of which are sciatica, arthritis, and injuries resulting from trauma. It is important to visit a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, as the treatment for pain in the back of the hip can vary according to its cause. Stretching and exercise may, for example, be sufficient to treat some conditions such as tight muscles that lead to sciatica, though other conditions may require medications, injections, or even surgery to fix completely. If the pain is chronic, or it worsens over time, see a doctor immediately.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg becomes compressed, leading to pain anywhere throughout the length of the nerve. Pain in the back of the hip can indicate sciatica, especially if that pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling anywhere throughout the legs. Sciatica can often be treated with regular stretching and exercise, though in some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may be necessary to treat this condition. In the worst cases of sciatica, in which neurological issues may develop, a doctor may recommend surgery to address the issue, though this is not common.

If the pain in the back of the hip results from arthritis, treatment options will involve pain management techniques, since a cure for arthritis does not exist. Arthritis occurs when the ligaments and cartilage in a joint begin to degrade, which can lead to pain, inflammation, and excess movement in the joint. Arthritis treatments may include anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers, regular stretching and exercise, and even surgery. Partial and full joint replacement surgeries are sometimes recommended for arthritis sufferers who can no longer perform daily tasks; the patient must be in good health, and he or she must be prepared for a long and sometimes painful recovery period.

Injuries resulting from direct traumas are very common causes of pain in the back of the hip. Athletes may experience such pain after falling or colliding with a solid object, which can lead to fractures, muscle strains and tears, or bruising. In many cases, the RICE treatment is used for such injuries; RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps help to prevent swelling, decrease pain, and stimulate blood flow to the injury to encourage faster healing. More severe injuries may require more aggressive treatment.