Question
I underwent a open heart surgery last month. Now I am suffering from a severe pain starting on my upper back, connecting to my neck and shoulder. My Cardiologist prescribed mefenamic to re leave the pain. The following day, I feel dizzy when I got up. Until now I still feel dizzy every time I got up and lie down but it just happened for a second then I will be fine afterwards. Please help. why do i feel dizzy? Is it because of the pain in my neck,shoulder and back? Does stretching exercise can help?

Answer
Dear Brich,

It's a frequent problem with open-heart surgery.

To open the chest, they fold back the ribs, which interfit between vertebrae.  The muscles that attach ribs to the spinal column go into protective contraction.  Pain follows.

The dizziness may be from the mefenamic; better check with your MD.  However, the surgery has disrupted the balancing function of your neuromuscular system, and that may be a major contributing factor.

Stretching exercises are not useful, except, perhaps, very temporarily.

You may read my article on stretching and on recovery from injuries to get more of a complete picture.  

In your case, I think that breathing training is in order to free up muscles in the grip of contraction.

I can advise you, if you wish.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold