Backaches following single side mastectomy

I will say i had a single then 20 months an expander was replaced, and both were done. I found in hindsight that i "tightened up". Frozen shoulder and trigger finger were two painful joint issues. I went to the Occupational therapy who was the one who told me the initial exercises i was given after breast surgery, were to be added to and kept up into the future.
One month out, I would contact my care team!!! Do you have a portal at the hospital? Your body is healing. Asking for help to relieve the lower back pain is good. For me it came down to stretching and exercise.

Hello @deltakid I would certainly agree with @katgob about the whole tightening up thing. As women, we are pretty tough creatures and take a little pride in it. For me this is where the trouble started, I did not have a mastectomy, I ended up all in at 7 surgeries, it was a whirlwind of diagnosis, surgeries, imaging, then chemotherapy, more surgery, and radiation.
All of this while being tough (I am fine)), and running a business with 10 employees. I just tensed up every where, like @katgob i had a frozen shoulder, I still have a trigger finger, and a little back pain, I also have to constantly remind myself to correct my once perfect posture. Even now, 20 years out, I will sometimes set my phone for 45 minute reminders for posture check for a few days.
This was assault on your body and your mind, be kind to yourself, you have been through a lot. Please don’t forget to just relax, you deserve it.
How are you feeling? Do you have any more surgeries or treatments planned?

Are you able to get a massage? Even though I couldn’t go face down after my bilateral mastectomy, I could sit in a chair (no pressure on the chest) and let someone work on my lower back.

Also, a heating pad can be helpful.

@deltakid I had my surgery 5 years ago, one sided mastectomy. I have had issues with pain around my shoulder blade & rib cage (serratus anterior muscles). I initially went to chiropractor as muscles would tighten & pull disc out of alignment. It helped some. I would have terrible muscle spasms in shoulder blade. Went to PT $ did exercises but they would irritate it. Pain and spasms were 7 level and lasted 4-7 days where I just could not hardly do anything. Heat pad was my friend. Finally I decided on acupuncture. She has got rid of spasms and now, after 2 years going to her (long journey for me), IF I do too much reaching forward (picture washing a window motion) I will have some muscle pain, so I’m careful. Things are greatly improved w/ acupuncturist. Posture is very Key to healing, as w/ one sided mastectomy, we tend to twist out body inward Blessings.