lower back and hip pain

[Doxie]

Many moons ago -  and I mean many, many years, I had hip pain, but nothing really showed up on the X-rays or CT scans - yet. They though they saw a little on the back CT scans and attributed my pain to that.

Gradually over the years, the hip got worse, and worse. Forward several years and that pain that didn't show up before showed up big time on the MRI and X-rays. I had such severe arthritis in the hip that it was bone on bone and worse.  I needed a hip replacement and more.

The back did the same thing progressed to the point the everything is severe. I'm sure the bad hip contributed to the bad back,

So, nothing in the X-rays yet?  Don't let it fool you!  It doesn't always show up right away. I don't mean to scare you. I'm just trying to point out that sometimes these things just aren't visible yet.  Now is the time to get treatment and take care of your hip and back the best you can!

I also think that Sjogrens aggravates my back, hip and all my joints, so yes, it could be that too.

The best thing that helps me for my chronic pain and inflammation is Meloxicam (generic for Mobic), if I forget to take it all my joints are scream at me all day, and I wonder why I am so miserable.  I also take Tramadol for more severe pain.

The thing that helps my pain the most is to lay down!

Good luck with getting help for your pain.

[MaryBee7]

I have a super good guy Chiropractor but he doesn't believe in Sjogren's.  He says all my problems are caused by a screwed up spinal column.  I've been into the natural medicines stuff most of my life, meaning NO meds, and years of homeopathics, more.  But with my emotional "sensitivity" to doctors after years of being turned away at the door saying nothing is wrong...well, I'm not sure how I feel about my Chiro. anymore.  It just gets old and they become Talking Heads.  There are few docs out there who respect that some of us Know Our Bodies.  When you have back surgery then see a Chiro years later they're so condescending....Oh you should have never had surgery! 

Okay, well, I DID have surgery.  So what's your point, will you treat me or not?  And please don't lecture me on how toxic Plaquenil & others used to treat Sjogren's are. 

[reesatay]

If your pain is from Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI) it can be from either to much motion or not enough motion in the joint.

I found that using a SI belt helps with the extra motion.  You can find different types of these belts on the web.  I find it really helps when I'm having a flare up of sciatica from my SI. 

When the joint is stuck my Chiro helps loosen things up.  Physical Therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles is very helpful and these are things you can do yourself once you learn them. 

[THE BRIT]

  I also get that and things didn't show up on xray, but I was dx with RA and my rheumy says SJS causes a form of arthritis too.  I do take Tramadol and when needed Ibuprofen for the pain and Lyrica for the fibro.  I don't know how many of you are in the bed considering your dogs, but I also liked having a body pillow.  It is very relaxing wrapping yourself around it and it really helps.  I also get a pain that feels like someone is trying to squeeze my pelvic bones together and when that is going on the pillow helps.  We haven't figured that one either.  Good luck.

[sleepmonkey]

"I have terrible hip pain, particularly in the morning and after any period of rest.  My lower back hurts chronically.  The hips have been about two years now and the lower back about six months.  Since the xrays and MRI showed basically nothing, I went for chiropractic and massage on a regular basis.  Chiropractic felt good but never stuck and the massages hurt like heck and only lasted a few days.  Frankly I can't afford to get those massages as often as I think I might need."

I have had the same issues for years, nothing showed up on xray. I saw a chiropractor for many months (it didn't help) and a massage therapist (often I couldn't get off the table without back pain). I saw a physiatrist who said "keep on doing what you're doing". I was doing yoga for years until I finally figured out that the cobra pose was part of the problem, had lots of arguments with my yoga teacher who didn't agree with me (ummm - I am VERY flexible and can put the palms of my hands on the floor while standing, but when I do your cobra pose, I hurt the next day).

Several months ago, it suddenly got severe over a few days and the only comfortable positions were laying down or standing up. Xray and CTscan later, I was diagnosed with mod-severe DDD, doc referred me to orthopedic surgeon (still waiting). Gave me Traumadol and Celebrex. I talked with several people who had a similar diagnosis and they said physiotherapy did the trick for them, so I asked my doc to refer me.

I'm just past the 5 week mark of physio now (normal recovery 8-12 weeks). PT says everyone has DDD, they see it in kids as young as 12 years old now, it's normal. Some people are symptom-free, others have issues (as I did, pain, severe numbness, funny fingers & toes). PT suggested I go off the meds as the body doesn't do its healing job as well, so I did (just Traumadol when I feel I need it).

I'd suggest, like Sleepy In Seattle did, going for a consultation with a PT. Your body will be compensating in some way for weakness or injury or misalignment, and it's best to have a specialist determine what's up. I have to do 45 minutes of PT exercises 3x a day (eventually 2x a week) and although it's been hard and I've had relapses, I do feel myself getting stronger and having less numbness and shorter recoveries when I do tend to overdo things (right now I am not lifting anything heavy, so when I do that, I feel it!)

Hope that's helpful.
Susan

[sleepmonkey]

I am tortured at the moment with lower back pain which spreads into my butt cheek. I can't bear weight on my leg (for example to stand putting trousers on). I wish I had an answer 

Lesley, I have just started an exercise for my butt cheeks this week, and yesterday I had similar pain. The PT I'm seeing has me doing some stretching exercises as well as strengthening exercises, and it's made a big difference for me. My main issue is tight hamstrings (they may never loosen up), but we're also working on rotator cuff muscles and glutes (butt).

[Friedbrain]

You can see my thread from today discussing my first visit with a special physical therapist who focuses on the pelvic region. I'd NEVER heard about how all those muscles down there can impact so many aspects of health, from organ symptoms to back problems.  I answered a very thorough questionnaire about whether I had back or leg pain-I don't-along with bladder and bowel problems.  I guess depending on which muscles are too tight or not tight enough or are spasming.....you'd get different symptoms.  Something worth looking into!  I have had pain in my thigh-to-hip joint (I need to look that up...what's it called?) for a long time, and there are times at night when it aches to badly I can't sleep.  I see that someone else in this thread mentioned having to put a pillow between the legs because it hurt the hip/joint too much.  Well, the PT today mentioned this muscle that comes from inside the pelvis and wraps around that joint, so that moving the leg around stretches that muscle......and that's exactly what hurts in me!  I thought my leg was unrelated to my internal pelvic problems (except to wonder if it was all related to inflammation) but maybe not.  I was shocked. 

Katiebarstool, are you familiar with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?  In one form, joints are hypermobile.  My sister probably has it (she used to do the "party tricks" as a kid-funny then but now her arms are falling out of their sockets; my son is like her).  I mentioned this in a thread a while ago, wondering if there was a connection (no pun intended) between SJS and EDS, since they both involve connective tissue.

[Sleepy In Seattle]

Wow - interesting connections indeed! I have been told by doctors and PT's my whole life that I should never do yoga because I am already too flexible.....

I find that having good posture and staying strong in my core/lower belly is absolutely critical for my comfort level. I train and ride horses for a living (and a hobby), so that keeps me pretty fit through my core - when I am on vacation for a while or am sick and can't ride, the hip pain returns. I guess my job IS my physical therapy!

I have heard that sitting on one of those exercise balls instead of an office chair if you have a desk job is really good for keeping the pelvic floor and core toned.

[star723]

Boy did this hit a nerve!  I had hip pain for years.  My rheumy put me onto Zyflamend caps. It is herbal product.  It took a few days to work but work they did!!  thinking it was all in my head that they worked I went without them for a week (well I ran out of them and it took that long to get some more) after a few days back on them I was a happy camper.

I have primary sjogrens.   I also walk when I am able.  I got a Wii fit a few years back.  I have come up with my own routine that works for me.  I do think that has helped as well. I don't like taking pain meds and with Zyflamend I have not had to take them. 

Such good conversation with this thread~ lots of good information~

[sleepmonkey]

I have heard that sitting on one of those exercise balls instead of an office chair if you have a desk job is really good for keeping the pelvic floor and core toned.

I sort of cringed when you mentioned an exercise ball instead of an office chair. I have a friend who does movement therapy professionally - she recommended I try a Sissel cushion (it's an inflated wobbly cushion that you sit on and it forces you to use your core muscles). I used it for several days and that's exactly what caused the rapid flareup of my current severe back issues, very distressing. I realize the ball is stationary and not the same thing, but it reminded me of that unfortunate advice from my friend...   

I also got rid of my ergonomic kneeling chair/stool as well, and really reviewed my work setup. Some say that you need to arrange your desk so that the things you use most during the day are within reach and within a certain radius. So no reaching across the desk for the phone or stapler if you use them often. Chair, keyboard and monitor height are also really crucial.

I do endorse what you say about posture and core stability. The PT gave me a series of exercises to do, in a specific order. He told me he had a back injury that took 14 months of PT because he didn't have time to do the exercises. I'm still early into therapy/rehab, and I do notice relapse when I don't do enough rounds of exercise. Now I really understand the relationship between exercise and back health, for me.

Good thread!

[Belsey1]

It so funny how things happen......I logged on in hopes of finding a thread addressing hip and lower back pain.  Couldn't believe it was the first one on the forum.  I have just developed the hip and back pain over the past 4-5  months.  It is so terrible I can hardly get any sleep and have woke myself up on numerous occasions lately, crying in my sleep.  I have had x-rays, but no real explanation.  I have found very little, if any, relief with the meds I am on. 

The pain is constantly there but varies in severity.  It is starting to affect me emotionally and really alters my mental state and work performance.

I am so thankful to be able to read everyone's posts regarding this and regret I don't have any words of wisdom to offer.

[Katybarstool]

Friedbain

I have heard of EDS, but I don't think I have it. The hypermobility was only diagnosed in recent years, although I seem to have 'puled muscles' a lot over the years, which is probably related to the laxness.

Regarding the exercize ball, I've recently concluded that using one for core strengthening has had a negative impact on my pelvic floor (which might also be hypermobile).

Kathyx

 

[katyjo]

Oh so many of us have this problem.  I've had  back and hip pain for a long time.  I limp when I stand up from sitting and I have to move carefully.   I don't like to take medicine if I don't have to.  Somedays, I'm lucky, and I'm almost pain free.  I think streching the butt muscle and back muscle is very important.  If you can, try to squat, this stretches the back and butt.  I strech when ever I can, on the computer, at the dog park etc.  I like to stretch on my carpet.  A good butt pillow really helps.  I have one for the car and one at the computer.  I try to eat very well, I'm almost a vegan.  I just started in November.   I'm hoping to lose 15-20 pounds.  Maybe my hip and back pain will be almost gone. 

[MaryBee7]

Katyjo & all,  stretching helps a lot for me.  I've always been very flexible, that part hasn't changed.  And Katy, losing weight is a great thing if needed though to share my story:  I have been too thin, just right, and overweight...with no relief from back problems.  Mine started at 25, which was outrageous for a "healthy" person!!  This is why I know Sjogren's was at work nearly all my life.  Some people don't need to make the flow chart or want to know, but for me it has been liberating in some ways. 

Now I know why my spine has given me problems over the years, the link between 2 wrist/thumb surgeries for DeQuervain's, bouts of abdominal illnesses that sent me to the ER, so much more.  Now the hip is acting up in a bad way and luckily I have some explanation.  I'm not trying to say blame everything on Sjogren's. 

I find Epsom Salts baths to be so soothing, relaxing and pain relieving.  I gave up Advil and Aleve and am on prescription Relafen, which works great for joint and muscle pain.  It also allowed me to cut out too many pills on Advil/Aleve.

[phalo]

My hip pain comes after a long day of work or after a lot of walking, or during the menstrual cycle. But the hip pain feels like my top inner joints are burning/ON FIRE. Near where the lymph nodes/adrenals/ovaries/other glands/hip flexors are located.

Sometimes in the morning my hips feel stiff and I have to stretch with circular motion to loosen them up. But still, all of the tightness feels like it's located at the front inner sockets. Is this all stemming from a glandular/hormonal issue? Or a typical auto-immune inflammation issue?