Q: I have chronic back pain since my abdominal surgery. Are they related?

A:  This is an excellent question—and the answer is most likely yes. The extent of the relationship depends on the type, number, and complexity of your surgeries.

Whether you’ve had a C-section, appendectomy, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), gastric bypass, tram flap reconstruction, or other laparoscopic abdominal procedures, all involve cutting through multiple tissue layers. As each of these layers heals, scar tissue forms—and unfortunately, those scars don’t always remain neatly in place. They can adhere to surrounding tissues inappropriately, creating myofascial adhesions  that tighten and shorten the abdomen over time and create chronic back pain after abdominal surgery.

Why Scar Tissue Affects Your Back

Let’s visualize it: Imagine you’re lying on a massage table and I gently stretch your hamstrings by lifting your legs until you feel a slight pull. Now imagine I hold that position for five hours. That once-gentle stretch would eventually become agonizing.

This is similar to what’s happening after abdominal surgery. When the front body (abdomen and hip flexors) becomes shorter and more restricted, the posterior chain (glutes and lower back) is forced to lengthen and compensate. This overstretching leads to weakness, instability, and chronic low back pain—even if your posture only appears slightly altered.

It’s not just the scar on your skin that matters. Internal adhesions can bind organs and deep fascial layers, further limiting your movement and triggering compensatory tension through the kinetic chain.

What Can Help?

Fortunately, this kind of chronic pain is very treatable with the right approach. A personalized treatment plan should include:

• Myofascial release to the abdomen, hip flexors, and quads

• Gluteal activation and strength training to support your posterior chain

• Visceral manipulation, if internal scar tissue (adhesions between organs) is a contributing factor

• Postural re-education to restore better alignment and reduce ongoing tension

The timeline and results will depend on factors such as how long ago your surgery occurred, the degree of restriction, your age, and your commitment to your recovery program—but many clients experience noticeable relief even after their first few sessions.

Struggling with post-surgical back pain?
Contact me today to book an orthopaedic assessment and explore a treatment plan designed to restore function and relieve your discomfort at the source.