Colonoscopy side-effects vary from patient to patient, but one particular side-effect is causing discomfort among patients: back pain. So, is back pain after colonoscopy serious? While uncommon compared to the other side-effects, back pain after a colonoscopy is safe and reported more often than you think. After a colonoscopy, your bowels may still be experiencing soreness, and this discomfort radiates through your body and sometimes reaches the upper or lower back. In this article we explain why patients experience back pain after a colonoscopy, and how to treat it at home. Common Colonoscopy Side-EffectsA colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is routinely performed as a screening method. Because of its minimally invasive nature, patients can expect some common side-effects including:
These side-effects are experienced by most patients who have undergone a colonoscopy. Expect to feel these symptoms up to 48 hours after your procedure. When to See a DoctorAny medical procedure has risks, including a colonoscopy. However, only 2 out of 1,000 procedures result in a complication, making it one of the safest medical procedures.
For instance, cramping in the abdomen is normal after a colonoscopy. But if experienced for extended periods of time, this could point to something more serious such as intestinal blockage, trapped air, or even bowel perforation. Back Pain Post-ColonoscopyBack pain is not often listed as a side-effect after a colonoscopy. This is because of two reasons:
As such, it’s not common knowledge that back pain can happen after a colonoscopy. Although common, this side-effect is not so rarified as to raise medical questions. What does back pain after a colonoscopy feel like? Anecdotes from patients vary. Some patients experience pain radiating from the upper back to their shoulders, which is more common in patients who have undergone upper endoscopies alongside their colonoscopies. Most patients who undergo a colonoscopy localize their pain in the lower back. They characterize the pain as numbness, soreness, or pinching. Some patients experience pain on the lower end of the back, near the tailbone, and compare their pain to sciatica pain; while others talk about lower back pain concentrated on the right or left areas. Is back pain a sign of colon perforation? In the event of colon or bowel perforation, patients normally experience severe abdominal pain that gets worse or doesn’t subside in a day or two. Back pain is not a sign of colon perforation and is more likely a sign of bowel soreness, which is common and safe. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain that’s progressively getting worse 2-3 days after your colonoscopy, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Back Pain After a Colonoscopy: Why It HappensIt can be puzzling to experience back pain after a colonoscopy, precisely because this body part is so far away from the colon. In reality, it still happens, and thankfully it’s not because of colon perforation. The back pain associated with a colonoscopy is characterized as referred pain. This type of pain is felt in locations other than where the cause is located. For instance, a colonoscopy patient can experience pain at the back, even though the procedure only involved the bowels. Referred pain is a common condition. For instance, the first signs of a heart attack aren’t localized in the heart. Instead, they can be felt in the teeth, jaws, or more commonly, the arms. What is Referred Pain?The body houses a network of muscles, nerves, and tissues that communicate with each other. Pain from one location can translate into pain in another location as the body interprets various signals and stimuli and try to convert those into information. Because the brain is receiving multiple signals at once, neurons may refer to pain “reports” ambiguously, and localize it to a different part of the body, confusing it with the right location of the stimulus. In the case of colonoscopy patients, the bowels may still be sore from the procedure, causing the body to misinterpret bowel discomfort as generalized back pain. Keep in mind that back pain from colonoscopy is temporary and should disappear as the bowels recover from the procedure. How to Alleviate Back Pain at HomeBack pain may not be a cause for worry but it’s still uncomfortable and deserves at-home intervention. Here are some things you can do to alleviate your back pain:
When to Call a ProfessionalIf your back pain persists 3-4 days after your colonoscopy, get in touch with your doctor to understand the source of your pain. In very rare occasions, you may be recommended to undergo an imaging procedure such as a CT scan in order to rule out the possibility of musculoskeletal damage. Your doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication to help treat back pain. Schedule Colonoscopy with UsAt Gastro Center NJ, we give you the proper care to prevent any complications after your colonoscopy. During our procedure, we make sure our patients are properly sedated, comfortable, and safe. Our medical professionals are here to take care of you from start to finish. Are you experiencing any disconcerting symptoms after your colonoscopy? Get in touch with us today to get a second opinion, and we’ll find ways to alleviate your side-effects and restore you back to your best health. The post Back Pain After Colonoscopy: Is It Serious? appeared first on Gastro Center NJ. via Gastro Center NJ https://gastrocenternj.com/back-pain-after-colonoscopy-is-it-serious/
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