''It is one of those wait-and-see things,'' Butler said yesterday.
''There is no point worrying about it until you actually know. I've just left the doctor's now and he is going to talk to New Zealand Cricket about where things are at and the road back.
''It is a case of trying to get pain-free in the meantime and then building my way back into bowling.''
The 31-year-old has managed chronic pain since 2004, when he came off the field after playing for New Zealand against Australia in a one-dayer and could barely walk.
Scans at the time revealed disc compression and two bulging discs, and there were suggestions he should give up bowling. Butler missed the 2005-06 season before making a comeback as a specialist batsman for Northern Districts' A side.
He transferred south to Otago for the 2008-09 season and has played a key role in helping the province secure two twenty20 titles.
Last summer, he was the leading wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield until he received a late call up for the Black Caps. He was also an influential figure in Otago's 15-game winning streak in twenty20 cricket.
His form during the recent Champions League in India saw him selected for this month's tour of Sri Lanka and he was looking forward to making an impact.
''It is certainly far from ideal timing for me because I started to feel like things were going quite well for me in the last year. I've been quite consistent, but things happen for a reason.
''If it means I come back fresh and raring to go for the second set of twenty20s, then I'll certainly be doing my best for that.''
Butler is unsure how long he will be sidelined, but said there was no quick fix.
''I've got to get myself to the stage where I can get through daily life without painkillers and then get myself back into bowling.''
Butler watched Otago's opening HRV Cup match and the team went well in his absence, beating Canterbury by 47 runs at Hagley Oval.
''It was absolutely awesome to watch. It shows the depth we've got in the squad and also the confidence we have in our plans. No matter what team we pick, we can do well what we do well and don't worry too much about the opposition. I can't wait to watch them this Friday.''
Otago will play Canterbury on Friday night and Northern Districts on Saturday. Both games will be played under temporary lights at the University Oval.
