Lower Back Pain

Hi, All,

I need to get some help...the last three or four days I have been having terrible pain across my lower back - just above my hips. I went to see my PCP today for an adjustment to my BP medicine and since I was there, I asked him about it. He said I might have strained it ( wish I'd gone to med school) but that I also might be "adjusting to my new shape." I can't pinpoint anything I've done that is different or any specific time when the pain started, so a strain seems a long shot to me. Have any of you heard of pain from adjusting to a new shape?

I have lost a total of 93 pounds since the first of the year - 45 since surgery - so I know there are lots of adjustments, but it seems odd to have pain in my back after losing so much weight - that was one of the reasons I needed surgery to start with.   A couple of other salient facts - the pain is worse when I move, and it is all the way across - not one side more than the other, and I'm certain I'm not pregnant (I know that is a source of lower back pain).

I'm thinking of calling Dr. Walton  tomorrow, but wanted to tap into the experience here for your opinions first.

Thanks for taking the time!
John

It could be your back muscles adjusting to all the new places fat is settling or moving around to. I know I've ahd some serious back pain today, but mine was in my shoulders, so I'm not sure where that came from. I hope you get better!

John:

I had some back issues crop up at right around a year out post op.  The neurosurgeon was really surprised to find me having them with the extreme amount of weight loss at the time, however, it started right after the twins were born and we were all helping care for them.  I ended up with a major herniation and compression @ L5-S1 and had surgery last August.  He said it was even worse when we got in there than the horror it looked like from the MRI. 

Anyway, long story short - the cause was never determined but definite shifts in the way we carry our weight, carry our bodies, exercise, etc I would think could cause some extended issues.  I'm not a doctor (and I don't play one on TV) but....  This past two weeks my back has been all kinked up - over use and the weather have really had me twisted up.  And sitting in the same position in training all day is not helping in the least.

The only other thing I might suggest is maybe a bladder infection or kidney infection - but that is just off the top of my head.  Hmmm...have I caused more questions??  sorry??

Hang in there Studly!!!  R

I'm leaning towards Dr. Ruth's thought-a kidney or a bladder infection.  How has your water intake been?

John I have had some pain issues off and on with the shifting of the weight. The pain will come on abrubtly for a few days and leave as quickly as it came on. It never hurts to call or email Dr. Walton. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks, everyone for your input.  Is it sick that it makes me feel a little better to know that others have had the same horrible pain I have now?  I hope not, because it does.

Deb - I have certainly considered kidney/bladder infections, but don't have any pain upon urination and my water intake has been consistenly over 100 ounces per day, so I'm kind of discounting that for now. 

Thanks again - I think I may take a couple of Tylenol and slide into the hot tub for a while and see what morning brings.  I'll let you know how I am tomorrow!

John

Joh nI have had some shifting issues too bro.  This little flap of skin on both sides of my spine is "curling" up around my spine when I lay on my side in bed and causing a lot of discomfort.  I am having some small back pains but nothing severe.  Hope it all works out for you.

I've been back to the chiropractor once since surgery due to a fall I took being a good Samaritan to an elderly gentleman and threw my trick hip out of place again.

He told me that my body had to relearn how to hold itself again after the dramatic weight loss. He also said that every so many pounds we drop the spine realigns and shifts. It throws off our balance too, which helps explain my not very graceful moments I have sometimes!

Anyway, lately I've noticed that when I get realy tired or lift too much or whatever that my lower left side of my back hurts, too.

Not much help here, but I'm sure Dr. W will have the answer!

What about a massage?  There is a really good place in Edmond.  All of the folks at Therapeutic Touch are certified massage therapists.  Tell them about you weight loss and pain and they can work on that.  The worst that can happen is that you spend $40 for an hour of bliss!  Maybe they can help with the pain.  Or, my physical therapist's office is now offering massages.

I have heard of folks complaining of pain in new places as their bodies adjust to the rapid weight loss.

Good luck in figuring it out and feeling better.  If it doesn't get better soon you may need an MRI of your spine.  Ruth and I have both had lower back surgery. 

Denise

Well - after being in pain all day yesterday with no responses from either of my regular doctors, I broke down and went to the "doc in a box" and got some medicine and relief.

It's a long story - I'll put it up on my blog today or tonight... short version is I believe it was my own stupid fault, but if it weren't for the surgery and weight loss, it would never have happened in the first place.

Anyhow - better living through chemical intervention is my new motto, and Vicodin and Flexeril are my new best friends!

Thanks to everyone for your support and suggestions!
John