Not hip enough. Not spine enough.

Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, I explore one of my favorite topics in musculoskeletal medicine: Hip and Spine Syndrome. This underappreciated condition can present in a variety of ways—back pain, groin pain, or even leg weakness—and often leads to confusion in diagnosis and treatment. I share real patient stories, the challenges of untangling complex symptoms, and why taking a holistic approach to diagnosis can improve outcomes for patients.

Here’s a guide to key moments in this episode:

• [00:00] Introduction to Hip and Spine Syndrome and why it fascinates me.
• [00:34] The origins of the syndrome and its underappreciation in medicine.
• [01:25] Real-world case: Post-back surgery patient with persistent groin and back pain.
• [02:57] Different symptom patterns and how they guide referrals.
• [04:36] The importance of considering both hip and spine involvement in diagnosis.
• [06:03] The chicken-or-egg dilemma: Hip arthritis versus back issues.
• [08:51] Another case study: L2 radiculopathy mistaken for hip arthritis.
• [10:02] Why collaboration and holistic care improve patient outcomes.
• [14:56] Similarities to neck and shoulder syndromes and a teaser for a future episode.

Hip and Spine Syndrome exemplifies why a single-specialty approach often misses the bigger picture. I hope this episode helps clinicians and patients alike recognize the interconnectedness of these systems.

Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Let’s continue exploring how to refine our approach to rehabilitation.

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Stay curious, stay active, and have a movement-filled day!

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