Hip and Leg Pain

We have two hip bones, one on each side. In infancy these bones are separated, the ilium, the ischium and the pubis. They begin uniting during the infancy period and are completely fused by puberty. Once they are fused they all make up what we call the hip bones.

The sacrum and coccyx join the hip bones from behind and the symphysis pubus connects the hip bones in front. Collectively, the hip bones, sacrum, coccyx and the symphysis pubus make up what is termed the pelvis.

Male and Female Pelvis

The male pelvis has a greater height and is more massive and narrow than the female pelvic. These differences are attributed to the larger size of a man and the childbearing needs of a woman.

The Hip Joint

The head of the thigh bone (femur) and the acetabulum (socket) of the hip bone both form the hip joint.

The Sacroiliac Joint

The sacrum and the ilium form the sacroiliac joint. This joint has many surface irregularities and interlocking irregularities that limit movement.

Symphysis Pubis

The joint in front where the pubic bones meet is the symphysis pubis. It has a disc called the interpubic disc, which is similar to the intervertebral discs of the spine. This joint can separate during pregnancy so that the cavity may become large enough for childbirth.

Lower Back, Buttock and Thigh Pain

Sacroiliac problems are usually felt first in the hip, buttock or thigh. The range of motion of this area is small and when it is restricted even further it may become extremely painful. Studies have indicated that 50 to 70 percent of adults with low back pain have sacroiliac subluxations. Some of the causes of sacroiliac pain are sprain, strain, uneven weight distribution, organ disease, fixation of the joint and ligament disease.

Pregnancy

Sacroiliac movement, increased flexibility of the ligaments, and increased instability of the joints all occur during pregnancy. This is why chiropractic examination and care is necessary during this time. A healthy and subluxation free body will ensure a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery.

Children

Children are in need of chiropractic care, as their sacroiliac joints are not fully fused and are subject to all types of trauma. Studies indicate alarming numbers of children with sacroiliac problems that, without treatment, may lead to a lifetime of disorder and disease.

 The Medical Approach

In the medical field, sacroiliac pain symptoms are controlled by drug therapy, however the medical fields beliefs on the sacroiliac joint is controversial. The medical field, despite more than 50years of documentation, does not believe that the sacroiliac joints can move. If there is not an accurate understanding of the body part, there is not accurate way to treat any condition or disease that affects it.

Spinal Nerve Stress

You may suffer from spinal nerve stress for years before a symptom appears, but while symptoms are absent the damage to the body is being done over time.  This is why a chiropractic check-up and maintenance is very important. A vertebral subluxation, diagnosed in its early stage is easier to correct than a subluxation that has progressed to the point of actual symptoms. Just as we should see our dentist regularly, we should see our chiropractor regularly.  Like dental care, if a cavity is located when it is small it may be filled, but if one waits until pain is noticed that cavity may have already damaged the tooth beyond repair, the same holds true for vertebral subluxation.

The Chiropractic Approach

Your Chiropractors goal is to relieve your body of vertebral subluxations so that your body may function properly. Uncorrected vertebral subluxations can cause a weakening of the spinal muscles, stretch and deform the spinal column, cartilage, discs and vertebrae. This causes a lack of energy, early aging and fatigue.  But the most prevalent result of spinal nerve stress is the irritation of the nervous system and brain stem.  This irritation is an interference that interrupts the information and energy flow to the various parts of the body and lowers our natural resistance to sickness and disease. Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct vertebral subluxation through examination and spinal adjustment. The adjustments relieve the nerve stress and assist in restoration of body function. Proper functioning of the nervous system through chiropractic treatment is one of the best defenses against conditions and diseases that one would normally not be susceptible to.

 Although chiropractic does not treat the disorder or disease, it does treat the person with the disorder or disease, strengthening their body and relieving spinal nerves stress, which enables their body to function more properly and heal. This is the reason for the great number of people who have found relief through chiropractic care.