Back Pain After Weight Loss Surgery: Bariatric Surgery, Gastric Bypass, and Gastric Sleeve

So, you’ve taken an incredible, life-changing step in your weight loss journey. You went through a weight loss surgery like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or another type of bariatric procedure. The pounds are dropping, your energy’s up, and you’re taking charge of your health and wellness. The positive lifestyle changes associated with gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are an exciting accomplishment. However, these incredible results can coincide with a surprising increase in back pain from weight loss after bariatric surgery.

For those suffering from back pain after weight loss surgery like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, the wellness professionals at Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center in Hiram, GA, want you to know that you’re not alone. Back pain after weight loss surgery is quite common, and most of the time, it’s totally manageable. In this post, we’ll explain the reasons behind back pain after weight loss procedures like bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve, and how a Chiropractor can help you find relief.

Why Do I Have Back Pain After Weight Loss Surgery?

The transition after weight loss surgery is a full-body change. Your muscles, bones, posture, and overall alignment are undergoing significant shifts that can cause surprising and sometimes unwelcome results. Here are some of the most common causes underlying the link between back pain after weight loss with bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass:

Your Alignment Can Change After Weight Loss Surgery

Losing a significant amount of weight changes how your physical frame is balanced, no matter what weight loss method you’ve used. When someone carries extra weight (especially in the belly), their spine adjusts to handle it. That causes a greater curve in the lower back, tilting the pelvis, and shifting the posture forward.

After weight loss surgery, the spine tries to readjust, but muscles and joints don’t transition instantly. It takes time for the musculoskeletal system to realign itself with a smaller frame, and this discrepancy can result in discomfort and back pain after weight loss surgery. This type of pain typically occurs in the lower back, shoulders, or between the shoulder blades.

Muscle Weakness or Imbalance Can Cause Back Pain After Weight Loss

When weight loss happens quickly, the muscles might not have enough time to keep up. Even though weight loss primarily involves shedding fat, muscle tone can suffer, especially if your diet or activity level changes dramatically after weight loss surgery.

Weak muscles, especially those that support your spine, can contribute to back pain after weight loss with surgeries like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. The resulting pain isn’t quite like having a muscle strain, but it can still feel like a deep ache. Your muscles may simply be out of practice. And if they aren’t doing their job properly, your back could bear the brunt of it.

Posture Changes Can Result After Weight Loss Surgery

Along with your alignment shifting, your posture is likely going to change as well. After significant weight loss, especially around the midsection, it can feel like you’re standing taller or straighter. But if you don’t consciously adjust to that new center of gravity, you might unintentionally slouch or lean forward in a way that puts pressure on your lower back.

This isn’t something most people think about after weight loss surgery, but even subtle changes in how you stand can lead to real discomfort and back pain after gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries.

Possible Decreased Cushioning (Fat Pads) After Bariatric Surgeries

Before surgery, you likely had more body fat. While shedding fat is the primary goal of weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, it’s important to note that fat does provide a bit of needed cushioning for your joints and spine. Once the fat starts to go, that natural cushioning disappears, and your back may start to feel more pressure from daily activities like walking, bending, or even sitting.

Without that extra padding, your frame needs to adjust to this new reality. It can take time for the bones and joints to get used to the changes after weight loss surgery. So, even though you might be feeling lighter, your back could be a little more exposed to wear and tear than before.

Nutrient Deficiencies Can Occur Post-Bariatric Surgery

Post-surgery, you’ll likely be on a strict diet and supplement regimen. But sometimes, people don’t get enough of the essential nutrients that support healthy bones and muscles. If you’re not getting the vitamins and minerals you need, requirements like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D can become deficient.

A lack of these nutrients can lead to weaker bones and muscles, which in turn can underlie back pain from weight loss with bariatric surgery. You might be getting used to a different way of eating, and if you’re not careful, you might not be getting everything you need to best fuel your recovery and jumpstart your wellness after weight loss surgery.

Increased Activity Can Result in Back Pain After Weight Loss Surgery

After weight loss surgery, many people begin to feel more energized. And that’s great, right? You want to get moving! However, if you jump into activities or exercises too quickly, especially without proper preparation or guidance, your muscles may become overtaxed.

Suddenly, your body’s moving more than it’s used to. And if your back muscles aren’t ready for that, you might feel aches and back pain after weight loss with gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedures. It’s easy to get excited and do too much too soon. But this can lead to soreness or even strain.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Back Pain After Weight Loss Surgery

If you have back pain after weight loss surgery, a chiropractor could be just what you need.

Chiropractors specialize in treating alignment issues, muscle tension, and posture problems, which are all things that can contribute to your back pain after weight loss surgery. Here’s how an experienced chiropractor can help you find relief from back pain after weight loss:

#1 Realign Your Spine

A chiropractor’s main goal is to help get your spine back into proper alignment. After weight loss surgery, especially when your musculoskeletal system is adjusting to a new weight distribution, your spine might not be in its ideal position. Cornerstone’s experienced Chiropractors use advanced spinal decompression to realign the spine and improve posture. This method can help ease pressure on nerves, reduce pain, and increase function for those with significant discomfort.

#2 Ease Muscle Tension

After weight loss surgery, the muscles around the spine are working overtime. Some are tight and sore, some are weak, and some are just plain confused. A chiropractor can help relieve that tension by targeting specific areas of your back. Using gentle manipulation, they can release those tight spots, so you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Your back muscles might be compensating for other imbalances in your musculoskeletal system, too. A chiropractor’s adjustments can help retrain those muscles to work properly again, providing much-needed relief from back pain after weight loss surgery.

#3 Posture Check and Correction

Because your posture might be changing as you lose weight, it’s a good idea to get a professional opinion. Chiropractors are schooled in promoting proper posture and alignment. They can help you identify any bad habits or postural issues that might be contributing to your back pain after weight loss surgery.

They might give you tips on how to sit or stand differently, or suggest exercises to strengthen your core and improve your posture. Over time, these small changes can make a significant difference in how your back feels.

#4 Gentle, Low-Impact Treatments

Chiropractic care tends to be gentle and low-impact, which is perfect for people who are recovering from gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery. Unlike other more aggressive treatments, chiropractic care focuses on safe, non-invasive methods to relieve pain and promote healing.

If you’re worried about doing too much too soon after surgery, chiropractic care is a great option. Chiropractic treatment plans are built to work with your body’s natural healing process, helping you get back to feeling like yourself without pushing too hard.

#5 Ongoing Support Through Changes

After weight loss surgery, your musculoskeletal system will continue to change. Your muscles will keep adapting, and your posture might shift again as you lose more weight. An experienced chiropractor can help provide ongoing support during this process.

You don’t just have to go once and call it good. Chiropractors can help monitor your progress and offer adjustments and advice along the way, ensuring that your frame stays in balance as it continues to change.

Contact a Hiram Chiropractor for Help With Back Pain From Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery

If your quality of life has been affected by back pain after weight loss, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Back pain after weight loss surgery is relatively common, but effective treatment options are within reach. You don’t have to manage the pain on your own.

At Cornerstone Chiropractic, we help people just like you regain comfort and mobility after major changes to their bodies. Our Hiram chiropractors take the time to understand what’s really going on and create a plan that addresses the root causes of your back pain. Call us today at (770) 439-7765 or book an appointment online to discover relief through chiropractic care.

Disclaimer:

This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not claim that bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve directly cause back pain. Rather, this article discusses how back pain may be connected to the physical changes that occur during the weight loss journey. If you have concerns about your recovery, symptoms, or surgical outcomes, please consult with your healthcare provider.

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