Persistent Hip and Lower Back Pain After Deadlifting: Seeking Solutions

For a month now, I have been experiencing deep pain in my hip upon waking up, and when I get up, I feel a tingling pain from my lower back down to my buttocks and thighs?

I have already seen a rehabilitation specialist and an orthopedic doctor, but I still have some issues.
It started about a month ago (before the Lunar New Year) when I was deadlifting.
I held the weight for a second while lowering it, and the next day I experienced back pain.
I then tried to massage my lower back, pressing on a small area next to my spine, and suddenly my entire left leg started to hurt.
It became difficult to straighten my back, so when I stood up, I had to squat for a while, using my left leg for support, and it took several minutes to straighten my back.
In the following days, I experienced hip pain when standing, and my calves felt numb, somewhat like the sensation of putting on pants and touching my feet.
I immediately went to see a rehabilitation specialist, who advised me to rest.
After resting for a while, I noticed hip pain upon waking up, so I went to see a physical therapist.
They said it wasn't a herniated disc but rather lower crossed syndrome.
After resting again, I consulted a joint specialist who said my hip joint was fine and administered an injection in the front groin area, advising me to rest afterward.

Currently, my lower back has improved; I can do many stretches, and I no longer experience pain when bending over to stand up.
I can bend down to wash my feet, but I still feel hip pain when I get out of bed.
If I lie flat and lift my hips to change positions (similar to the hip lift exercise), I feel some pain, although it is not as severe as before.
The sensation in my calves has returned significantly, but there is still a slight numbness.
There is one movement that causes a bit of pain: when I dry my hair while standing straight, leaning my head forward and arching my back backward in a question mark shape, I may feel some discomfort from my lower back to my hip, similar to the feeling of not fully stretching a muscle.

I’m not sure if this information is sufficient, but if there is no improvement by March, I may want to see a rehabilitation specialist again.
If the doctor has any other specialty recommendations, I would appreciate that as well.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/26

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

Muscle soft tissues and nerve lesions related to the lower back, pelvis, and hip joints can lead to the described symptoms.
A proper assessment of the actual situation requires an in-person examination, as online consultations cannot replace a physical visit.
Please consult a neurosurgeon, orthopedic specialist, or rehabilitation physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medication or rehabilitation treatment.

Reply Date: 2021/02/26

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex situation with persistent hip and lower back pain following a deadlifting incident. Your symptoms, including pain in the hip and lower back, as well as the tingling sensation in your calf, suggest that there may be multiple factors at play. Here’s a comprehensive overview of your situation and some potential next steps.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Mechanism of Injury: The initial injury occurred during a deadlift, which can place significant stress on the lower back and hips, especially if proper form is not maintained. The sudden pain you felt after pressing on your lower back could indicate a muscle strain or a more complex issue involving the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint.

2. Pain Patterns: The pain you describe in your hip and lower back, along with the tingling in your calf, may suggest nerve involvement, possibly due to irritation or compression. This could be related to muscle tightness or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

3. Diagnosis: You mentioned that you have seen both rehabilitation and orthopedic specialists, and they have ruled out a herniated disc. The diagnosis of "lower crossed syndrome" indicates a pattern of muscle imbalances that can lead to pain in the lower back and hips. This condition often involves tight hip flexors and weak glutes and abdominals, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Continuing with physical therapy is crucial. A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones. This may include core stabilization exercises, hip flexor stretches, and glute activation exercises.
2. Pain Management: Since you have received an injection in the groin area, it seems that your healthcare providers are addressing inflammation. If pain persists, consider discussing other pain management options with your doctor, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heat therapy, or even alternative treatments like acupuncture.

3. Activity Modification: It's essential to listen to your body. Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain, especially those that involve heavy lifting or straining. Gradually reintroduce activities as your pain decreases and strength improves.

4. Re-evaluation: If your symptoms do not improve by March, it would be wise to revisit your healthcare provider. They may consider advanced imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any underlying issues that may not have been previously identified.

5. Cross-Disciplinary Approach: If your pain persists, you might benefit from consulting a pain management specialist or a sports medicine physician. They can offer a more comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain and may suggest interventions like corticosteroid injections or other minimally invasive procedures.

Conclusion
Persistent hip and lower back pain can be challenging to manage, especially after an injury. It’s important to remain proactive in your treatment and to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and concerns. By continuing physical therapy, modifying activities, and seeking further evaluation if necessary, you can work towards alleviating your pain and improving your function. Remember, recovery can take time, and patience is key.

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