Low back pain following THR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi - have posted few times now so won't go into great detail re op again.

Am 3.5 weeks post bilat THR, am doing really well, but wake every morning with low back pain. I still sleep on my back all night which probably doesn't help. It eases a lot when up and about and take pain relief. It can be troublesome when driving too. Wondered if anyone had experienced this and if so does it go off over time and how long roughly might that take? Thanks everyone!

2

Hi 

I had  the same problem now 8 weeks post op once you can lay on your side and move more easily in bed it eases I can now lay on my side which I have been doing since week 4 with a bulky pillow between my legs and that helps I found If I sleep propped up it is more  comfortable too  .i have had a bad back for years but since having both hips replaced touch wood it's eased 

3

Thanks for that Jean - it is a relief to hear that! Will root around for a thick pillow! 😊 xx

4

Hi Jilly, if you had an epidural as well, that can give you low back pain too.  I found rolling up a towel and putting it in the hollow of your back really helps. Back doesn't get better till you can lay on side. 

 

5

Jilly

Sleeping on my back and walking with a crutch doesn't help my back either. I'm thinking it will get better when I can sleep on my side an walk unaided. I'm just coming up to 6 weeks post my revision but have been on my back and walking with crutches for 5 months.

Mike

6

I'm 12 weeks post op. I always have back pain first thing in the morni g! My situation is different in that I gave a second hip op on October 6th!  And that side is now beginning to be really painful and I'm back on 2 sticks! Also groin pain of course!! Nothing like the pain I had before the first one... cross fingers! 

My back pain becomes less acute as the day goes on. I am taking life very gently.. 79! And doing my exercises in a pool 3x a week . Otherwise resting a lot.. lying down.. trying not to sit too much.. walking a bit.. taking paracetamol from time to time. Epsom salts baths.. do help. It's the magnesium  of course which is helping a lot of people. 

Ankle of operated hip quite painful! I gather anything goes! And time tells! 

Bravo to all of us! 

What's our alternative ? 

That's for the older members of the forum!!! 

Mereliba

7

Hi Jillypops ,, 

Question:

Where do you live and what kind approach was used?

If in UK/Europe or/and posterior approach driving at 3,5 weeks is early --- 

when was the last time you saw your Orthopedic surgeon?

let us know okay ...

good news that you are doing well otherwise ... 

big warm hug

renee

8

Hi Renee - think i heard physio say it was antero- lateral approach. V small scar!! I live in England ( surgeon Mr. Steve Young - he has a website - amazing surgeon!)

I was advised that if i could manage an emergency stop i would be safe to drive - only driving v short distances at present.

Not seen him since d/c from hospital but have had email contact with him and saw physio at 3 weeks. See consultant again for 6 week check.

Tried to change position in bed last night with pillow support but did not feel cofident so on back again for while.

Thankyou, Renèe, for your (and everyone elses) advice and support. Xx

9

Hi Auntie Beanie (love the name&#128522 -

Didn't think of that! I had spinal anaesthetic for my op so that may have added to discomfort. Thanks for advice too. Xx