Undergoing open heart surgery marks a significant step towards improved heart health. While the primary focus during recovery is often on cardiac healing, many individuals also experience back pain. Managing this common pain is important for overall well-being and a smoother recovery.
Understanding Back Pain After Open Heart Surgery
Back pain following open heart surgery stems from several factors. The sternotomy, an incision through the breastbone, directly impacts surrounding muscles and tissues, leading to soreness and stiffness in the chest, neck, shoulders, and back. Prolonged static positioning during surgery can strain spinal alignment and muscles, contributing to weakness and stiffness.
After surgery, individuals may unconsciously alter their posture to protect the chest incision, such as hunching shoulders forward. This altered posture places additional strain on back muscles, leading to discomfort or exacerbating existing pain. Nerve irritation or damage during the procedure, particularly when a blood vessel is harvested for bypass, can cause referred pain in the back.
Immediate Home Strategies for Relief
Managing back pain at home involves several practical, non-pharmacological approaches. Proper positioning during rest and sleep is important. Sleeping on your back is often recommended as it aligns the head, neck, and spine, reducing pressure on the chest incision. If side sleeping is preferred, use pillows for support.
Reclining in a chair may also ease breathing and discomfort in the initial weeks. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. When getting out of bed, roll to your side before sitting up to prevent sternum strain.
Heat or cold therapy can provide relief. For acute pain or inflammation, ice packs may be helpful during the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, or for muscle stiffness, heat therapy is generally more effective as it increases circulation and loosens muscles. Some find alternating hot and cold beneficial. Consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions, especially regarding application over surgical sites.
Gentle, doctor-approved movements alleviate stiffness and promote circulation without straining the incision. Examples include shoulder shrugs, shoulder circles, and arm raises performed while sitting. Trunk side bending and gentle twists improve upper back flexibility. A heart pillow, often provided after surgery, can brace the incision when coughing or moving, reducing back strain.
Maintain good posture throughout the day; consciously avoid slouching and keep shoulders back to prevent back strain. For sitting, use a small pillow or rolled towel for lumbar support to maintain the spine’s natural curve. These home strategies complement prescribed pain medication.
Movement and Physical Therapy for Recovery
Movement and physical therapy are integral to long-term recovery and managing back pain after open heart surgery. Walking is a primary exercise that can be started soon after returning home, gradually increasing in distance and pace. Aim for 20-30 minutes daily, potentially in shorter, frequent sessions, to improve circulation, build stamina, and strengthen muscles. Walk at a comfortable pace where conversation can be maintained, slowing down if excessive shortness of breath occurs.
A physical therapist guides this progressive activity. They provide specific exercises tailored to individual needs, focusing on safe movements to restore mobility and reduce stiffness in the back, neck, and shoulders. These exercises often include stretches for the chest and shoulders, and movements to strengthen core and back muscles, which support spinal alignment. A physical therapist ensures exercises are performed correctly and within safe limits, preventing sternum strain.
Gradual, controlled movement prevents poor postural habits, such as hunching, that can contribute to chronic back pain. Consistent engagement in these structured activities, as advised by healthcare professionals, helps individuals regain strength and flexibility. This progressively restores the body’s natural posture and movement patterns, aiding long-term pain management.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
While some back pain is expected after open heart surgery, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider if back pain suddenly becomes severe, sharp, or worsens significantly. Any pain accompanied by fever, chills, or unusual redness around the incision site could indicate an infection.
Neurological symptoms, such as new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet, require prompt evaluation. Loss of bowel or bladder control, though rare, is a serious symptom needing immediate medical assessment.
If back pain is accompanied by chest pain resembling previous angina, or if there is excessive shortness of breath or dizziness during activity, seek medical advice. Consult your care team with any new or concerning symptoms.