Q: I do not suffer from arthritis during the day per se but at night I cannot sleep on my side because my hips ache so much. I have been taking the apple pectin for three to four months now that has helped the pain in my back. Is there anything else I can do?
A: Because our Monthly Awareness issue on www.AskDrGottMD.com for May discusses arthritis, I will not cover it extensively but will touch on it because you mention the condition. As you can read, there are more than 100 different forms of the disorder.
Osteoarthritis can affect the spine and may place pressure on nerves that, in turn, cause a numb feeling or weakness of the arms and legs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes not only joint inflammation but fatigue, pain and stiffness – commonly present in the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet. This brings me to the question of whether you have arthritis or whether your hip and back pain is present for an entirely different reason.
Back pain affects about 80% of all Americans at some time during their lives. It can be in the upper, middle or lower back areas and is not restricted to seniors. In fact, young individuals who participate in school sports are very vulnerable, which is why a warm-up period should precede most activity. Some individuals are overweight, lead a rather sedentary lifestyle and don’t use proper techniques when lifting. They are prime candidates for back pain, regardless of their age.
Some of the more common causes for back pain include muscular or nerve problems, degenerative disc disease, bulging disks, osteoporosis, and arthritis. The pain can be mild or severe, may come and go, or be periodic or constant. It may be brought on by the trauma of an automobile accident, participating in strenuous exercises, lifting a heavy item in an inappropriate manner, or for countless other reasons.
Diagnosis is commonly accomplished through a health care provider taking a history and then examining and palpating the back to determine the location of the problem. It is unlikely initially he or she will order an X-ray, MRI, CT, nerve conduction study or bone scan without good cause since most pain will improve within a matter of a week or two. Extensive bed rest is not recommended because more harm than good will be accomplished by remaining immobile. However, when any doubt remains, the X-ray will identify arthritis and broken bones, and the MRI or CT will reflect such disorders as a herniated disc. If spinal stenosis is suspected, a nerve conduction study can measure electrical impulses. Lastly and rarely, a bone scan will reveal tumors and compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Hip pain can also be caused by a variety of conditions. It may be the result of a condition in another portion of the body, arthritis, disease, overuse, strain, tendinitis, a herniated disk, sciatica, bursitis, osteoporosis and countless other possibilities. The hip joint is a tough one but it isn’t indestructible. If the pain is minor, medical intervention may not be necessary; however, if it persists, it should be checked out. Self-treatment might include over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen, rest, ice and even mild exercise.
A physical examination, X-ray, MRI, or CT might be appropriate for a correct diagnosis. The way a patient walks and his or her range of motion will tell the health care provider a great deal. The pain may originate in the hip, or may come from another area of the body.
I recommend you see a physician or orthopedic specialist. At this stage you don’t know if you have back pain because of a bad mattress, have hip pain because of arthritis, or don’t even have arthritis at all. Make an appointment so you can sleep comfortably.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
