Back pain since having a double hip replacement

Hello @missjudy0016, welcome to Connect. I would like to invite another new member who recently posted about some low back pain after a hip replacement, @klouis. I'd also like to invite @mimi1957, @eleanor1, @suemer, @lioness, @glassman, who have all talked about back pain after hip replacements. I would also like to @anniemaggie, @karen00, and @linda66 who have talked about bulging discs.

@missjudy0016, you mentioned that your physiotherapist said you are doing well and doesn't seem to concerned, but have they explained that in more detail? Do they think the pain will naturally get better? What does your consultant suggest to help with the bulging disc as that may be what is interfering with your physical therapy for your hips?

This may not be relevant in your case. I am curious whether you had spinal block anesthesia. I never had a lower back problem but recall that after my TKR I did suffer lower back pain after I returned home, which eventually ceased. It was never to the degree that you have described. I just wanted to throw that in because someone mentioned to me that it is not uncommon to have lower back discomfort after having a spinal block. I realize that in your case there is an issue with the bulging disc.

I had a right hip replacement in December. And I'm experiencing really bad back pain and also severe knee pain. I can't get rid of the pain no matter what I do.

I had both hips replace. One in 2021 and the other November 2022. I am having lower back “discomfort “ especially in the mornings when I get up. I am on an ice pack to help alleviate the pain for a little while. I thought these hip replacements would rid me of this problem. Is this still a part of my recovery/healing from my last surgery?

Hello @bestnana53 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Surely you must be concerned with the ongoing pain following both hip surgeries.

You will notice I have moved your post into an existing discussion on this same topic, which you can find here:
- Back pain since having a double hip replacement: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/back-pain-since-having-a-double-hip-replacement/

I did this so you may connect with members like @marthajean and @naturegirl5 who have both shared their experiences with hip replacement and back pain. I am hoping they can shed some light on their recovery time and what, if anything, they found to help them through it.

You are approaching three months out, depending on when in November you had your last surgery, which is a fairly common recovery time. What are you doing for daily exercise and physical therapy?

@bestnana53 Hello, I had a total left hip replacement in November 2019. I can "feel" your pain as I have low back pain too. Have you talked with your surgeon about the pain?. Did you have this pain when you had your first hip replacement in 2021?

Before my hip replacement in 2019 I asked the surgeon if the surgery would heal the pain in both my hip and lower back that had become worse over the years. In my case he said, "no" for this reason. I have osteoarthritis in my lower spine so when I get up the mornings I continue to feel some pain and tightness. I also had to work on my walking gait has I had compensated for the "bad" hip over the years and this old walking gait was contributing to my back pain.

I had a repaired congenital hip dysplasia (repaired when I was an infant). This is the hip that deteriorated over the years. It has taken me lots of time, patience, and weight lifting exercise to regain strength in that left hip. If I'm not careful I can cause pain to my lower back.

When is your next appointment with your surgeon? Will you talk with them about the pain you are experiencing?

Thanks for replying. I did have the lower back pain before my first hip replacement. After my second one I was excited because I had no back pain after the surgery for a while. Now it’s come back. I mentioned it to the PA and she didn’t seemed concerned. I do have a slight curve in my lower back from scoliosis but I’ve had that my whole life and it not bother me. I am not as physical as I should be because of the pain. It is worse in the morning then gets better during the day. I am going to try and see if I can walk further than I have been but some times the pain is too much.

Hello, I am going to echo Helen. After we walk on bad hips or knees for years we change the way we move to minimize pain. After 2 total hip replacements followed by 5 more years of limping and then 3 major revisions, I was not recovering well no matter what I tried. My surgeon sent me to a comprehensive rehab center for a full evaluation, followed by land and water PT and gait training. That plus faithful daily stretching keeps my back pain under control in spite of an arthritic spine. Today we are driving 900 miles and we spend 5-10 minutes stretching every 2 hours when we switch driving.

I was using a walker and wheelchair for several months because I had avascular necrosis in my hips . I had the first replacement a couple of days ago and found great relief . I had a lousy back to begin with but it didn’t hurt because I wasn’t walking . Well I feel like I’m back to square one with the back . I am going to check with my surgeon to see if I can get ablations or an epidural in between surgeries . I’m having the other hip done in 7 weeks . Perhaps you need an intervention with your back . It’s weird trying to walk again isn’t it ? I wish you well and there will be help for you ! Keep a positive attitude and don’t overdo it . Best wishes .

My left hip replacement was March 1. It still hurts so bad after all this time. I am on a very low dose pain reliever. They did an MRI which showed a bulging disc, but dr. didn't seem concerned about it. Now I have all this pain in my right leg. It is so painful, it wakes me up. I saw back surgeon Friday. They did an EMG on my legs to see if I have any nerve problems. It just goes on and on. I see back surgeon and hip surgeon in same office. I do hope they get together to figure this new pain out. I'm so depressed and frustrated.