Low back ache

[alynnfin]

I am 59, hysterectomy, ovaries stayed 20 yrs ago due to uncontrolled menstrual bleeding.  About 3 weekends ago for 2 days, my stomach cramped and my lower back hurt, felt weakish and stayed in bed.  Generally since then I have had more constant lower back discomfort (across hip area & tailbone) and did have a small tender spot when pressed only on right ab which has cleared up.  It seems to bother me more when I ride around and when I sit, but that may just be about the time it starts hurting.  I went to a GI dr in 2004 by colonoscopy, my colon was extremely inflamed, bloody and sore, which he originally thought was blood being shut off from the bowel.  It cleared up.  ? as to what it really was.  Some of the discomfort now reminded me of the lower back pain, so I went to him again.  He had an abdominal & pelvic ultrasound...pelvic: I had already had a small 3x5 mm hyperechoic area in rght ovary consistent with a small dermoid.  Also a hypoechoic area also in the right ovary 1.0 x 0.9 cm.  Since the last ultrasound 2/6/04, there was an interval development of a sonolucent area near the left ovary 1.8 x 0.9 x 1.8 cm.  "This may be a simple cyst which is paraovarian in location or possibly a hydrosalpinx." Sonogram of ab-small simple cyst right kidney 1.78x1.22 cm.  Should I drop this?  My stomach still is not okay but not tender, lower back is most problem and energy level seems low. Cancer scares me.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Alynnfin,
Thank you for the details. It is hard to see how those small cysts could explain your back pain. Your description of the back pain sounds very much like a spine/ bony hip problem. You may have a slipped disc or have misaligned your back. Sitting is worse than standing or walking around for those types of problems.
You should see your primary doctor and get x rays of your back. depending on the problem , usually exercise, acupuncture, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help. sometimes a steroid injection into the joint space helps.

If this is not a back problem, I would recommend a follow up pelvic ultrasound in 2-3 months to check the cysts again
best wishes to you

[lilly64]

Why are drs. so intent on saying that back pain is not caused by cysts?  Yes, they are.  You can refer to the forum and see that almost all of us that have ovarian cysts also have lower back and hip pain.  It is apparent and very frustrating to all of us that drs. just are not listening to the symptoms.

[danarose]

Hello... I am 32 years old and have a history of 2 R sided ovarian cysts which I have had laproscopically removed in the past.  I have been having terrible R hip and buttock pain noticing that my R pelvic bone is rotated forward...I've had a dislocated hip in the past as well...but recently ruled out with an MRI any problems with the hip.  I have been working with a physical therapist and seem to have good days  and lots of bad days especially around my cycle.  My doctor said I have piriformis/hip syndrome. I recently saw my OB/GYN and she ordered a pelvic US which shows a 7.3 x 7 cm septated cyst with a solid component or hemorrhagic cyst within one of the cysts in my L ovary.  Could this be causing all my pain and problems on the R side of my sacrum and pelvic/hip area even if the cyst is on my L ovary.  Help me...I'm desperate for some relief...am having surgery on Tuesday for a D&C and to remove the cyst.