Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain in Walnut Creek, California
Is Hip Pain Making Everyday Movement More Difficult?
Have you noticed discomfort when getting up from a chair, walking through the grocery store, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of your car?
Maybe your hip feels stiff first thing in the morning.
Perhaps you notice an ache along the outside of your hip after a long day, or discomfort in your groin when you bend, twist, or take a longer walk.
You might even feel pain in your hip when lying on your side at night.
At first, you may brush it off as something that will go away on its own. But when hip discomfort begins affecting the activities you enjoy, it's natural to wonder what's causing it and what you can do about it.
Hip pain isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
Sometimes discomfort comes from the hip joint itself. Other times, nearby muscles, tendons, the pelvis, or the lower back may be involved.
At Stojanovich Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Nick Stojanovich takes an individualized approach to evaluating hip discomfort, considering how the hip, pelvis, lower back, and surrounding joints work together.
With more than 27 years in chiropractic practice, Dr. Nick helps patients explore appropriate conservative care for musculoskeletal concerns affecting everyday movement.
Where Does Hip Pain Usually Occur?
Not everyone experiences hip pain in the same place.
Understanding where you feel discomfort can provide useful clues about which structures may be involved.
Pain Along the Outside of the Hip
Discomfort on the outer side of the hip may involve the muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues surrounding the joint.
Some people notice tenderness when pressing on the area or lying on the affected side.
Pain in the Groin or Front of the Hip
Pain felt toward the front of the hip or deep in the groin may be associated with structures inside the hip joint, including conditions affecting the joint surfaces or surrounding tissues.
This type of discomfort may become noticeable when walking, squatting, or rotating the leg.
Pain in the Back of the Hip or Buttock
Discomfort in the buttock or back of the hip may sometimes originate from the lower back, sacroiliac region, or nearby muscles.
Pain in this area doesn't always mean the hip joint itself is responsible.
Hip Pain That Travels Into the Thigh
Some hip conditions can produce discomfort extending into the thigh or toward the knee.
Likewise, certain lower-back conditions can create symptoms that are felt around the hip or leg.
Because several structures can produce similar symptoms, identifying the source of discomfort is an important part of determining appropriate care.
What Are Common Symptoms Associated With Hip Problems?
Hip-related musculoskeletal complaints may involve more than pain alone.
Depending on the underlying cause, you might notice:
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Aching or tenderness around the hip
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Stiffness after sitting or resting
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Discomfort when walking or climbing stairs
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Difficulty getting in or out of a vehicle
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Pain when lying on one side
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Reduced ability to rotate or bend the hip
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Discomfort when standing for long periods
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Pain during certain exercises or recreational activities
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A catching, clicking, or snapping sensation
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Discomfort extending into the groin, buttock, or thigh
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Changes in walking patterns
Some symptoms may develop gradually, while others begin after a particular activity or injury.
Persistent, worsening, or unexplained symptoms deserve evaluation rather than assuming they're simply part of aging.
What Causes Hip Pain?
The hip is a large ball-and-socket joint that plays an important role in standing, walking, bending, and transferring weight between the upper and lower body.
Its movement depends on several structures working together, including bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and surrounding joints.
Hip pain can develop for many reasons.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves changes in the cartilage and other tissues within a joint.
In the hip, it may be associated with stiffness, reduced movement, and discomfort during weight-bearing activities.
Symptoms and severity vary, and imaging findings don't always correspond directly to the amount of pain someone experiences.
Chiropractic care cannot reverse osteoarthritis, but selected conservative approaches may be considered for associated musculoskeletal discomfort when appropriate.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Pain along the outside of the hip may be associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
This term commonly includes conditions affecting the gluteal tendons and nearby tissues.
People with this condition may experience tenderness on the outside of the hip, discomfort while walking, or pain when lying on the affected side.
Treatment depends on the underlying findings and may involve activity modification, exercise-based rehabilitation, or other appropriate care.
Hip Flexor Strain
The hip flexor muscles help bring the thigh toward the body.
These muscles may become irritated or strained during sports, exercise, repetitive movements, or sudden changes in activity.
Symptoms can include discomfort toward the front of the hip, particularly when lifting the knee or extending the hip.
Gluteal Muscle and Tendon Problems
The gluteal muscles help stabilize the pelvis and control movement during walking and other activities.
Strains or tendon-related conditions can contribute to discomfort around the buttock or outer hip.
An evaluation can help distinguish these concerns from pain arising elsewhere.
Sacroiliac Joint-Related Pain
The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum at the base of the spine to the pelvis.
Pain associated with this region may be felt in the lower back, buttock, or surrounding pelvic area.
Because symptoms can overlap with hip and lumbar conditions, careful assessment is important.
Referred Pain From the Lower Back
Sometimes what feels like hip pain originates from the lumbar spine.
Certain spinal conditions may cause discomfort extending into the buttock, hip, thigh, or leg.
If symptoms involve tingling, numbness, weakness, or radiating pain, additional neurological assessment may be necessary.
Labral Injuries and Other Hip Joint Conditions
The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps support the joint.
Labral injuries and other internal hip conditions may produce groin pain, catching, or discomfort with certain movements.
Some conditions require imaging, orthopedic evaluation, or treatment beyond chiropractic care.
The purpose of an evaluation is not to assume every hip problem can be treated with an adjustment, but to help identify the most appropriate next step.
Could Your Hip Pain Actually Be Coming From Your Lower Back?
It's a question worth asking.
The hip and lower back are closely connected through the pelvis, surrounding muscles, and the way the body moves.
Some lumbar spine conditions can cause pain that is felt in the buttock or hip area.
Likewise, restricted hip movement can influence how someone performs activities involving the lower back.
But that doesn't mean every hip problem starts in the spine.
During an evaluation, Dr. Stojanovich considers whether symptoms appear to be coming from the hip, lower back, surrounding soft tissues, or another source.
When findings suggest a condition outside the appropriate scope of chiropractic care, further medical evaluation may be recommended.
Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Walk?
Walking requires coordinated movement through the hips, pelvis, knees, ankles, and feet.
Hip discomfort during walking may be associated with joint conditions, muscle or tendon problems, altered movement patterns, or referred pain.
You might notice that discomfort begins after a certain distance or becomes more noticeable when walking uphill.
Some people experience symptoms when they first begin moving, while others notice increasing discomfort the longer they remain active.
The timing, location, and characteristics of your symptoms can help guide an evaluation.
Persistent pain that limits walking shouldn't be ignored.
Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Sleep on My Side?
Pain while lying on one side is a common complaint among people experiencing discomfort around the outside of the hip.
Pressure on sensitive tendons and surrounding tissues may contribute to symptoms.
However, side-lying pain isn't specific to one diagnosis.
The appropriate treatment depends on what is causing the discomfort.
If nighttime pain is persistent, worsening, or unexplained, medical assessment may be appropriate.
Why Does My Hip Feel Stiff After Sitting?
Have you ever stood up after working at your desk, watching a movie, or driving for a while and noticed that your hip feels stiff?
Several musculoskeletal conditions may contribute to discomfort after prolonged sitting.
For some people, symptoms become less noticeable after moving around. Others continue to experience pain or restricted motion.
Factors such as hip joint changes, muscle or tendon irritation, and lower-back conditions may be relevant.
Rather than assuming the problem is caused by sitting alone, it's helpful to evaluate the pattern of symptoms and any associated limitations.
Can Hip Pain Affect Your Knees, Back, or Walking Pattern?
The hip plays an important role in lower-body movement.
When the hip is painful or movement is limited, some people begin changing the way they walk, stand, or perform daily activities.
These adjustments can sometimes place different demands on surrounding muscles and joints.
However, pain in the knee or lower back isn't automatically caused by the hip.
Dr. Stojanovich considers the relationship between these areas when evaluating appropriate musculoskeletal concerns.
How Does Dr. Nick Evaluate Hip Pain?
At Stojanovich Chiropractic, care begins with listening.
Dr. Nick wants to understand what you're experiencing, how your symptoms developed, and how they're affecting your daily activities.
Your evaluation may include discussion of:
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Where your hip discomfort is located
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When symptoms first began
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Whether an injury or activity preceded the pain
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Movements that make symptoms better or worse
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Difficulty with walking, standing, sitting, or sleeping
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Previous hip or lower-back problems
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Relevant medical history
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Your current activity level and goals
When appropriate, a physical examination may include assessment of hip movement, surrounding joints, muscle function, and relevant neurological findings.
Dr. Stojanovich may also examine the lower back, pelvis, knees, ankles, or feet when those areas appear relevant to your symptoms.
Not every patient requires the same examination or treatment.
If the findings suggest a fracture, advanced joint disease, significant nerve involvement, or another condition requiring additional medical assessment, Dr. Nick can recommend appropriate referral or diagnostic imaging.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Hip Pain?
Chiropractic care may be considered for certain musculoskeletal complaints involving the hip, pelvis, or related joints.
However, its suitability depends on the underlying cause.
For selected patients, conservative chiropractic care may focus on joint mobility, musculoskeletal discomfort, and movement-related limitations.
Some hip conditions respond better to exercise-based rehabilitation, medical treatment, or other interventions.
Others may require orthopedic evaluation.
There is limited evidence for chiropractic hip adjustments as a stand-alone treatment for many specific hip disorders, so benefits should not be assumed.
Dr. Stojanovich evaluates each patient individually and recommends care based on clinical findings rather than treating every type of hip pain the same way.
Does Dr. Nick Adjust the Hip Joint?
Yes. In addition to spinal chiropractic care, Dr. Nick provides extremity evaluation and adjustments when clinically appropriate.
Extremity care may involve joints outside the spine, including the hips, shoulders, knees, ankles, and other areas.
An adjustment is not automatically appropriate for every hip complaint.
Certain injuries, advanced joint conditions, or other medical findings may require a different approach.
If a hip adjustment is being considered, Dr. Stojanovich can explain the proposed technique, its purpose, potential risks, and alternatives.
What Chiropractic Treatments May Be Considered for Hip Discomfort?
Depending on the evaluation findings, Dr. Nick may consider one or more appropriate conservative approaches.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Selected joint adjustments may be used when examination findings indicate an appropriate musculoskeletal reason for treatment.
The technique and treatment area depend on the individual's needs.
Evaluation of the Lower Back and Pelvis
When hip symptoms appear related to the lumbar spine or surrounding pelvic structures, those areas may also be evaluated.
Care is directed toward the findings rather than assuming the hip itself is always the source of discomfort.
Supportive Soft-Tissue Therapies
When appropriate, Dr. Stojanovich may incorporate supportive modalities offered at the office, such as G5 massage or therapeutic ultrasound.
These therapies are not necessary for every patient, and their usefulness depends on the specific condition.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, may be considered as an adjunct for selected musculoskeletal complaints.
Evidence varies by condition and treatment protocol, and it should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment for hip pain.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is another service available at Stojanovich Chiropractic.
Its use depends on the individual and the intended purpose. Evidence for particular hip conditions remains limited.
Muscle Stimulation or Microcurrent
Electrical stimulation techniques may sometimes be considered as supportive care for selected musculoskeletal complaints.
Their appropriateness depends on the diagnosis, contraindications, and individual circumstances.
Movement and Activity Guidance
Depending on the findings, Dr. Stojanovich may discuss everyday movements, activity modifications, or other appropriate self-care considerations.
Some conditions require structured rehabilitation or specialized medical treatment, and referral may be recommended when indicated.
Could Your Feet or Walking Mechanics Be Contributing to Hip Discomfort?
The feet, ankles, knees, and hips work together during standing and walking.
For some individuals, footwear or lower-extremity mechanics may be relevant to a broader musculoskeletal evaluation.
Stojanovich Chiropractic also offers custom orthotics and custom orthotic flip-flops.
However, custom orthotics aren't a universal treatment for hip pain, and they aren't appropriate for everyone.
If foot mechanics or footwear appear relevant to your symptoms, Dr. Nick can discuss whether further assessment makes sense.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Hip Arthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a joint condition involving changes in cartilage and other joint tissues.
Chiropractic adjustments do not reverse these changes or regenerate lost cartilage.
For selected patients, certain conservative approaches may be considered for associated musculoskeletal discomfort, but treatment must account for the condition's severity and the patient's overall health.
Exercise, activity modification, weight management when appropriate, medications, physical therapy, and orthopedic care may also play roles in evidence-based management.
Patients with significant symptoms or progressive functional limitations may need medical or orthopedic evaluation.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Hip Pain After Exercise?
Hip discomfort can sometimes develop after an increase in activity, a new workout routine, or repetitive movements.
Possible causes include muscle strain, tendon irritation, joint-related conditions, and other injuries.
A chiropractic evaluation may help determine whether a musculoskeletal complaint is appropriate for conservative care.
However, severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or symptoms following significant trauma require prompt medical assessment.
What Can You Do at Home for Mild Hip Discomfort?
For mild, uncomplicated discomfort, some people find it helpful to temporarily modify activities that aggravate symptoms.
Depending on the cause, gentle movement, appropriate rest from provoking activities, or carefully selected exercises may be useful.
Avoid forcing painful stretches or attempting to manipulate your own hip.
If pain persists, worsens, or limits everyday movement, seek an appropriate evaluation.
The right self-care approach depends on the diagnosis, not simply the location of the pain.
When Should Hip Pain Be Evaluated Urgently?
Some hip symptoms require prompt medical attention rather than a routine chiropractic appointment.
Seek emergency care for:
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Severe hip pain after a fall or injury
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Inability to stand or bear weight after an injury
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A visibly deformed or shortened leg
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Sudden severe pain with significant swelling
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A hot, swollen joint accompanied by fever or feeling seriously ill
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New loss of bladder or bowel control with back or leg symptoms
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Numbness around the groin or saddle area
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Sudden or progressive significant leg weakness
Seek timely medical evaluation for persistent unexplained pain, worsening nighttime pain, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that continue despite appropriate conservative care.
Hip pain can occasionally reflect conditions that are not primarily musculoskeletal, so concerning symptoms should not be overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain and Chiropractic Care
Can a Chiropractor Help With Hip Pain?
A chiropractor may evaluate and provide appropriate conservative care for selected musculoskeletal complaints involving the hip, pelvis, or surrounding joints. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the pain.
Does Dr. Nick Adjust Hips?
Yes. Dr. Nick Stojanovich provides chiropractic extremity care, including evaluation and adjustment of appropriate hip joint complaints when clinically indicated.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Hip Pain?
There isn't one cause that applies to everyone. Hip pain may involve osteoarthritis, tendon-related conditions, muscle strains, joint injuries, referred lower-back pain, or other medical conditions.
How Do I Know if My Hip Pain Is Coming From My Back?
Hip and lower-back conditions can produce overlapping symptoms. The location of pain, associated neurological symptoms, examination findings, and sometimes diagnostic imaging help determine the likely source.
Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Walk?
Walking-related hip pain may involve joint conditions, tendons, muscles, or other structures. Persistent pain should be evaluated to identify the cause.
Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Sleep on My Side?
Pain on the outside of the hip while lying on that side can occur with certain tendon-related conditions, but other causes are possible.
Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Get Out of a Chair?
Stiffness or pain after sitting may be associated with hip joint conditions, soft-tissue problems, or referred discomfort. An evaluation can help clarify the cause.
Can Hip Pain Travel Down My Leg?
Yes. Some hip conditions produce discomfort extending into the thigh or knee. Lower-back conditions may also cause pain traveling into the leg.
Can Hip Problems Cause Knee Pain?
Certain hip conditions can produce referred pain near the knee. However, knee pain has many possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to the hip.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Hip Arthritis?
Chiropractic care cannot reverse arthritis. Selected conservative approaches may be considered for associated musculoskeletal symptoms, but management depends on the condition's severity and individual needs.
Can a Chiropractor Treat Hip Bursitis?
Pain historically described as hip bursitis may involve tendons and other structures around the outside of the hip. Appropriate management depends on the diagnosis, and exercise-based rehabilitation is often an important component.
Can Chiropractic Adjustments Help With Tight Hips?
Some movement-related complaints may be appropriate for chiropractic evaluation, but the cause of stiffness should be assessed before selecting treatment.
Is It Safe to Have My Hip Adjusted?
The suitability and risks of an adjustment depend on the individual and the condition. Certain injuries or medical findings may make manipulation inappropriate. Dr. Stojanovich evaluates these factors before recommending care.
Do I Need an X-Ray for Hip Pain?
Not everyone needs imaging. X-rays or other studies may be appropriate depending on the history, examination, injury circumstances, and suspected condition. Dr. Stojanovich can refer patients for diagnostic imaging when indicated.
Can Hip Pain Be Caused by Sciatica?
Pain related to irritation of certain lower-back nerve structures may be felt around the buttock or hip and extend into the leg. Not all hip pain is sciatica.
Can Custom Orthotics Help With Hip Pain?
Footwear and lower-extremity mechanics may be relevant for some people, but custom orthotics are not a guaranteed treatment for hip pain. Their appropriateness depends on individual findings.
How Many Chiropractic Visits Will I Need for Hip Pain?
There is no universal number of visits. Recommendations depend on the underlying condition, examination findings, response to care, and personal goals.
Can I Keep Exercising With Hip Pain?
That depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Some activities may be appropriate with modification, while certain injuries require rest or medical assessment. Avoid pushing through severe or worsening pain.
When Should I See a Doctor for Hip Pain?
Seek evaluation for persistent, worsening, or unexplained hip pain. Severe pain after trauma, inability to bear weight, fever with a painful swollen joint, or serious neurological symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Where Can I Find Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain in Walnut Creek, California?
Stojanovich Chiropractic offers musculoskeletal evaluation and individualized chiropractic care for appropriate hip-related complaints in Walnut Creek, California. Dr. Nick Stojanovich serves patients from Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, and surrounding Contra Costa County and East Bay communities.
Looking for Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain in Walnut Creek, California?
Whether your hip discomfort began after an activity, developed gradually, or has been interfering with your everyday routine, understanding what's causing your symptoms is an important first step.
You may be wondering whether the problem is coming from your hip, lower back, or surrounding muscles and joints.
At Stojanovich Chiropractic, Dr. Nick Stojanovich takes the time to listen, evaluate your concerns, and discuss appropriate care options.
With more than 27 years in chiropractic practice, Dr. Nick provides individualized musculoskeletal care, including chiropractic adjustments and extremity evaluation when appropriate.
If hip discomfort is making it harder to enjoy your daily activities, contact Stojanovich Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and explore your next steps.
