HomeAnswersRadiodiagnosisback painI have had lower back, hip, and pelvic pain, which has increased suddenly. Why?

What causes the existing lower back, hip, and pelvic pain to increase suddenly?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 11, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 22, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Why does my low back pain and hip and pelvic pain increase suddenly? Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. On reviewing your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pelvis, there are two main findings: 1. There is some fluid collection in the uterine cavity, which may be related to periods. I do not think it is related to the intense pain you described unless it produces some infection (which you do not have from the blood reports). 2. There is a Tarlov cyst on the left side at the S2 level, which is big enough to produce bony scalloping around. While Tarlov cysts have been considered harmless for decades, recent research suggests that they may not always be so benign. Tarlov cysts can produce pain and other symptoms, particularly when they compress the associated nerve root, which seems to be present in your case. Also, I noticed that you have a hip replacement on the right side, which might be causing some imbalance between the two sides, creating extra stress on your left hip joint or muscles. Please discuss these points with your concerned orthopedic specialist, and I believe they can suggest appropriate management measures. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for your reply, doctor.

What does bony scalloping mean? Besides hiking and walking, I am a self-defense instructor. My entire life, I have worked both sides equally, no matter the injury. The doctor who ordered the Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) said no concern was noted in the report. I was hoping your answer would clarify that, but I am more confused now. Is there an L femoral proximal fracture or avascular necrosis (AVN), or is neither of those present? Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. After going through the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) again, there is no definite concern for AVN (avascular necrosis) or fracture. However, there is some fluid collection in the muscles and tendons around the hip joint, which may be due to some imbalance between the two hips, as I mentioned earlier. While this may produce some pain or discomfort, it may not be severe, as you mentioned. About the Tarlov cyst, bony scalloping means cave-like reshaping of some parts of the bone due to the pressure effect of the cyst. It is a sign that indicates that if the cyst is big enough to change the shape of the bone, it can perhaps compress soft structures like nerve roots, too. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab
Dr. Muhammad Shoyab

Radiodiagnosis

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