Is that nagging pain coming from your hip or your back? A simple “pocket test” that might help! . Think about where your pants pockets are located. If you’re experiencing pain near your front pocket (groin/thigh area), it’s often coming from your hip joint itself. But if the pain is closer to your back pocket (buttocks area), you’re probably dealing with a spine-related issue. Here’s why this matters: Hip joint problems typically cause pain in the front that might radiate down the thigh, less commonly extending past the knee. Common culprits include hip arthritis or bursitis. You might notice it’s worse when you first get up but improves after a few steps as your joint “warms up.” #hippain #backpain #spinehealth . On the flip side, back-related problems often cause pain in the buttocks area that can shoot down the back of your leg, sometimes all the way to your foot. This could be from a pinched nerve or herniated disk in your spine. The pain might worsen with sitting and improve with standing or walking. Important note: Don’t try to tough it out! Ignoring the pain can lead to compensatory movements that affect other parts of your body. If your hip hurts, you might stress your back more; if your back hurts, you might overwork your hip. Early diagnosis is key! While both conditions often respond well to conservative treatment like physical therapy and anti-inflammatories, knowing the true source helps target your treatment more effectively. . 👇 Is your pain more “Front or Back Pocket”? What has (or has not) helped?