Could partial muscle plication cause back pain / spinal imbalance? 7 months post tummy tuck.

Question

I had a tummy tuck 3/22 with muscle plication below the belly button only. A few women that I've spoken to that had back pain before their tummy tucks say that the correction of their diastasis fixed their back pain. I never had any back pain before my surgery, but for the past 5 months my lower back hurts a lot. Before reaching out to my surgeon i would like to know if it's possible that the partial plication could have caused a spinal imbalance or otherwise be causing this pain?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck would not cause spinal imbalance or long term back pain.  Some patients experience temporary back pain during early recovery when they are not able to stand fully erect.  Once they are able to do so the back pain resolves.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mango88,
tummy tuck and muscle plication should have no effect on your back pain and spinal imbalance. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

Partial muscle plication during a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) typically involves tightening the abdominal muscles. While it’s possible that changes in abdominal muscles could affect posture and potentially lead to back pain or spinal imbalance, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation and symptoms. They can provide a more accurate assessment and recommend appropriate steps for addressing any concerns you may have.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely that your muscle plication is causing back pain. With muscle plication, core strength is improved and many do report improvement in back pain.  I suspect you have another issue causing back pain.  It might be as simple as sleeping on an improper mattress.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your surgeon is the first person you should reach out to since he or she is responsible for your well-being and outcome after surgery.
Lots of people have a variety of different sensations including pain, tightness, limitations with range of motion and a variety of issues after a major operation like a full tummy tuck. 
For most people they eventually get used to their new body and symptoms settle down but some have continued issues that may or may not be related directly to the surgical procedure.
There’s no shown direct correlation one way or the other. Like you describe some people claim back pain gets better and some people claim it gets worse but there’s never been shown a correlation or direct cause-and-effect relationship between the two.
Partial muscle play Quetion of the lower abdomen only puts people at risk for bulging of the upper abdomen and when done it’s usually done conservatively.
If done aggressively the upper abdomen will almost always bulge as a response to overtightening of the lower abdomen only.
For that reason it’s probably safe to say that your muscle tightening is probably less likely to be related to your lower back pain.
I recommend you discuss with your plastic surgeon and see a pain specialist if your pain is ongoing.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Could partial muscle plication cause back pain / spinal imbalance? 7 months post tummy tuck.

Answers (5)