Chronic Hip Shift and Low Back Pain

Pain & Rehab Forum [Moderated]
1

Hi there,

I’m a 35-year-old male lifter and have been lifting in some form for over a decade. I tweaked my back during deadlifts a number of times in my 20s and have had on and off back pain since that time. I have tried chiropractic treatment (narrative was misaligned hips and/or functional difference in leg lengths of about 3/4"), physiotherapy (was told I needed to suck in my belly button to strengthen my TVA and that I have the hip stability typically seen in teenage girls), and massage (feels great but didn’t seem to do much). I had also previously worked with Mike Ray and my lifting greatly improved, although the back pain was still there. I am currently working with a psychologist for pain management/acceptance as I appreciate there is an underlying issue given how long I’ve experienced this.

More recently, I have been experiencing an issue where an acute event will happen, typically not while lifting, and my hips will be stuck fully shifted to the right with my right hip bone forward and a tilt where my right hip bone is higher. This can also happen at rest (i.e., I get up from my desk chair and am tweaked). This is accompanied by intense pain and a very odd gait along with just feeling “misaligned” in general. Once my hips start to get back to normal, symptoms are typically improved with activity (lifting, walking) and get worse while sedentary. I also tend to experience significant back pain when rising from a chair or couch. The frequency of these events has historically been a couple of times a year but now is almost monthly.

Based on my previous experiences with various treatment modalities, I am admittedly quite skeptical/leary of these types of practioners. However, these events are greatly reducing my quality of life, enjoyment of time with my kids, etc. I have to think that some form of physiotherapy may be helpful, but I’m hopefully that you may be able to provide some guidance and, if PT would be helpful, perhaps provide some suggestions so that I’m not compared to a prepubescent girl again :slight_smile:

2

Hey @bigskizzy ,

Thanks for taking the time to share that background information and I’m sorry to hear about these low back struggles you’ve been dealing with over the years. I do think this is an instance where a consultation would be useful to dive into some of those narratives you’ve been provided, your training history/goals, the hip issue you experience after those acute events, and to provide more individualized recommendations for working through these setbacks whenever they arise. If you think this would be helpful, you can fill out the intake questionnaire here to get the process started: Coaching Questionnaire - Injury & Rehab | Barbell Medicine

-Charlie

3

As you have mentioned, physiotherapy could be helpful for your condition. However, it’s important to find a physiotherapist who has experience treating back and hip pain and can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
In addition to traditional physiotherapy techniques, such as exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back and core, manual therapy, and postural education, a few other approaches may benefit your condition. One approach is to explore using tools like foam rollers, massage balls, or massage guns. These tools can help release tension in the muscles around your hips and back, which could be contributing to your pain.
Finding the right physiotherapist who can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals is key to improving your quality of life and reducing your pain.​