Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underDiastasis Recti Repair q&a

Will a diastasis recti repair assist with decreasing lower back pain because of a weak core and will Tricare pay for it?

KW1980Oct 15, 2014
I have degenerative disc disease from an injury which causes back pain. Since my last pregnancy I have a diastasis recti which increased my pain, and caused hip and pelvic pain. I've been in PT for months, had steroid injections, and am diagnosed with depression because of my pain. A general surgeon said that I do have a bulge and an opening but a repair isn't really needed but I should see a plastic surgeon. Will a repair decrease my pain and since there's an underlying issue, will Tricare pay?

Answers (5)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS
Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 292 Reviews
Answered on Oct 19, 2014
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA
Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA profile photo
Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.7 | 53 Reviews
Answered on Oct 20, 2014
Answer
Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Oct 18, 2014
Answer
Dr. Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS
Dr. Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Oct 17, 2014
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Megan Jack, MD
Dr. Megan Jack, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Oct 17, 2014
Answer

More Diastasis Recti Repair Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
J. Roberto Ramirez Gavidia, MD, FACS

If you have a small hernia or diastasis recti and the CAT scans were done for other reasons(trauma), the interpretation of the scan may not report it.  Many of this small defect may be ignored by the report. This is why is important to look at the scan or talk to the radiologist. On the...

+7 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Gary M. Horndeski, MD

You have the typical appearance after pregnancy and c-section.The abdominal wall is weakened from stretching and surgery.The support layer to the abdominal wall is not muscle but is fascia, which encloses the muscle.I recommend Abdominoplasty with Mesh Reinforcement.The mesh increases the...

+8 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

It is possible you could have abdominal wall laxity. This could translate into the diastasis. There are other possibilities as well. The physical examination would be necessary.

+7 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Matthew Schulman, MD

I recommend against having your OB tighten the lower muscles during your c-section. The muscle needs to be tightened the entire length and doing only the bottom will make the top appear even worse. Also, no disrespect to your OB, but this is beyond their scope of practice and the muscle needs to...

+13 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Kyle Song, MD

You're right.  It is hard to find pics of thin patients who've had tummy tucks!  But it's not because the results are not as great as other patients.  The same concerns can still be treated and greatly improved -- loose skin, stretch marks, rectus diastasis.  Although your...

+7 answers
See all Diastasis Recti Repair Q&A
See more Diastasis Recti Repair Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE DIASTASIS RECTI REPAIR GUIDE →