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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In The Lower Right Side Of The Back

Posted on Mon, 5 Oct 2015

Question: Hi. 6 weeks ago i had a right hip replacement. I also have degenerative disc disease in my lower back. The first two weeks, my lower back didnt bother me. Now for the past few weeks, I am getting a pain in my lower right side next to my spine. It makes it difficult to walk sometime, and when I sit, it feels like it is hitting my nerves as it is hard to sit. Is this normal? I am getting frustrated. I know its been only 6 weeks, but even therapy is difficult because of the pain i get. I sleep on my back and when i wake up, I feel good most of the time, but then it starts to bother me. Any thoughts? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Minimise walking distance, be patience &get helped

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

As you may probably know, it will take up to 6 months to completely recover from the surgery you had.

You are doing fine until now as long as you get pain free when laying down.

However, as you have degenerative problems in the lower back, that will make you get more eforts and elongate the recovery time and speed.

Try to minimise walking or putting efforts to the replaced hip. Use chair or crutches when walking not to apply pressure on replaced hip. Avoid long distance when walking.

Have more patience, take pain killers and follow your doctor's advice accordingly.

Wish speedy recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (7 hours later)

thanks I am not sure what eforts mean. So do you think this pain in lower back will go away? do you think it's SI joint or muscle? It really bothers me when I sit and I walk with a limp. But then again you said recovery time is 6 month. I go to physical therapy and she moves my back around a lot. Is that good? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lower back pain will be gradually gone away;physiotherapy good for recovery

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

1. Yes, the lower back pain will go away gradually.

2. It is due to the surgical intervention that has caused inflammation of surrounding tissue. It will gradually go away anyway. But needs time.

3. The physical exercises during a physiotherapy appointment are good for muscles and joints to get back to their normal function. They are passive exercise and no pressure is put on the back. On contrary, when you walk on your own, a lot of your body pressure is put on your back and the hip joints, causing you pain.

Again, it is a temporary situation, and need patience from your part for recovery.

Wish speedy healing process!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (11 hours later)

Thanks. I think I am running out of patience and am disappointed. It is so hard to sit as it feels like my nerves in lower back and buttocks are going crazy. Also, it makes it harder to walk. I walk with a limp. My home therapist told me when i go to outpatient therapy to ask about ultrasound. I started outpatient therapy and she doesnt think i need it. Just to use moist heat which I have and it's not helping. What is your opinion? Is this a common thing after hip replacement? I am thinking not. Would i be able to get a shot in my lower back yet or is it too soon as it is 6 weeks since my surgery. Thanks in advance

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can run an ultrasound or X-ray to see if no abnormal change is present

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

I understand you being disappointed. But, keep in mind that at your age, the physiological processes (including healing processes) are running slower. That's why you do not see fast improvement.

You are saying that home therapist is advising about an ultrasound. You can ask your orthopedist for an ultrasound to see if everything is ok or there is something more.

However, I still think this is within the normal recovery process that requires more patience from your part.

All the best my dear!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Thank you. As for getting an injection, would they be able to do it or is it too soon since I had hip replacement 6 weeks ago? and in your opinion, should the physical therapist concentrate on my lower back or hip muscles. thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Too early for injection;wait for recovery time first...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

1. With regards to injection, I do not think it is time to do that; too soon after surgery.

2. The physiotherapy will include various muscles of back including lower back and hip muscles. This is to help you recover from surgery and get all the muscles of your back to normal function.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar