Hip Pain When Sitting? We Can Help

Do you experience pain or stiffness in your hips when you’re seated? This pain can be a serious distraction, especially if sitting at a computer is a significant part of your job. You need to get relief fast. Fortunately, there are many options to relieve your discomfort.

In this guide, we’ll examine  some of the causes of hip pain and what kind of conditions may be involved. Then, we’ll look at the over-the-counter medications that could provide you with some temporary relief. Finally, we’ll look at some steps you can take for comfort right now.

What are the causes of hip pain?

Hip pain has many different causes. Some of them are minor and temporary. However, your pain may point to a medical condition that requires attention from a doctor to treat properly. Below, you’ll find more details about some of the likely causes:

Temporary conditions that may cause hip pain

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• Pressure from poor posture: Hip pain is a common reaction to sitting or sleeping with poor posture. If you work at a computer desk and slouch frequently, your hips will experience a lot more pressure than usual. Over time, this pressure will lead to pain.
• Unsupportive seating: Your body distributes its weight most effectively when you are sitting on an even surface. Sitting on a soft or slanted chair can cause one side of your hips to bear more weight. You should replace your seating or sit on firmer surfaces to prevent pressure and pain in the future. 
• A pinched nerve: Many sensitive nerves run through your lower back and legs. These nerves can be pinched or damaged in many different ways. This type of pain is often sharp and starts when the nerve is pressed against a surface. This condition will often heal on its own as long as the nerve can be given a chance to rest.
• Tight clothing: Wearing clothing that is overly tight can pressure and bruise your hips. Jeans and belts are particularly likely to cause damage to your hips when they’re worn too tightly.
  

Serious conditions that may cause hip pain

• Arthritis: Many different kinds of arthritis can affect the hips, including rheumatoid, psoriatic, and osteoarthritis. This condition can lead to pain, inflammation, and swelling. It will not heal on its own and may require long-term treatment and even surgery to correct.
• Bursitis: Your bursae are sacs that serve as shock absorbers in your hips. They can be damaged or become less effective as you age. When this happens, they can cause pain that’s so severe it can prevent you from sleeping. Treating this condition may require surgery, physical therapy, or braces.
• Lupus: Hip pain is one of the common side effects of the auto-immune disease Lupus. This disease may attack the hip joints, leading to swelling and pain. It must be managed by medication. 
• Tendinitis: This condition is caused by the inflammation of tendons in your hip. This can happen over time if you sit too long or do so with poor posture. The pain may linger when you’re lying down, and it may take physical therapy to correct. 

Taking active steps to manage these conditions with your doctor’s advice could be the best way to relieve your pain. However, corrective treatments could take a long time to start working. If you need help right now, you should consider the over-the-counter medications that are available to relieve your pain.

What over-the-counter medications treat hip pain?

Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve the pain and inflammation that come with some hip conditions. You should decide which pain reliever to use based on whether or not your condition has inflammation as a factor.

Non-inflammatory pain relievers

• Aspirin: This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) is widely available for order online. It is available in a wide variety of different strengths, though some strengths are only available by prescription. You should avoid aspirin if you have high blood pressure. 
• Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is one of the most common NSAIDs, and you can easily find it over-the-counter online and in pharmacies. You should avoid ibuprofen if you have any history of heart failure or stomach ulcers. 
• Naproxen: This strong NSAID is often recommended by doctors to treat arthritis. You should avoid Naproxen if you take blood pressure medications.
  
  

Alternative pain relievers

Acetaminophen is a frequently recommended NSAID alternative. It is effective at relieving the pain associated with many hip conditions, though it will not reduce inflammation. It may be a good alternative if you can’t take other pain relievers for health reasons.

How can I get relief from hip pain right now?

Image by Amanda Mills, USCDCP of Pixnio

• Apply heat pads, or ice packs: Hot or cold presses can help you numb hip pain for a short while without any medication. They can be a great short-term option. 
• Get some rest: You can resolve some strain simply by letting your hips relax for a short amount of time. Laying down and taking the weight off of it will allow the strain to heal properly. 
• Perform stretches: Stretching throughout the day can help you reduce hip pain. This is especially effective if your problem is a strain or pinched nerves.

Get relief from hip pain

Now you know some of the ways you can get relief from hip pain. You have some more insight into the common causes of hip pain, and this may help you identify the source of your discomfort. You’ve also learned about some of the common medications that may help.

Use what you’ve learned to take back your life. You may need to contact a doctor to get more information about what you’re facing. Always speak to a doctor if the pain persists for more than a few days.