Lower back ache during the night - is this normal?

[pwhite12]

I'm now just over 2 weeks post op (BHR) and although my hip is feeling stronger and relatively pain free during the day, I am suffering from severe lower back ache at night (I am still sleeping on my back as instructed by the surgeon/physio). I get to sleep initially ok, but after approx. 1.5-2 hours, I wake up in pain and this then continues throughout the night. I have tried a number of different pillow combinations under my head & knees, but nothing seems to be working.

Is this common?

Is this down the the trauma my pelvis / lower back went through during the op?

Any tips or suggestions?

Paul.

[jjmclain]

Paul,

It could be due to having to sleep only on your back. I didn't get back pain, but instead I would wake up with pain in both legs from being in the same position. Some hippys say sleeping in a recliner helps.

June

[moe]

I agree with June, sleeping on your back is awful. I used a Lafuma recliner.

moe

[FlbrkMike]

I'm normally a side sleeper and my Doctor told me to go ahead and sleep on my side, with a pillow between my knees, if this is more comfortable.  I have to change positions once in a while to stay comfortable, but would have major back pain if I had to sleep flat on my back all the time.  You might want to ask your Doctor how long you have to stay on your back. 

[AlanN]

Pretty much my experience too Paul.

I'm now well into my third week and it's getting a lot better.

Stick with it mate and good luck.

[pwhite12]

Thanks for all the advice. Things are a lot better now. I have started to alternate between sleeping on my back and on my side (with pillows between legs) now and all seems ok.
Returned to work this week - feels a lot better getting back to the norm. Also started to hobble round the house without my crutches now that the leg is feeling stronger.

Paul.