Back Pain Issues...

Hello All!
Like many of the morbidly obese population, I have been living with back pain for quite a while. It's pretty much a constant ache, but some days it's more unbearable than others.  For me, it's mostly my lower back due to sitting in my office chair 12+ hours per day. I see the chiropractor in spurts... I see him about every 6 months and will go 1-2 times in a short time frame. It hurts me MORE initially, but the next day I feel some relief (and feel bruised although there's no visible bruises... is that normal?).

My thoughts were that the back pain would start to go away on its own when I lost weight.  Now I am not sure if I can WEIGHT (haha pun!) that long. I'm just not sure where to start. I've only ever gone to my chiropractor for back pain, and am thinking I want to do a more medical approach because the adjustments from the chiropractor have only been short-term relief. 

I'm just afraid the answer will be "your back hurts because you are fat. exercise and lose weight dummy."

Does anyone have any advice? 

You definitely need to see an orthopedic specialist and have your pain evaluated.

as we lose weight our body is shifting the center of gravity. the fat that pushed and pulled on some bones, muscles - is going away so things are shifting. 

I had and still have back issue. I go to see chiro probably every 1-2 weeks..  I get adjusted .. my body gets "funny" again..I need adjustment.  the fat was like "stuffing" making everything fit tight.. the fat is gone - things are moving more.. 

I too had back pain before surgery.  It did not improve with weight loss, and as it turns out, I have bulging discs in L3 and L4.  With PT and epidurals, I am better now, but will flare especially if I sit for too long or weight train (lower body work especially).  

There is no guarantee that your pain will improve with weight loss, so you need to get evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist to determine the source of your pain, as others have suggested.  

I recommend an orthopedist and, from there, physical therapy.  

you should see an orthopedic and/or neurologist to determine the source of your pain, because different conditions may call for different treatment.

I have disc issues and neuropathy.  Neuropathy pain ( leg and foot pain) has greatly diminished but my back pain has only improved slightly.

And if a doctor disrespects you in any way tell him he's an ass.  No doctor should be disrespectful in any way.

And believe me, your life is going to improve greatly after WLS!!!

Mary

I've been pursuing my back issues for a few years now, only in my 20s. I too was hoping it would improve when I lost the weight, but things kept getting worse. I also have a very active job that involves lifting, bending, twisting, etc. I'm on my feet most of the day. My sciatica flares when I have to sit for a while. For example, I had job orientation last week and had to sit in a chair for 6+ hours each day. My back and legs were KILLING me. It led to spasms and other pain.

Do yourself a favor and get checked out now. They may want to start with an x-ray, then an MRI. Once they get a picture of what is going on, they can better treat you. You'll never know if you don't try.

Thanks everyone *****plied. On Monday I will call and make an appointment with my PCP to talk about my back pain and hopefully get things started. I'll be prepared if any doctor tells me all I need to do is to lose weight and be cured... I will let them know that I am taking drastic measures regarding losing weight, but regardless I have a legitimate medical concern!

Having you guys on these forums for the occasional sanity check is very very helpful. Although I am sorry to hear that the back pain generally doesn't magically cure itself when losing weight, I am comforted a little that perhaps my back pains are legitimate with a high weight.