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Pains in my hips and my lower spine

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2020 6:31 am
by Janstopic
Hi all
I have had scans and x rays and I have been told I have lower spine and hip arthritis..
This is very painful and especially so at bedtimes when I cannot sleep or get comfortable in bed.. I have changed my bed mattress and I put heat towards my pains and also take painkillers..
Is there any new way or exercises I can do to make my pain subside so I can get a restful sleep?
I also feel very stiff in my lower spine when I wake up in the mornings..
Any feedback or new exercises I can do on this pain would be appreciated
Many thanks

Re: Pains in my hips and my lower spine

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2020 12:32 pm
by Matthew Rogers
There is a common misconception that if you have arthritis, exercise is somehow bad for you. In reality, this could not be further from the truth. Research shows that becoming more physically active is extremely beneficial for those with arthritis. Simple stretching exercises can help to improve the flexibility of the joints. Doing general exercises that helps to keep the heart and lungs healthy can reduce the progression of the condition in many cases and in some improve things considerable.

The charity Arthritis Action (https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... exercises/) provides a number of free, very easy to follow exercise fact sheets that you might want to try to start off with. For those who need a little more support, most GPs will have an agreement with a local health centre (the scheme is usually called ‘Exercises on referral’) that will offer you access to subsidised personal trainer sessions to build your confidence. There are also more resources on the www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome.aspx website.

As you suggested your symptoms are quite intense, you might be best to seek support from a medical professional who can set you on the right path and an osteopathy may be able to advise you further. You can find a local osteopath here: https://members.iosteopathy.org/find-an-osteopath

Take it easy - when beginning a new exercises programme, you should always start off gently and gradually progress as your ability and confidence improves. Stop and seek advice if your symptoms are aggravated.

You might find it a little difficult at first, but if you persist you will see the benefit of keeping active.

Re: Pains in my hips and my lower spine

Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:33 pm
by Tracy Corbett
Hello, I agree with Matthew's comments on exercise. As a general statement, bodies/joints like movement. A joint that doesn't move will become stiff and also painful, so gentle targeted and specific exercises can be very useful for managing and relieving pain especially lower back/hip pain.

Your GP can refer you to a suitable musculoskeletal physiotherapist who can help with creating a suitable exercise programme for you and also with pain-relieving modalities such as joint mobilisations, soft tissue treatment, kinesiotaping, pacing advice and education on your condition and on ways of managing it.