Why Is There Back Pain After Colonoscopy?
Back pain following a colonoscopy may be caused by an accidental disk herniation or by an infection of the bladder, reports Dr. Grzegorz Stanko for HealthcareMagic. This back pain may simply be a chronic condition, however, that has flared up due to a change in activity level or footwear.
The most common side effect of colonoscopies is the entrapment of air in the colon, leading to bloating and cramping, reports Dr. Stanko. When back pain results from this procedure, it is caused by an accidental herniation of a disk in the back or a bladder infection. When the surgeon and technicians move the patient’s body during the procedure, the position in which they move the patient may cause irritation of the spine or even a herniation of a disk. This back pain commonly radiates down the buttocks and legs, a condition known as sciatica. In this case, an orthopedic specialist should be consulted.
If the pain does not seem to be caused by a herniated disk, the cause of the back pain is most likely a urinary tract infection, adds Dr. Stanko. This back pain is accompanied by a burning sensation while urinating and frequent urination. If these symptoms are present, a urinalysis is recommended, and antibiotics may be prescribed.
