Tell me about your back, neck and shoulder pain

Bluekoala, I have upper back, shoulder and arm pain post mastectomies (but it's mostly one sided on the cancer side that had nodes taken also--no idea if that had an effect). I've always dealt with pain in my shoulder/upper back from rheumatoid arthritis and scoliosis but the pain is markedly worse after I had my BMX. I think my muscles/ tissues/joints are just really angry at everything they've been put through, scoliosis and rheumatoid arthritis, then BMX and then reconstruction. My doctor laughed when I told her that--but she was laughing in agreement with me --said that was probably a very accurate description of what is going on. I've learned to manage the pain with physical therapy, lots of heat therapy (hot pad on the area or taking crazy hot showers), and also deep tissue massage. If I could afford to get a massage weekly I seriously would, it helps that much! On the physical therapy side of things I had to find a therapist who really listened and understood how I described my pain. (First 2 therapists were duds--one insisted that the main exercise I needed to do was the fingers walking the wall exercise that you do right after mastectomies, problem was I was 1.5 years out of surgery and had full range of motion!!. The other had no idea how to work with a patient who had had mastectomies, so no knowledge of lymphedema and what muscles are affected by a mast.) So if the therapist you are working with now doesn't help you, don't be be afraid to go to another!

I am 5 years post reconstruction and during year 4 a friend noticed I have a humpback (was only 46 and in pretty good shape- young for age related kyphosis).

A post cancer physiotherapist said he believes the small humpback was definitely from reconstruction and the pecs pulling everything forward and down, but my (new bc of proximity to home) oncologist’s PA said neck issues have no relation to mastectomy/ reconstruction. New Gp (in related practice) said “it’s aging; you’re at extreme end of normal range but still within normal; nothing recommended”.

My back of neck/ top of vertebra bones often “click and crunch” and 2 people have now commented “what’s wrong with your neck?” From seeing the upper vertebra sticks out a little. I have shrunk from 5’7.5” to 5’6” in last few years.

Has anyone else had this neck “kyphosis”/hunchback post reconstruction and or know how to reverse/ address it?

Could my implants be too big/ heavy?

Thank you!!

Yes, bone density tests would be good. What about imaging of the back & neck? The weight of the implants would be the last thing I would consider.

Hello. I am inquiring about shoulder surgery. I am a few months away from celebrating 15-years as a survivor. I had bi-lateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction using free standing abdominal tissue flaps. As expected, I also had node dissection. I have never had a problem with lymphedema and hope not to. I am scheduled for surgery for a torn rotator cuff on the same side as lymph node dissection. I expect that the repair can be completed laparoscopically. I have discussed with my surgeon and, at his suggestion, have been fitted for a compression sleeve and gauntlet to be worn continuously during the 5-6 week period that my arm and shoulder will be immobilized and in a sling. Has anyone had experience with shoulder surgery after BC surgery and are there any additional suggestions/warnings to be aware of?

Thank you SO much for any related info!