What Are Some Back Problems After Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss surgery is a major physical alteration and some post-operative side effects may be expected. The stress on the body from carrying extra weight causes certain muscle groups and bone structures to adjust due to compensation. Once any extraordinary weight is removed, the readjustment may cause some physical reactions, including changes in pulmonary, vascular and renal systems.

Reported Back Pain Issues

• The adjustments in back muscle groups and the spine after weight loss surgery may cause some side effects, including back pain. Changes in load stress on the back muscles may cause a realignment to take place, bringing about pain in the lower back especially. In some reported cases, inflammation from surgical wounds may have spread to the area of the back, causing intermittent episodes of pain.

Other Reported Back Problems

• Some people who have undergone a bariatric surgery have reported lower back pain due to changes in kidney functions associated with dehydration. Any surgery can have depletive effects on fluid levels in the body, and dehydration can sometimes be a side effect that can cause back pain for the patient. Kidney pain may be a result of bariatric surgery, although the statistical occurrence of this side effect is unavailable.

Common Problems

• Many side effects can be experienced that are common in any post-operative state, including inflammation from internal and external suturing. In the case of bariatric surgery, the stitching and closing of internal connective tissue may become infected. Although the sutured connective tissue will eventually heal over and seal itself with scar tissue, there are occasionally reported episodes of gastric juices leaking through and causing inflammation of the exterior abdominal areas.

Treatment Methods

• In cases of muscle pain and other related general pain after bariatric surgery, an over-the-counter pain reliever may be recommended by the physician until the body adjusts to the weight loss. In other cases, chiropractors may recommend various stretching and exercise routines to help the back adjust to the change in weight . In cases of pain due to possible infection, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.

Other Related Information

• General dietary adjustments will be necessary to assist the body in reorienting itself to the changes in weight after bariatric surgery. Decreasing some nutritional elements may be required, and different methods of eating as well as adjustments relating to digestive periods may be incorporated to alleviate back problems after bariatric surgery.