Why Does my Hip Hurt When I Sleep on My Side

M&M Chiropractic and Wellness in Fort Myers, FL

If you’ve ever woken up with hip pain after sleeping on your side, you’re not alone. Many people experience nighttime hip discomfort that interferes with quality rest and makes mornings miserable. At M&M Chiropractic and Wellness, located right in front of the Bell Tower neighborhood in Fort Myers, we often see patients who describe pain that feels like it’s “in the hip” — but in many cases, it’s actually coming from somewhere else.

Let’s break down the common reasons your hip might hurt when you lie on your side and what you can do about it.

1. Is It Really Your Hip — or Your Sacroiliac (SI) Joint?

One of the most common sources of “hip pain” isn’t the hip joint at all — it’s the sacroiliac joint (SI joint).

This joint connects the bottom of your spine (the sacrum) to your pelvis (the ilium). When it becomes irritated or isn’t moving well, it can cause pain that radiates into the hip, buttock, or even down the leg.

How to tell the difference:

• SI joint pain is often deeper and more achy, usually felt near the low back or upper buttock area.
• True hip joint pain is usually felt on the outer side of the thigh or deep in the groin.

When you lie on your side, the pressure on the affected joint — especially if one hip or SI joint is tighter or inflamed — can trigger that familiar ache or stiffness.

2. Common Causes of Side-Sleeping Hip Pain

There are a few possible culprits for your nighttime discomfort:

• SI joint dysfunction from uneven pelvic mobility, previous injuries, or prolonged sitting.
• Trochanteric bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) on the outside of your hip.
• Tight hip flexors or glutes, pulling on the pelvis and altering how your body bears pressure.
• Mattress or pillow issues, especially if your bed doesn’t support proper spinal alignment.

3. How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At M&M Chiropractic and Wellness, our team helps identify whether your pain is coming from the hip joint, SI joint, or surrounding muscles. We use gentle chiropractic adjustments and personalized care plans to:

• Increase mobility in the pelvis and SI joints
• Reduce inflammation and tension in supporting muscles
• Improve posture and spinal balance
• Restore proper movement to the hip and lower back

Many of our Fort Myers patients notice relief not only from pain while sleeping, but also improved comfort during walking, sitting, and daily activity.

4. Tips for Better Sleep with Hip or SI Joint Pain

• Try sleeping with a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.
• Make sure your mattress isn’t too firm or too soft — you want support with gentle cushioning.
• Alternate sides during the night if possible.
• Stretch your hips and lower back before bed.
• If pain persists, schedule a chiropractic assessment to pinpoint the source.

Find Relief Near the Bell Tower Neighborhood

If your hip hurts when you lie on your side, don’t just “sleep it off.” Pain is your body’s way of signaling imbalance. Visit M&M Chiropractic and Wellness, conveniently located near the Bell Tower neighborhood in Fort Myers, for a thorough evaluation and customized care plan to help you rest — and move — comfortably again.

Give us a call and start feeling better! 239-313-5004