Back Muscles?

[Country]

Has anyone else had a issue with muscles in the back tensing up or going into a charlie horse type situation?

this has happened about three times now(im just over two weeks post op)

does it sound like something from my surgery or is it something like a nutrient defficency?

 

[Ross]

Yeap, surgery. They have you so far spread apart that your shoulder blades are near touching together during surgery. They stretch those puppies out real good and it take quite a while for things to settle down. It is possible you may have a potassium deficiency also, but I think it's more from surgery.

 

[Debbrn]

I also have problems with sore shoulders and back especially in the mornings. I used a lot of heat packs. Motrin, heat, and walking/moving worked wonders for me. i knew it was going to be a problem so I also increased my stretching routine prior to surgery.

Debbie

 

[Lynlw]

If you can get someone to massage your back/neck shoulders it really helps. I don't mean you have to go to someone, just a family memeber rubbing the muscles a couple times a day, also if you get on of those things that eihther have the wooden balls or a cheap (10-15 dollar) hand held muscle massager really help. The other good thing is if you have a shower head that you can adjust the different patterns, work great if you let it run on your neck and back the warm water helps loosen the muscles up.

 

[Ross]

People have tried all sorts of things and massage is what works the best. Even better then pain relievers.

 

[carolinemc]

I remember when I had my bypass and gone back to work, I would unconciously slump at the keyboard, and would have to slowly uncurl my shoulder. It was hurtful for a time till I healed and would not slump any longer. It took time to uncurl and streatch those muscles.

 

[Julieaka]

lol - my entire right side and back muscles - OUCH! mostly week two but also week 3, tapering of now that tomorrow will be officially 4th week

go with the massage and I have also tried showers - walking and sit down /change positions and slowly stretch or even put pillows under your arms/shoulders

 

[Mentu]

Country, after my AVR, I had no chest pain to speak of but the soarness under my left shoulder blade was a real distraction for days as were the occasional cramps in the back. Sorry to say, this is part of "undocumented features" that come with this package. The first two weeks were the worst part and mine tapered off rapidly after that.

Larry

 

[Luana]

Sounds like a gift card for some back rubs might be a great gift for someone after surgery.

 

[ARGreenMN]

Country, after my AVR, I had no chest pain to speak of but the soarness under my left shoulder blade was a real distraction for days as were the occasional cramps in the back. Sorry to say, this is part of "undocumented features" that come with this package. The first two weeks were the worst part and mine tapered off rapidly after that.

Larry

Speaking of undocumented features - we should start a list of 'em and remember to mention that to folks pre-surgery. Mine was more neck pain than back pain, but I remember that being my biggest complaint (more than the sternum pain) the first couple weeks. I know there have been some other undocumented features of the package that have come up in recent weeks - I just can't remember them (maybe because I'm beat from being out of town all weekend). Some of them would have been really nice to know about before surgery so you didn't worry about them afterwards. I'm sure others will chime in to get the list started, and maybe we could make a sticky with 'em once we get a good list.

 

[Lily]

Has anyone mentioned posture is important also?
And I recall reading that the back and shoulder pain can be worse for muscular people.
Hoping your pain will resolve soon

 

[ALCapshaw2]

YEP, Massage is Better and Faster at relieveing those tight Back and Shoulder Muscles than any Pain Medication.

My S.O. uses a 2.5 inch diameter Vibrating Disk Massager to run up and down the offending muscles.
Relief comes after just a few passes over the right spot. (And that tightness can come on even years later if you irritate the offended muscle(s)!)

Picture this: Your arms were probably pulled over your head and then they opened your chest like a clam shell.

Now you know the "Rest of the Story" and why your back / shoulder muscles are so irritated!

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Country]

Thanks all!!

it all makes more sense to hear that everyone else has had a few problems with this as well!! it was making me a little bit worried cuz i just want to fall on the floor and roll around when these spasms happen!

i woke up the other morning and jumped right into the shower because of this issue!! the pain just melted away and it felt great!!!

thanks again!