Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain?

Question

I've had low back pain and 3 major back surgeries. I'm not over weight by < 15lbs. I've had 2 children. The last one a c-section. I've had no relief from my back pain from injections, PT, or surgery. I have increasing pain level between 5-8. I can't work or even really enjoy life. Can a tummy tuck relieve some of my back pain. I've been saying my core muscles aren't strong enough to support my torso. By the end of the day I need to wear a heavy duty back brace in order to walk though my house.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Although it is conceivable that a tummy tuck may improve the ability to strengthen the abdominal musculature, chronic back and hip pain should be addressed by a neuro or orthopedic surgeon. If your previous PT did not include warm water therapy, you might consider exercising in a pool so that the buoyancy of the water takes stress off the joints. At the same time, swimming and other aquatic exercises can strengthen back and core muscles.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Unfortunately I would not expect your low back pain to improve with a tummy tuck.  Back pain is often multifactorial and should be examined by a back specialist.  Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of your unrelieved back pain.  It is unlikely that a tummy tuck will improve your back pain, especially if you have tried targeted treatments to relieve it and were unsuccessful.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fabulous5851,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but it is unlikely that your spine issues will be resolved after tummy tuck. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing.  Based on your description, I would encourage you to have the anatomic concerns of your spine addressed by spine specialists (again), prior to considering tummy tuck surgery.  Do not assume that tummy tuck surgery alone will suffice.
 Generally speaking, the tummy tuck operation involves plication (re approximation) of the abdominal wall muscles that have spread with pregnancy and/or weight gain/loss. This reconstruction likely strengthens the core and MAY help with issues such as lower back discomfort (again assuming there are no other anatomic causes of the lower back pain). 
 Again, I would caution you however not to assume that your lower back pain will be resolved after tummy tuck surgery.
Best wishes.

Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain?

Answers (10)

Answer: Spine problems

Answer: Spine problems

Answer: Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain? Possible but...

Answer: Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain? Possible but...

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Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain?

Answers (10)

Answer: Spine problems

Answer: Spine problems

Answer: Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain? Possible but...

Answer: Can a tummy tuck help relieve chronic low back pain? Possible but...

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.