It is an unfortunate fact of life: when your back hurts, every other part of your body just feels out of sorts as well. When you suffer from hip and lower back pain, it can be uncomfortable to simply walk about, and you experience shooting pain that runs down one or both legs as well. In some cases, the hip and lower back pain that you are feeling can even effect your feet, causing them to swell or even become numb. Any of these symptoms should be checked out by your doctor to rule out any underlying medical problems. However, since the cause of hip and lower back pain is often not found, you and your doctor may need to work together to simply find some methods of alleviating and coping with the pain. The good news is that there are plenty of options available for those who are suffering with hip and lower back pain today, and most are noninvasive and easy to administer.

Exercise

Sometimes activity is the best treatment for hip and lower back pain, and this can include some walking with a bit of strength training. Difficulties with the lower back can often be a result of poor posture, so as you walk concentrate on keeping your abdominal muscles taut and your shoulders lined up over your hips. Strength training should focus not only on the muscles of the back, but the abdominal region as well. Strong abdominal muscles will help to support your back and take some of the pressure off of this area, preventing further back problems from occurring. If you are unsure what the best exercise is for treating and preventing hip and lower back pain, you can consult with a personal trainer, physical therapist or your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy for your hip and lower back pain, which will give you weekly access to a physical therapist that will put you on an exercise program for treatment of the current pain and strengthening to prevent future problems.

Other Treatment Options

In some cases of acute hip and lower back pain, your doctor may suggest that you try over the counter pain medications, or he may even prescribe a medicine to treat your pain. Muscle relaxants and prescriptions strength pain medications can work well over the short terms, so that you can rest and allow the injured area to heal. If your hip and lower back pain is more chronic in nature, your doctor may opt to go with an antidepressant that will not only work effectively on the pain, but will help to alleviate any stress or tension that you are feeling as a result of the pain over the long term. Another treatment option that many have found effective is chiropractic care, which can be done by a certified chiropractor or an osteopath in some cases. This type of treatment involves manipulations that adjust the spine back into alignment and remove the pressure on pinched nerves and strained muscles. Whatever treatment option you choose, you can rest assured that there is relief in sight for your hip and lower back pain.