Could Your Hip Pain Be Coming from Your Lower Back?

by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

In our clinic, we often see patients complaining of hip joint pain, only to discover that many have already received treatment for lumbar disc or spinal disorders elsewhere. Sometimes, the real source of pain lies not in the hip but in the lower back, or vice versa. In some cases, what feels like hip pain may actually be referred pain from lumbar nerve roots.

That’s why an accurate diagnosis cannot rely solely on imaging. Instead, it must integrate a thorough physical examination, imaging studies, and detailed gait analysis.

Why experienced clinicians focus more on symptoms than images

Veteran clinicians know that imaging alone often fails to tell the whole story. We prioritize clinical symptoms and functional movement patterns, especially the way a patient walks (gait pattern), to understand the underlying cause of pain.

Why is Gait Analysis so Important?

1. A Key to Uncovering the Root Cause of Pain

Gait involves a complex coordination of joints, muscles, and the nervous system. Any dysfunction in a specific body part inevitably affects the way we walk. For example, someone with ankle pain might unconsciously shift weight to the other leg to avoid discomfort. This compensatory motion can then lead to secondary pain in the knee, hip, or back.

🧠 Reference:
Whittle MW. Gait analysis: an introduction. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2014.

“Gait reflects the biomechanical status of the body and provides clues to pain or dysfunction.”

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2. Asymmetry and Chronic Pain – How Imbalances Lead to Long-Term Problems

Many patients with musculoskeletal disorders exhibit asymmetric gait patterns. Pelvic tilt, functional leg length discrepancies, and spinal rotation often manifest during walking. These imbalances place chronic stress on joints and soft tissues, potentially leading to long-standing pain conditions.

📚 Reference:
Perry J, Burnfield JM. Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function. SLACK Incorporated, 2010.

“Normal gait maintains joint and soft tissue balance, while abnormal gait can become a source of pain.”

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3. A Tool for Measuring Functional Recovery After Treatment

Gait analysis is not only useful for diagnosis—it is also an excellent way to evaluate treatment outcomes. For instance, following upper cervical chiropractic care or postural correction therapy, improvements in gait symmetry, stride length, or weight shifting often indicate positive functional change.

By comparing pre- and post-treatment gait patterns using videos or motion data, patients can also visually track their recovery, increasing their understanding and satisfaction with the treatment process.

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Final Thoughts – Movement Reflects Health

The human body works as an integrated system. Pain in one area can stem from dysfunction in another. That’s why analyzing movement—particularly gait—is crucial when diagnosing and treating hip, knee, back, or shoulder pain.

At Dr. Son’s Rehabilitation Clinic, we focus not only on imaging results but on your clinical symptoms and movement patterns to guide diagnosis and personalized care.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)