Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have been experiencing a aching almost constant pain in my lateral hip area right below the hip bone for the past 4 days. Sometimes the pain will go down into my anterior lower leg area. Seems to get worse with sitting. I have been taking a lot of alleve but t doesn t seems to help. Also resting my leg on a pillow and using a heating pad. I am on vacation and don t know what else to do. I have had a lumbar laminectomy L 4-5, S 1 approx 10 years ago. This pain brings me to tears at times. I have a 5 hour plane ride home soon and am worried about tolerating it. Could this pain be related to my previous back surgery? Or mre likely from another cause. I am a very active 61 year old female.
[|AI|]  Hi Thanks for your query and Welcome to Chat Doctor. You have pain in your right sided hip area which also seems to go down lower leg region. Now interestingly you have a previous history of a spinal surgery as well. There are many causes of pain in lower back region. It can be due to faulty posture, related to weak muscles, issues with Intervertebral Disc, narrowing of Spinal canal, any Bony instability besides many other, so accurate diagnosis is the key to proper management of the condition. You will have to elaborate your problem as to a detailed discussion of your back pain which means duration of pain and mode of onset. I would also like to ask you if it is associated with any other neurological symptoms like numbness, paresthesia (electrical shock like abnormal sensations) or any weakness in limbs. How much distance are you able to walk normally without any painkiller ? Please also tell me about any associated symptoms like fever, weight loss etc. What medications you generally take and what has been your treatment history till now for existing problem. If you have localized back pain with no other symptoms like significant radiating leg pain, neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, paresthesia etc., then you can start with following recommendations for initial period of 2-3 weeks: - To maintain proper posture of your back while working and sleeping- If pain is more than you can take a short course of an anti-inflammatory medication like tab etoricoxib or paracetamol or one which suits you-Physical therapy initially under supervision of a trained physiotherapist and then to continue at home-Adequate calcium & vitamin D intake if levels are low in body-Ice packs can apply if your pain is acute, then hot fomentation can be done at home-Analgesic spray for local application can be used and is easily available.- Avoid lifting heavyweight/ acute forward bending in mornings etc. We will observe you for next 2-3 weeks how you respond to this conservative management protocol. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further assistance. You can also discuss your case and treatment plans with me in a greater detail in a private consultation. Thanks & Regards Chat Doctor.