Hi I'm 49 and had a right hip replacement 11 weeks ago. I now have severe back pain.

Hi Lynne, I had a hip replacement five weeks ago for dysplasia, I have no problem with my hip but I take pain killers for lower back pain, I have had a number of afternoons where I've had to lie down because it is so severe.

I think I can give you an answer, I am not walking correctly, I wasn't before the op and I'm not now, I walk a bit lop sided and limp at the moment too, I did see a physio before my op who noticed it straight away, so now I do try and correct myself when I notice what I'm doing wrong, but when you are in pain its not easy.

Maybe a visit to a physiotherapist will help you, from what you have wrote I am certain that this is what the problem is, I notice on days where I've been walking better there is a marked improvement in my back pain.

My physio told me to watch my feet when I walk making sure my feet are straight one foot in front of the other and not to swing my hips, when he pointed out to me how badly I was walking I couldn't believe i hadn't noticed it myself!

I do hope this helps you and good luck with your recovery.

Take Care Lulu. 

warm welcome to this hippies forum - I am sorry to hear about your back pain ...

11 weeks post-op from this major invasive surgery is still early in recovery ...

Any type of major orthopedic surgery causes disruption to the rest of your body. In all likelihood, whatever your body has been doing to compensate for your hip pain or malfunction has also been causing problems all on its own.

do you see a physical therapist ? You probably want to have a look at the way you walk and move about .. You already mention that you walk like a penguin, with a limp, right?

Walking correctly is very important - your posture, the  way you lift your legs, set down your feet etc ...

it is very easy to fall back in to walking pre- surgery - your body is used to find the way with least pain - 

When was the last time you saw your surgeon ? Get well first, sweetheart, before worrying about going back to work, okay ... 

come back and let us know how you are getting on

big warm hug

renee

Hi Lynne, I'm about to have my hip replacement but I have been limping badly since last October when I wrenched my hip and that has given me low and mid back pain. I see a chiropractor every month for adjustments and use a tens machine daily which helps. I also do back strengthening exercises at the gym every day using weights and doing Pilates and yoga. I am expecting to continue with adjustments and strengthening for some time after the op. Are you having Physio? Perhaps ask for some advice re posture and which exercises will help. When your gait has been uneven for some time certain muscles get stronger and others weaker so it can cause pain when they are readjusting. Good luck

Ann

Dear Lynne

I'm sorry to hear that you are still in some pain. I really do urge you to use two sticks Kr crutches to support you until such tie that your muscles can allow you to walk in a balanced way without any tendency to limp. The longer you limp the more you are likely to be barking a proper recovery.

I would also suggest that you make an appointment to see a good chiropractor, but not a McTimoney one as a back out of true can be the cause of lain nt only if your back but elsewhere. It may also be part of the reason why you are killing!

Good luck Richard

I am 8 weeks post op RTHR have the same problem walking like a penguin. Went to see my surgeon for my two month check up and told him about the slight penguin walk he said I need more PT but I have to wait until my ankle heals because yesterday I had the tendons repaired in my right ankle. Same leg as hip replacement. Some pain in back but I think that is because of the way I have been walking.So I would try more PT to see what they say before anything..

Good luck

Barbara

Hi Lyne 11 weeks is to early . Every one heeling difrently.  Give your self time. 

Im working in nursing home  and went back to work after 13 weeks. Do some strching, excersice, hydro therapy are good. See the physio therapist and ask him for advice.  May be you are not walking corectly. Talk to your surgeon. 

Rest if you need it. It is hard if you are still in pain do some exercise.  Take one day at the time. It will get better. 

Hug Madla💗

Hi everyone 

Just an update 

I saw the consultant today because I've been in so much pain

He examined me and said that my muscles are still very weak and my back is compensating for this 

So I have to go back to using a crutch to give me more support and go to the hydrotherapy pool to strengthen my muscles.  Also going to give acupuncture a try 

Thanks for your continued support and good health to everyone xx

Hi Lynne,

How are you feeling now?  Are your back problems improving?  Hoping so!  I saved your note as I could have written it! Except for age,(I'm 74), we are so much alike in our pain issues!   It's now been 4 months since my hip surgery. My hip was/is healing beautifully, but about 3 weeks after surgery, my back issues began. I too had 1 leg( op side) about 1/2" longer than the other. Hence, back problems!  Meanwhile, my daughter-in-law wrenched her back bending over and was in terrible pain.  We commiserated! She found a chiropractor she raved about. I went to see her and couldn't believe the difference in just 1 visit!  I called her a miracle worker!  After just 3 visits, (most) problems solved. Such relief. My back still stiffens and gets sore, but not like before!  I encourage you to see a good chiropractor, if you haven't already. 

Good luck as you recover!

Jean

Hi jean 

How lovely to get your reply!  

Well I've been having acupuncture these last 2 weeks ... nor made any difference... 

yesterday I asked the physio if he thought my right hip seemed higher than my left to him as I told the consultant a few weeks ago I felt it was but he said not.  The physio measured my legs and yes!! My right leg is half a cm longer!!!  Omg!!  I knew it!!  

So .... what now?  

My back is still bad and my full pay sickness has run out so I have my holidays to take then back to being a nurse.....   I know it's going to go badly ... occupational health say to go back on graduated return but I know I'm not going to manage a hospital shift!! Or even half! And once your back in uniform your just part of the big machine that is the NHS...  I'm terrified 

I did ask my consultant about a chiropractor but he didn't seem keen ... 

but maybe I'll take your advice as I can't go on like this!

Thank you Jean 

Hope your improvements continue 

Lynne xxx

Thanks Richard 

I'll give a chiropractor a go this week 

Cheers 

Lynne