Article: Help - Aching Back During Hysterectomy Recovery?

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Article: Help - Aching Back During Hysterectomy Recovery?
I had my hysterectomy a week ago. My recovery has been going well except for this terrible back pain I have been experiencing.
Friends and family suggest that rest will help but that only seems to exacerbate it. Could this be due to my surgery? Is it a normal part of recovery?

This is a common complaint of women who have recently a hysterectomy, especially during the first few weeks of recovery. It can be the result of a few different things.

The first week or two of recovery, this pain can be a result of the position you were placed in during surgery. The degree can vary depending on the length of the procedure. Those who have undergone a more extensive surgery will often complain of a higher degree of back pain as they were in an almost awkward position for longer periods of time.

After undergoing any type of abdominal surgery, you may be reluctant to use the muscles in the area of your incision as it can cause a great deal of pain. This can cause overcompensation of the back muscles, which can produce back pain.

Because we were cautioned to rest during recovery, we often then find ourselves in a horizontal position more which can result in back pain. Changing positions and walking around more frequently, perhaps for shorter periods of time, can help relieve this pain.

Anytime you experience new symptoms or concerns always schedule an appointment to see your doctor.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.