yes its normal, it pops and feels like a whole body funny bone . goes away after 6 or 7 weeks, then still once in a while it will pop but will not hurt any more . have him try and be up and just doing light activity, only walk slow and short distances, just laying in bed is good, but try and get him out a little, lower the pain pills, and start getting off them, the sooner the better, he may get dizzy also once he starts getting around, have him lay down for a few minutes when dizzy, but get back up and keep being out of bed, try and take him in the car to the store and out and about, just get him going again, don't walk too far or try and push through pain, just easy and slow.