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What is the Connection Between Sciatica and Hip Pain?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Sciatica and hip pain are often associated with each other because the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down each leg, which means the nerve passes near muscles that are connected to the hip. Very often, muscles in the hip that get tight or strained can cause compression on the sciatic nerve, which can lead to sciatica. Sciatica is a painful sensation — often a shooting pain — that can run anywhere from the lower back all the way down the back of the legs due to compression on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can, therefore, also cause hip pain.

While closely connected, sciatica and hip pain do not always come together. Hip injuries and muscle strains are possible without causing sciatica, and sciatica can certainly be felt in other places besides the hips. This nerve pain is common in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, the back of the knees, and calves, even sometimes as far down as the ankles. Even if the pain is not felt in the hip, however, it may be a hip muscle causing the problem; such pain is often felt in other places than where the nerve is actually being pinched.

Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and runs past hip muscles.
Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and runs past hip muscles.

When the two do coincide, the pinched or compressed nerve is, again, not necessarily in the hip. It might get pinched somewhere in the lower back, causing a painful sensation in the hip or legs; quite frequently, in fact, sciatic pain is caused by compression on the sciatic nerve due to a slipped or herniated disc in the spine. This compression can cause a painful sensation anywhere from the lower back on down to the ankles.

Sciatica pain is often caused by a herniated disc compressing on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica pain is often caused by a herniated disc compressing on the sciatic nerve.

A lack of adequate flexibility and a lack of regular use of the hip muscles can cause sciatica and hip pain. Sitting for long periods of time, for example, increase the likelihood of sciatic nerve compression in the buttocks and hips. Sitting is a static position, meaning the muscles of the hips and lower back end up straining in the same position for long periods of time. The sciatic nerve can become pinched or compressed between tensed muscles, causing pain. Participating in a regular workout routine can help alleviate sciatic pain, and a core workout done regularly can strengthen and tone the muscles that support the spine, thereby avoiding conditions such as a slipped disc.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine
I agree, it's difficult to know if hip pain has anything to do with sciatic nerve because the pain can resonate in different areas.
burcidi

@donasmrs-- It's difficult to tell without a physical examination and an MRI.

I had herniated disc and a pinched sciatic nerve because of it for several years and never knew. I was finally diagnosed when my doctor sent me for an MRI.

There are some physical symptoms that may imply a sciatic nerve problem though. Pain when resting and relief when walking is one and you already have that. If you can't bring your kneees/legs up while lying on your back, that's another symptom. If you feel sharp pain in your lower back when you sneeze or cough, and if you have pain or numbness down one leg, you might have a pinched nerve.

But like I said, you can only confirm if this is the cause of your hip pain symptoms after you are physically examined by a doctor and get an MRI.

donasmrs

How do I know if my hip pain is caused by a pinched or compressed sciatic nerve?

I've had hip pain for the past week. It's most painful when I'm sitting or sleeping. I find some relief when I walk slowly but I can't stand in one spot for a long time.

I've applied heat and cold and I'm taking pain relievers, but the pain isn't going away. Could it be a compressed sciatic nerve?

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    • Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and runs past hip muscles.
      By: Maridav
      Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and runs past hip muscles.
    • Sciatica pain is often caused by a herniated disc compressing on the sciatic nerve.
      By: rob3000
      Sciatica pain is often caused by a herniated disc compressing on the sciatic nerve.
    • If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
      By: rob3000
      If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
    • A physical therapist can help treat hip pain caused by sciatica.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A physical therapist can help treat hip pain caused by sciatica.
    • Keeping the back muscles stretched is important for someone with sciatic pain.
      By: aceshot
      Keeping the back muscles stretched is important for someone with sciatic pain.