We
all have them, they provide strength, stability, and support for our
spine and organs, they are our hips. Our hips are often referred
to as our foundation, and are collectively called the pelvis.
We have two hip bones or illia that attach by way of muscles and ligaments
to our sacrum, the most posterior bone of the low back. There
are many strong ligaments and muscles to provide stability, strength,
and motion to the pelvis. Part of our abdomen, urinary
bladder, and reproductive organs all sit within the pelvis and are
supplied by many nerves and blood vessels that are found in, through,
and around the pelvis.
Our
hips are often the site of problems due to the amount of motion and
various attachments they have. One of these important attachments
the sacroiliac ligament, named for the two bones it attaches.
The sacroiliac is a common area for misalignment and irritation.
We have many other ligaments that make up the pelvis, as well as large
muscle groups that are affected by the motion of these bones.
Certain muscles give strength and tone to the pelvis, such as the
gluteus medius and psoas muscle. These muscles are often affected
directly by the increased motion or lack of motion in the hip region.
Along
with the many muscles and ligaments in the pelvis, we have a plethora
of nerves and blood vessels that innervate the organs locally and
control their functions. Some of those organs are our bladder
and reproductive organs. Muscles in our low back and down the
leg are also innervated by nerves in this area. The vital functions
of these systems and muscles are susceptible to malfunction if their
nerve or blood supply is disrupted.
The
joint space of the hip is considered a diarthrodial joint, for it
is freely movable and has a fluid filled cavity to aid and assist
in motion. There is a ball and socket joint where your thigh
bone, the femur, attaches to the hip. This ball and socket also
allows for a lot of motion in different planes and directions.
All this motion leaves the area vulnerable for injury and even simple
actions such as walking, sitting, or standing can adversely affect
the pelvis.
As
we age, the hip joint space, as well as other joint spaces of our
bodies, will begin to deteriorate and often cause a metabolic condition
known as DJD or degenerative joint disease. DJD is not a normally
aging process of the body. Unfortunately, this condition is
very common and is not only found in older persons. DJD is often
seen in the pelvis. Different life conditions, such as prolonged
stress on the body, lack of motion or misalignment, and poor bone
density can affect and increase the severity of this condition.
Chiropractic, however, can slow down, stop, and even reverse the degeneration
process.
Early
detection is our best means of defense. DJD is often easily
detected by an x-ray or a specific blood test. A Chiropractor
is specifically trained to read x-rays and look at your joint spaces
to determine if you have this condition, many others, or misalignments.
By being aware, you can make changes that are necessary to change
this process. Whether you have DJD, hip or leg problems, or
low back problems, you may have misalignments in your pelvis and not
feel any pain. Being that only 3% of your nerves feel pain,
it is quite likely that you have an impingement on your nerves and
not know it. Chiropractic specifically and gently can realign
your hips, pelvis and spine, so that your body can have the opportunity
to function at its optimal level. By taking x-rays and giving
you a thorough examination, your Chiropractor will best be able to
guide your treatment. Stretching exercises have also been found
to be valuable in aiding the motion and health of the hip joints and
muscles, as well as specific dietary changes.
Gillette
Family Chiropractic
Center utilizes a culmination of specific chiropractic, orthopedic,
neurological, and kinesiological testing to gather information to
best be able to help you. The center gives regularly scheduled
health talks that are short, fun, and informative.