I have been dealing with lower back & hip pain for some time now. I can not stand for more than 15 - 20 minutes at a time. I get alot of pressure in my lower back and lots of hip joint pain. The doctor said that is because of the disk & the tear. I have been going to physical therapy for 3 months now 3 times a week. How much longer before this is healed? The doctor also stated that it is not bad enough for a surgery or a shot in the lower spine. I really need some answers.
2007-05-01 04:56:22 · 5 answers · asked by Sonya T 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Is it normal for the hip pain? I don't have pain or numbness going down my legs.
2007-05-01 07:25:27 · update #1
To verify the treatment you're receiving you should see another doctor for a second opinion. That way you will be satisfied with what you have as treatment or what else is possible. It never hurts to get a second opinion.
2007-05-01 07:12:55 · answer #1 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should take 6 to 8 weeks to heal in general, however, there is a very poor blood supply to the disc and residual pain is not uncommon beyond 6-8 weeks. After 3 months of physical therapy you should be able to stand for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. The position that puts the most pressure on a disc is sitting.
Assuming that it is a tear in the disc and not a protrusion or prolapsed disc, you should be progressing nicely after 3 month of therapy.
There may be some complications or factors that are keeping inflammation in the area. If you sit alot, do lifting or have any other medical conditions like degenerative arthritis, this could be complicating your recovery. Perhaps it would be appropriate, at this time, to get a secondary medical opinion or see a Chiropractor who may be able to deal with any bio-mechanical issues.
Supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin may help and Essential Fatty Acids like highly refined fish oil may help to reduce inflammation along with anti-inflammatory herbs like Ginger.
2007-05-01 06:06:23 · answer #2 · answered by DocO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much about you or your history of your problem but what I can tell you is that everyone heals at different rates. Even when an injury has healed you may continue to experience problems. Very often with back and neck injuries patients continue to experience symptoms after an injury has healed because of poor posture, poor body mechanics, abnormal movement patterns, poor flexibility and joint mobility and hundreds of other things that can prolong the problem. Make sure the physical therapist you are seeing is specialized in the spine/orthopedics (just like doctors specialize so do physical therapists). Make sure you are compliant with your treatment and follow instructions given to you by the physical therapist and your doctor.
2007-05-02 18:24:48 · answer #3 · answered by Dan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excuse your doctor for not telling you how long does it take becaues human bodies do not react identically to injuries. the extent of your bulging disk and the extent of the tear are the 2 important factors. having 2 injuries is the main cause of your suffering. similar cases start improving after 6 months with strict compliance to therapy. Have faith and pray to your creator who gave you many blesses. Take advantage of this time out to read in a field that can help your soul to adapt to your illness and stick to hope.
2007-05-01 05:23:36 · answer #4 · answered by doctormamy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a chiropractor and have them work on it. L5 will likely start your sciatic to start acting up as well. It is right near there. Physical therapy has never helped me. Your lucky that it has not progressed more than it has yet. Fix it now while you still can. They say mine has got past surgery and there is nothing more they can do at all. Had for 35 years now. Don't let it get any worse. Go to chiropractor now.
2007-05-01 11:35:42 · answer #5 · answered by Born2Bloom 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋