Living with Chronic Back Pain for Over a Decade: Life Without Back Pain after Hip Arthroscopy

My name is Stephanie and I’m a patient of Dr. Ramkumar. I have been suffering from back pain for over 10 years and it was something that was persistent in my daily life from the time I woke up with a stiff back and then getting progressively worse throughout the day. No amount of stretching or over-the-counter meds could help me. I figured that this was something that I’d have to live with for the rest of my life since I’d been to various doctors, gotten x-rays, and nobody could find anything wrong with me.

Finding Dr. Prem Ramkumar: A Turning Point in My Journey

Last year, I was on a cross-country flight and the pain was so bad that I was looking up doctors in my area who could potentially fix this because I couldn’t live like this anymore. I was lucky enough to find Dr. Ramkumar in the orthopedic institute in Long Beach, California and serving al of Orange County.

Compassionate Care and a Clear Diagnosis For Hip and Back Pain

From the first time we met, I could tell that he was someone who really cared about his patients. He took the time to listen to the issues I was having along with running through his checklist to figure out the source of the pain. Once he put up my X-rays, he immediately knew what was wrong and detailed out my options for short-term and long-term pain relief.

Choosing Hip Arthroscopy for Long-Term Relief from Back Pain

He wanted to make sure I understood the risks of getting a hip arthroscopy at a younger age, letting me know that I would be pain-free, but could potentially require surgery in another 10 to 15 years. I trusted him implicitly and wanted to move forward with the surgery and to have those 10 years of being pain-free.

Supportive Care Before and After Hip Arthroscopy Surgery

Throughout the process, Dr. Ramkumar made himself readily available and understood my goals of the surgery and how quickly I wanted to be active post-op. He even let me know that I could ride my exercise bike the same day of surgery if I was so inclined.

Fast Recovery After Hip Arthroscopy: Back on the Bike in Days

While I didn’t get on the bike the same day, I was back on the bike the next morning and every day during the six-week recovery period. I set a goal to bike 30 to 40 miles a day and hit 150 miles in my first week. The post-op pain was minor compared to the pain I had lived with for years. Almost immediately after surgery, I knew I made the right choice.

Life-Changing Results and a Renewed Lifestyle Without Back Pain

This hip arthroscopy surgery has been nothing short of life-changing for my chronic back pain. I’m able to move freely, live without back pain, and enjoy a dramatically improved quality of life. I tell everyone I know that back pain might actually be a hip issue—and Dr. Ramkumar can help.

Gratitude for a Second Chance at an Active Life

I also want to thank Dr. Ramkumar for kickstarting my road cycling lifestyle so that I can go on 40-plus mile rides and climb mountains without pain. I’m incredibly grateful for this surgery and the renewed license on life it has given me.

If you’ve been living with chronic back or hip pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramkumar today to explore treatment options. He treats patients in Long Beach, Orange County, and the surrounding Southern California area.

FAQ

Can Hip Problems Cause Back Pain?

Yes. Hip problems can absolutely cause back pain. When the hip joint is stiff or damaged, it forces the spine and surrounding muscles to compensate, often leading to chronic lower back pain. Many patients live for years thinking they have a “back problem” when the true source is the hip. Prem Ramkumar, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Long Beach and Orange County, California, specializes in diagnosing these complex cases. With advanced imaging and expert evaluation, he helps patients uncover the root cause of pain and creates personalized treatment plans to restore mobility and quality of life.

How Long Is the Recovery After Hip Arthroscopy?

Recovery after hip arthroscopy typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s health, activity goals, and the extent of the procedure. Many patients return to light activity within days and progress to biking, swimming, or low-impact exercise within a few weeks. Full recovery, including return to sports or demanding physical activity, may take three to six months. Dr. Prem Ramkumar, guides patients through every step of recovery with tailored physical therapy protocols, ensuring the fastest and safest return to pain-free living.

Am I Too Young or Too Old for Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy can benefit patients across a wide age range. Younger patients often seek treatment for sports-related hip labral tears, while older adults may need relief from hip impingement or cartilage damage. Age alone does not determine candidacy. Decision to undergo hip arthroscopy depends on joint health, overall activity level, and goals for recovery. Prem Ramkumar, MD, carefully evaluates each patient to recommend whether hip arthroscopy, conservative care, or another treatment option will deliver the best outcome. His patient-first approach ensures the right solution at the right time.