Have been recovering well from a total hip replacement for four weeks during which have been walking daily. However have now developed back pain. This started initially in my lower back, no surprise really as have had to manage my back for years by avoiding being too stationary. Have degenerative changes particularly in lower back. However now developed pain in mid and upper back and thinking this could be due to having to sleep on my back and prolonged sitting. Hurts when I breathe and can get pain under ribs too.
Anyone else experienced back pain and if so what helped?
Catherine
I think back pain is more or less guaranteed following a hip operation.
We waddle when we walk with weakened hip muscles but it’ll gradually go.
Sleeping on your back definitely won’t be helping either.I couldn’t wait to sleep on my back when i was recovering
Good luck.
Hi Catherine,
Apparently sleeping on your back is supposed to be the healthy way to sleep although, my back disagreed with this after twelve weeks of sleeping on it!!
After my hip op my lower back really hurt, it took a few steps to be able to stand up straight as it was painful. I would highly recommend Pilates, it has helped my back no end, I do not get that pain anymore I can stand up without hobbling. Worth trying for a few months.
Back pain is very common, we are re-training our muscles to walk, and the posture we had before was probably not very good due to the pain.
I believe sleeping on your back is supposed to be the best, and should not cause pain, unless you have a bad mattress.
Your pain does seem a bit extreme, probably best to get checked out by a good physiotherapist.