please help me diagnose this hip pain...

[wholewheatchick]

So, at first I thought I had early sciatica, but I'm pretty sure that isn't the problem now. Then I thought I had SPD (symphysis pubic disfunction) but I am really not sure about that, either.

Basically, my pubic bone area feels fine. Not remotely different. My back is rarely sore. My left hip, though, is killing me. It feels like it is generally localized to the ball and socket join itself, but sometimes the pain seems to go lower, to the bottom of my butt, and higher, like to the top of my pelvis, again on the back side. My right hip is as good as new, no problems at all.

Here is what hurts:
Laying on either side in bed, but esp. the left side. Pillows between my legs don't seem to really help, because it almost feels like my legs are being spread too far apart.
Laying on my right side, and lifting my left leg straight up (like a leg lift you would do to do "scissor kick") more than 2 feet
Sitting for more than an hour
Standing for more than an hour

Sometimes this is bothersome:
Getting out of the car.
Occassionally, breast stroke while swimming laps

But these things are ok:
Pigeon pose
Root Squat
Walking
Swimming, almost all of the time

Any idea? I am about ready to call a chropractor, but I wouldn't even know what to say that my problems are! Plus I leave on Sat. for 2 weeks, but this is getting worse, and making it very difficult to sleep at night...

[russsk]

Could be your SI joint. Mine have been bothering me this entire pregnancy, but my chiropractor has really helped. In any case, I think if you go in for an adjustment your chiropractor should be able to help, whether you can label the problem or now.

[lyterae]

DDC

It could also be that your pelvis is out of alignment, I second the recomendation for the chiropractor. For me it's the right side, I can feel the pain in my lower back, and through my right hip and down into my thigh.

[wholewheatchick]

I called a chiropractor in our area who also specializes in prenatal alignment, so I go there tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes!

[colorbywords]

I had problems similar to that. My midwife said that my hip was out of socket. It got to be excruciating and then got better on it's own. I imagine a chiropractor would make it better faster!

[Ianthe]

Originally Posted by lyterae

It could also be that your pelvis is out of alignment, I second the recomendation for the chiropractor.

This is what my hip pains were, the chiro helped a lot!

[ein328]

Originally Posted by LizzyQ

This is what my hip pains were, the chiro helped a lot!

Ditto. Because my pelvis was out of alignment, my hips were actually "twisted," which put more pressure on one than the other. Seeing a chiro saved me and kept me running through pregnancy- although keep in mind that it will probably take continuous care to keep up with it. Our ligaments are so loose during pregnancy that a readjustment doesn't "stick" for very long.

[Angela512]

I had the same problem and it was managed with weekly visits to the chiro.

I hope your appointment goes well and you feel better soon!!

[Joyster]

sounds exactly what I deal with. A good chiropractor sorted it all out though. I totally recommend it.

[jcregan]

I had something similar with my first, pelvis was shifted on one side - it was horrible and the chiro helped a ton... but it never got fully better until I finally also saw a PT about 8 weeks after my daughter was born. The PT ended up giving me a really simple/easy stretching type move that actually got everything back where it should be. Even after this I still had occasional problems until I got back into exercise and really strengthen all my back/stomach and leg muscles again post partum.

Definitely do the chiro but I also advocate at least considering a PT visit as well if you need more help.

[shoefairy3]

I get that, it is due to SPD for me.

[TabithaB]

I had the same thing with my first son (he is turning 8) and with this pregnancy. I went to the chiropractor a couple of weeks ago and got an adjustment. It helped so much. I am due in October. You don't necessarily need a "bunch" of chiro care to take care of it. One adjustment did the trick. He told me to come back in a couple of days if there was no improvement and recommended that I come back and see him once or twice before I had the baby to keep me in alignment to make the birth a bit easier.

He said I had bursitis in my right hip from being out of alignment.

[Stitches]

I have similar problems. I have SPD, but my main symptoms are in my SI joint, basically my whole pelvic girdle loosens up. I have problems with my SI joint dating way back to old back injuries and knee problems that my orthotist called 'miserable mal-alignment'. I find a pelvic support belt helps, and trying to move frequently in bed, I get a pretty sore hip if I've slept on one side too long.

[etsdtm99]

i have the same thing - though its always my right hip - it actually bothered me more between pregnancies than it has this pregnancy but if i don't see the chiropractor at least every 2-3 weeks while pregnant it gets REALLY bad.. my chiro can tell when its hurting without me even telling him

[wholewheatchick]

Saw the chiro for the first time today. It turns out that my pelvis is really twisted...like my left iliac crest is tilted forward, and my right iliac crest is tilted back. And my round ligaments are still really tight, which partly explains why my belly is still so small. So I go back to see her when I get home from vacation, and she gave me some specific yoga moves to do in the meantime. So far, very worth the money!!!

[Angela512]

Glad you went!!! I had this problem (but wasn't during pregnancy) and it was corrected with exercises, adjustments, etc. Definitely feel much better!!

Have a great vacay!!

[forest~mama]

I had this during my last pg-it got so bad I could hardly walk. Some chiro trips saved me.