Experiencing one hip feeling higher than the other is a common occurrence that can lead to discomfort. This condition is known as lateral pelvic tilt, a musculoskeletal imbalance where the pelvis is uneven and deviates from the body’s symmetrical alignment.
Understanding Lateral Pelvic Tilt
Lateral pelvic tilt describes a misalignment where one side of the pelvis is elevated relative to the other. Normally, the pelvis should appear level and symmetrical, aligning parallel to the shoulders and the ground. This tilt causes muscles on one side to become tight while those on the opposite side may weaken. This imbalance can affect overall posture and the body’s mechanics during movement.
Common Causes
Lateral pelvic tilt can arise from various underlying factors, often involving structural differences or muscle imbalances. A significant reason is leg length discrepancy, which can be either structural or functional. Structural leg length discrepancy refers to an actual difference in bone length, often measurable by X-ray, while functional leg length discrepancy occurs due to factors like muscle tightness, foot pronation, or joint misalignment, creating the appearance of uneven leg lengths.
Muscle imbalances play a considerable role, where tightness in specific muscles on one side, such as the quadratus lumborum or hip adductors, can pull that side of the pelvis upward. Conversely, muscles on the opposing side, like the gluteal muscles, may become elongated and weak. Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, is another cause, as the spinal misalignment can pull on the pelvis, leading to an uneven hip position. Habitual poor posture and asymmetrical weight distribution can also contribute to the development of a lateral pelvic tilt.
Recognizing Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Individuals with lateral pelvic tilt may experience a range of symptoms beyond the visual unevenness of the hips. Common complaints include lower back pain, hip pain, or knee pain, often localized to one side of the body. The imbalance can also affect how a person walks, leading to gait abnormalities or a noticeable limp. Visible postural changes, such as one shoulder appearing higher than the other or a slight head tilt, may also be present as the body attempts to compensate for the pelvic misalignment.
Muscle stiffness or soreness, particularly in the buttocks or along the iliotibial band on the outside of the thigh, can also occur. Persistent or severe pain that interferes with daily activities, or the presence of numbness or weakness, indicates a need for professional medical evaluation. Consulting a healthcare provider is also advised if self-assessment tests leave uncertainty about the presence or cause of the tilt.
Diagnosis and Management Options
Diagnosing lateral pelvic tilt involves a thorough physical examination, where a healthcare professional assesses posture and identifies any visual asymmetries. Imaging techniques, such as X-rays, may be used to confirm structural causes like leg length discrepancies or scoliosis, providing precise measurements of bone lengths and spinal curvature.
Management options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. Physical therapy is a common approach, focusing on exercises designed to strengthen weakened muscles and stretch tight ones, such as core strengthening, hip abduction, and adduction exercises. For structural leg length differences, orthotics or shoe lifts can be prescribed to equalize leg length and improve pelvic alignment.
Lifestyle adjustments, including maintaining awareness of posture, adopting proper lifting techniques, and avoiding prolonged asymmetrical positions, also support recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used for symptom management. Surgical intervention is rare and reserved for severe structural conditions, such as significant scoliosis or substantial leg length discrepancies that do not respond to conservative treatments.