1 year post op of Bilateral Mastectomy, I started to have back pain. Is this normal?

Question

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in March of 2013. Just recently (about 3 months ago) I started having back pain in the upper middle of my back (bra line). The pain has progressively gotten worse and is now primarily in the middle of my back. I have a hard time moving and am taking pain pills and muscle relaxers just to manage the pain (takes it from a 10 to a 3 on the pain scale). Is this normal and is there something I can do to get relief?

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Please make sure that you contact your oncologist and breast surgeon immediately for a detailed work up.

C. Andrew Salzberg, MD · Answer

I would recommend a full work up by your breast surgeon and oncologist. I would do this as soon as possible as pain can be as simple as a muscle spasm or indicate a more serious condition.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you should see your breast surgeon to be properly evaluated. You may need to see your oncologist or internist as well to rule out causes of the pain.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

The best course of action with progressive pain would be to see your breast cancer surgeon and see if you need to have some imaging and/or other tests to try and pinpoint the cause of this pain. The hope is that it is just maybe muscle pain that could be addressed with massage and stretching but you really need to see your breast surgeon to ensure this is not related to your past cancer history.

John D. Symbas, MD · Answer

I agree, given the severity of the pain, I would recommend that you have a full workup/xray/scan to make sure that there are not any metastases.

1 year post op of Bilateral Mastectomy, I started to have back pain. Is this normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Pain After Mastectomy

Answer: Pain After Mastectomy

Answer: Mastectomy and pain

Answer: Mastectomy and pain

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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1 year post op of Bilateral Mastectomy, I started to have back pain. Is this normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Pain After Mastectomy

Answer: Pain After Mastectomy

Answer: Mastectomy and pain

Answer: Mastectomy and pain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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