Why Does My Hip Hurt Only When Sitting?

Do you experience a deep ache or stiffness in your hip joint area when sitting for an extended period of time? It can be annoying, painful and lead to further complications if left untreated. If you’re wondering why this happens and what you can do about it, this blog post is the perfect place to start. As a physician, my priority will always be helping people understand their medical conditions so they can seek appropriate treatment options. In this post, I want to explore why some patients feel pain in their hip when sitting down and provide possible solutions that may help alleviate the discomfort. So read on as I guide you through understanding your body better!

As a general rule, Hip pain when sitting can be caused by muscle weakness or imbalances, poor posture, and obesity may also contribute to hip pain. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

If you are getting hip pain only when seated, I believe that I can help. With over 30 years of experience in chiropractic practice and training in ergonomics, I’ve written a book on posture, appeared on national television, and created several solutions to improve sitting comfort and posture. Additionally, I have successfully crowdfunded a project for ergonomic seat cushions.

Best Seat Cushion for Comfort

 All Day Comfort & Support

 

Product Name	Axial Designs™ Seat Cushion
Price	$149
Warranty	1 Year
Type	Posture Wedge
Top Layer	100% Natural Latex (Molded)
Bottom Layer	High-Density Foam
Top Material	Isometric Grippy Vegan Leather
Bottom Material	Non-Slip Material
Side Material	3D Breathable Fabric

If you’re struggling with back pain, I wrote an article on how to manage your pain and why you should do these important steps and I encourage you to read it!

Addressing the Root Cause of Hip Pain While Sitting

In my years as a chiropractor, I’ve encountered numerous patients who experience hip pain only when sitting. I know how you feel, and I want to help you understand and address this issue. From my clinical experience, I’ve found that one of the primary reasons for this pain can be traced back to poor spinal alignment and an unbalanced or weak core. When sitting for extended periods, the body tends to adjust to accommodate for these imbalances, which can lead to discomfort or pain in the hips.

Developing a Posture-Friendly Chair: My Hidden Guide

To effectively address your seating requirements, it’s imperative to consider various factors, one of which is chair personalization. Multiple methods can assist you in achieving this, such as integrating an ergonomic seat insert and lumbar support. These supplemental features ease pressure on your back and legs, augmenting comfort and posture during extended sitting sessions. Furthermore, confirm that your feet are level on the floor and that adequate room exists between your chair and desk. By implementing these tips, any standard stiff chair can be converted into an ergonomic refuge that supports long-term health and well-being.

Ergonomic Seating Support

An ergonomic seat wedge (above) can be used to correctly position your spine and improve balance. This well-constructed natural latex seating support aids in developing core muscles while mitigating tension in other body regions, such as the shoulders and neck. Additionally, sitting upright is less taxing on your hips and knees, as it activates more muscle groups simultaneously compared to leaning back against a plush surface. This vertical posture prevents the formation of stress-triggering habits that people may inadvertently develop while working.

The Importance of Spinal Alignment and a Strong Core

As a chiropractor, I always emphasize the significance of maintaining proper spinal alignment and a balanced, strong core. These elements are crucial for supporting your body while sitting and can help alleviate hip pain. When your spine is aligned and your core muscles are engaged, it reduces the strain on your hips and allows for a more comfortable sitting experience.

Choosing the Right Ergonomic Seat Cushion

To further support a healthy sitting posture and reduce hip pain, I always advise using an expert-designed ergonomic seat cushion. I recommend opting for a cushion made with a natural latex top and a high-density base layer foam. This combination provides both comfort and support, ensuring that your body maintains proper alignment while sitting.

I explain the concept of my ergonomic design on a TV show HERE

In contrast, I never recommend memory foam cushions, as I believe they lack pressure support and resilience. Additionally, memory foam is a toxic material that can become uncomfortably hot when you sit on it for long periods. By choosing a high-quality, ergonomic seat cushion, you can significantly reduce hip pain and create a more enjoyable sitting experience.

Pain in Left Hip Area Female

As a chiropractor, I know how you feel when experiencing pain in the left hip area. In my clinical experience, I’ve discovered that this issue can often be related to spinal misalignment or muscle imbalances. A balanced and strong core plays a central role in maintaining proper alignment, which can alleviate hip discomfort.

Hip Pain After Sitting Goes Away After Walking

Many patients have reported hip pain after sitting for prolonged periods, which tends to go away after walking. This could be due to the strain on the hip joint caused by poor posture while sitting. Ensuring spinal alignment and using an expert-designed ergonomic seat cushion with a natural latex top and high-density base layer foam can provide relief and support.

Hip Pain When Sitting or Lying Down

I understand that hip pain when sitting or lying down can be bothersome. It’s important to identify the root cause, which could be spinal misalignment or muscle imbalances. Addressing these issues through chiropractic care and strengthening exercises can help alleviate your discomfort.

Outside Hip Pain After Sitting

It’s not uncommon to experience outside hip pain after sitting for extended periods. This type of pain often results from pressure on the hip joint or surrounding soft tissues. I recommend utilizing a high-quality ergonomic seat cushion and maintaining proper posture to minimize stress on the hip and promote overall well-being.

Pain in Right Hip Area Female

Experiencing pain in the right hip area can be frustrating. In my practice, I often find that this issue stems from spinal alignment problems or core muscle imbalances. By focusing on creating a strong and balanced core, you can improve your posture, which in turn can help alleviate right hip pain. Remember, it’s crucial to avoid memory foam cushions, as they lack pressure support, resilience, and can be toxic when exposed to heat for long periods.

I’ve written a complete hands-on review about the best sitting position for sciatica, and here is what I tested best with my sciatica patients.

Conclusion

It is always important to keep your body in check and to recognize when something isn’t feeling right. If this blog post hasn’t answered your question about why your hip might hurt, or you think the pain is more severe than discussed here, it’s best to consult a physical therapist or medical doctor conveniently located near you.

Don’t forget that taking care of yourself should be your top priority. From understanding the symptoms of why your hip may be hurting while sitting down to discovering the prevention methods and treatments available, it’s essential you take all steps necessary, small and large, to ensure that all areas of your life are comfortable and healthy. So, take time for yourself, treat your body kindly and if you still have unanswered questions, do not hesitate to reach out for help in your local community.