Backaches after tummy tuck. Did the tightening of the stomach muscles cause this?

There are so many conditions that can result in back pain. Back pain after tummy tuck surgery is common for the first couple weeks after surgery. Usually patients are asked to remain hunched to prevent stretch and pull on the fresh repair site. There are so many potential factors, without a consultation it would be impossible to presume. Common causes include:Herniated discMuscle spasms with referred back painTight hip flexors resulting in strain on the backEtcEtcI hope you start feeling better soon.

In protecting the sore abdominal muscles some patients will stress the back muscles creating some back pain. Your plastic surgeon will help you with this.

Back pain after a tummy tuck is common in the first two weeks when the patient is asked to stay hunched over, however it usually goes away after that time.  The muscle tightening that takes place doesn't really affect your back and shouldn't be responsible for the prolonged back pain you're suffering.  It is possible something else is going on and if you are concerned, speak to your family doctor about a proper workup.

You have asked some specific questions regarding the relationship of muscle repair to back pain. Repair of muscle separation of the abdominal muscles has been shown to improve pre-existing back pain in patients not produce back pain to my knowledge. An examination and evaluation will be necessary by your treating physician is in order.  My experience is that back pain is common during recovery due to the patient lying on her back for prolonged periods.  Humans prefer to sleep on the side (usually the left).

The most likely reason for your back ache is continuing to favor your stomach muscles, because they were tightened. This usually get better in 4-6 weeks. At 10 weeks it should be much better unless you are still favoring your stomach muscles. See your surgeon, because it is possible something else is going on. Make sure you are standing straight up, because bending over puts undue stress on your back.

Dear Maria's,

It is very common for patients to develop significant back
strain and backache following abdominoplasty and tummy tuck surgery. The usual reason for this is that the
abdominal work and the tummy tuck, which included placation of the rectus
abdominis muscles or suturing together of the lax tummy muscles changes the
posture of the low spine, resulting in strain of the lumbosacral spine
ligaments and muscles. Without the
abdominal musculature to balance the lumbosacral spine, significant backaches
can occur. In general, as you get a
return to normal abdominal muscle function and can begin to do leg lifts and
abdominal muscle strengthening work, such as sit-ups, you will find that the
low back pain will improve. Until that
time, therapeutic massage and even acupuncture can provide some relief until
the abdominal musculature has recovered and can be strengthened or recruited to
restore balance to your lumbosacral and abdominal anatomy.

At this point in time, seeking the advice of your operative
surgeon may be best, as they will be in the best position to know what was
performed surgically and to refer you to the best possible physiotherapeutic
intervention.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

Sincerely,

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto