When did you get post op back pain, What helped?

Hi everyone!

I have developed TERRIBLE back pain now that I am 3 weeks post op.   Its been VERY difficult to stand up from a chair and if I walk for more than just a few minutes I can feel my back getting REALLY tight.  Today I went for a chair massage (I was worried i would be uncomfortable laying FACE DOWN on a table for a regular massage) and that helped briefly.  I've used heating pads and ice (alternating) the last several days. 

I had read (I think) that this is common after WLS.  What did you find to HELP you get over it?  I want to start my walking back up again.  

Thanks for any advice!

I've actually not read that this is common.  Could it be because you're sleeping differently than normal?  Back pain can be a sign of so many things, from kidney stones to actual spine problems, so I'd be going to my PCP and asking for a CT scan or MRI.  Pain that bad isn't normal 

I will be 3 weeks post op tomorrow and have noticed back pain too! I thought it was just me, glad I am not alone but sorry you are in pain. Mine isn't as bad as what you have described though. As long as I can lean back or sit in something comfortable it isn't bad. I have noticed pain after walking too. 

That sounds very unusual.  If you're in that much pain, I'd call the doctor.

The only pain I can remember after surgery was a knot in my right lower shoulder blade.  Someone suggested that I get a tennis ball, put it in that spot and lean against a wall to apply pressure.  It worked for me, but I wasn't having the type of pain you describe.

some people get back pain if they lay in bed to much and you usually spend more time in  bed after surgery

I think some back pain is normal immediately post-op (from what I've read) as you've been lying flat on a hard metal operating table. That's not something that starts later, though. I'd definitely be calling the doc for pain that severe. It could be your kidneys or something that just FEELS like back pain. 

I had some terrible post-op back pain - the dr's office said it was probably a pulled muscle from the operating table position.  I ordered a post partum maternity belt on amazon and got alot of relief from it.  It took about 5 weeks before my pain passed.

I ordered one of those belts just now.  Thanks for the suggestion.  Hopefully this will provide enough relief that I can begin slowly walking again until I am cleared to do REAL exercising.  Hopefully I am getting over the WORST part!  

I had a lot of aches and pains in my back and other joints as I was losing weight.  My chiropractor and massage therapist both said that my tendons, ligaments and spine had adjusted as I gained weight and that the whole system would readjust as I lost weight...and there could be pain involved.  

I used chiropractic and massage and did lots of the stretches and back exercises that were recommended for me to re-strengthen all those lazy muscles.  Exercise willprobably be the most helpful thing once you get released to do so.  

If you continue to have intense pain (not just muscle tightness) I wouldn't just ignore it.  I'd get it checked out just to make sure it's not something more serious.  

Thanks so much for the info.  I went to the Chiropractor today and that did help some.  She did mention about how my abdominal muscles had been 'sliced thru' for the surgery and once I am allowed, it will be important that I slowly begin to re-strengthen my abs and core.  I am grateful that I believe it is only muscular pain.   I am trying NOT to take any pain killers (Tylenol) and using a foam roller and a few yoga postures that provide some relief.  I really appreciate hearing from you, it makes me realize I'm not the ONLY one to experience this!