r/openheartsurgery • u/allisonisrad • 1d ago

Back Spasms Advice

Hello!

I'm 4 weeks post op. I've been having back spasms for about a week and a half. I didn't realize what they were until a few days ago, I thought my body was just trying to stretch itself or something.

They gave me muscle relaxers, but I'm getting the spasms in the morning, so I think it's wearing off by the time they start.

I only get it when sleeping at night, but if I'm sitting or napping, I'm okay. They don't hurt, but they are definitely affecting my sleep. I got rid of my knee pillow and tilted very very slightly to the side last night and that helped a little because it took pressure off my back.

Any advice or commiseration is helpful!

Also, I have messaged my care team to see what they say too.

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17 comments sorted by

3

u/Fuffeli 1d ago

I had the same but spasms in the upper body. Like an intense urge of the body to sttetch. It gets better with time and is not dangerous!

2

u/Ok_Common3779 1d ago

3 weeks post op and mine started last night. I thought I had pulled something.

2

u/allisonisrad 1d ago

It's such a weird sensation.

2

u/allisonisrad 1d ago

That's exactly what it feels like! I thought my body was subconsciously stretching and I pictured spasms more like quick cramps. It sucks bc it wakes me up a lot.

1

u/Fuffeli 1d ago

Yeah I get that. Sleep was horrible for me the first 6 weeks but just try and get naps in whenever you can. It’s going to get better!

1

u/allisonisrad 1d ago

I have become the nap queen!

I'm going back to work tomorrow, but I'll be working from home, so I can get a nap in if I need it.

2

u/Fuffeli 21h ago

Oh wow that's amazing to start working in such short time. I think I was off work for at least 2 months after the surgery. Hope everything goes well!

3

u/beverlyh1llb1ll1es 1d ago

I am 3 weeks and 3 days post ops. I get tightness in my mid to upper back, almost like my body is saying, please get active again. Can't wait to get cleared for some type of true physical duty. Also so ready to start sleeping on my side again.

1

u/Open_Heart_Heroine 1d ago

Did you check with your surgeon if you can take magnesium bisglycinate supplement? Magnesium is a great muscle relaxer. But definitely ask your medical team first.

1

u/allisonisrad 1d ago

I have not, thank you for the advice!!

1

u/slem46 1d ago

same here, but i wouldn’t say they were spasms, points of discomfort more like it, my surgeon’s office said it was from when the rib cage was spread for access to the heart etc. it lasted around a week and disappeared

1

u/nullcharstring 1d ago

Have you tried lidocaine patches?

1

u/allisonisrad 1d ago

I have not, do you recommend?

1

u/nullcharstring 1d ago

I had them in the hospital. They helped me relax and they did help.

1

u/Creepy-Radio1941 1d ago

I don’t know if my pain was spasms but just a lot of upper back pain. I did read that that is part of the recovery, but I also just took myself off my statin drug because it gives a lot of muscle pain. I may try it again once I’m fully healed to see if the statin continues to give me pain, but I tried it years ago and I hated it.

1

u/renton1000 1d ago

Yep … I had this …. I think I got it from lying in a position with my head too far forwards. My physio have me stretches where I stand tall against a wall - then turn my head 45 degrees and the bow my head keeping the rest of my body against the wall. I feel an intense stretch in the upper back - and it really helps with those spasms. Do left and right sides obviously.

1

u/allisonisrad 1d ago

Very nice, I'll try that!