Treatment for a Pinched Nerve in the Hip

Medication
Surgery
Physical Therapy

Written by Lia Stannard

05 December, 2018

Pinched nerves can cause much discomfort, especially in the hip where the nerve is used in movement. According to the National Institutes of Health, a pinched nerve is defined as damage or injury to the nerve, such as through compression, constriction or stretching. Symptoms include numbness, burning sensation or radiating pain. When left untreated, a pinched nerve in the hip can lead to peripheral neuropathy, according to NIH. Three types of treatments are available to patients with a pinched nerve in the hip: medication, surgery or physical therapy.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Medication

According to the Mayo Clinic, two types of medications can be used to treat a pinched nerve in the hip: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, abbreviated as NSAID, or corticosteroid injections 1. According to the Mayo Clinic, the patient can use over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, to treat the pain from the pinched nerve in her hip 1. If the pain is severe, the patient's doctor may prescribe prescription strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroid injections are also used for severe pain and require a doctor's visit.

Surgery

Causes of Nerve Pain in the Hip & Leg

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Surgery is another treatment option for a pinched nerve in the hip, especially if it hinders the patient's movement, according to the Mayo Clinic 1. The Mayo Clinic recommends surgery for pinched nerve patients whose pain has not been alleviated by other treatment methods 1. The goal of surgery is to provide more room for the nerve in the hip, thus preventing compression of the nerve. To do that, the surgeon may need to remove some of the bone.

Physical Therapy

According to the Mayo Clinic, physical therapy is used to strengthen the area around the pinched nerve in the hip through exercises, thus alleviating the pressure on the nerve. In addition, the physical therapist may help the patient make changes to remove stress on the affected nerve. For patients with a pinched nerve in their hip, they may need to use a brace or other device to improve their mobility.