Hip Pain

Lumbar-hip syndrome is a condition in which compression of the L3–S1 nerve roots is felt as radiating pain around the hip, or limited hip movement causes compensatory overload in the lumbar spine. Groin pain may actually be due to L1–2 nerve compression, or piriformis syndrome may be mistaken for sciatica. Accurate differential diagnosis determines the direction of treatment. In Korean traditional medicine, the interconnected structure of the lower back, hips, and pelvis is viewed as a single kinetic chain, allowing for the integrated application of acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine. Simultaneous treatment of both areas enhances both convenience and treatment efficiency. In Korean traditional medicine, the lower back and hips are areas shared by meridians that pass through both the back and legs, making them closely connected meridianally. Since the kidneys govern both the lower back and the bones, a weakening of kidney energy makes both the lower back and hips vulnerable simultaneously. This means that because the causes for both areas are the same, the direction of treatment is also the same. At Dongjedang, we address both the lower back and hip joints simultaneously using a meridian acupoint selection strategy that encompasses both areas, and promote fundamental recovery by replenishing kidney energy with herbal medicine. In many cases, the treatment strategy becomes even clearer when both symptoms occur at the same time.