From the Research
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) can potentially contribute to trochanteric pain syndrome due to altered biomechanics and compensatory movement patterns that develop in response to spinal pain. When IVDS occurs in the lumbar spine, the resulting nerve impingement can create referred pain patterns that radiate through the sciatic nerve pathway into the hip region, potentially manifesting as lateral hip pain similar to trochanteric pain syndrome 1. This connection occurs through altered biomechanics and compensatory movement patterns that develop in response to spinal pain, placing additional stress on the hip structures. Patients with IVDS may develop an antalgic gait or posture that increases tension on the gluteal muscles and iliotibial band, which attach near the greater trochanter. Over time, this mechanical stress can irritate the trochanteric bursa and surrounding soft tissues, leading to secondary trochanteric pain syndrome. Some key points to consider in the management of trochanteric pain syndrome include:
- The use of focused shockwave therapy (f-ESWT) as a potential non-invasive management option, which has been shown to be effective in improving pain, function, and quality of life scores in patients with GTPS 2
- The importance of addressing both IVDS and trochanteric pain syndrome simultaneously, with a focus on spine-focused treatments for IVDS and targeted interventions for the trochanteric region, such as physical therapy and local corticosteroid injections 3
- The role of ultrasound in diagnosing and managing greater trochanteric pain syndrome, including its high positive predictive value for gluteal tendon tears and its usefulness in guiding injections and other interventions 4. Management typically requires addressing both conditions, focusing on the primary IVDS with appropriate spine-focused treatments while also implementing targeted interventions for the trochanteric region, such as physical therapy to correct movement patterns, local corticosteroid injections for inflammation, and strengthening exercises for the hip stabilizers.