Side and Back Pain After Colonoscopy: Normal or Not?

About 1 in 5 people report side or back pain after a colonoscopy, but most cases aren’t serious—just uncomfortable. You could feel a dull ache from trapped gas or muscle strain, especially in the event that you were tense during the procedure. While it’s usually temporary, sharp or worsening pain could signal something needing attention. So how do you know at what point it’s just part of recovery or a red flag? Let’s analyze what’s normal, what’s not, and how to ease the discomfort.

Common Causes of Side and Back Pain After Colonoscopy

After a colonoscopy, it’s not unusual to feel some side or back pain, even though the procedure itself is mostly painless.

One common cause is gas buildup—during the procedure, air is pumped into your colon to help the doctor see clearly. That air can get trapped, creating pressure that leads to discomfort in your sides or back.

Another reason could be muscle strain from lying still in an awkward position during the exam. Should you have tensed up or shifted to get comfortable, you may have strained a muscle without realizing it.

Sometimes, the sedatives make you so relaxed you don’t notice minor aches until later.

While these issues usually aren’t serious, they can be annoying. Drinking water, moving gently, or using a heating pad may help ease the discomfort.

How Long Should Post-Colonoscopy Pain Last?

You may be curious how long post-colonoscopy pain should stick around—typically, it fades within a day or two.

In case your discomfort feels sharp or worsens instead of improving, that’s a sign something could be off.

Don’t ignore severe or lingering pain; it’s worth calling your doctor to check in.

Typical Recovery Duration

While it’s normal to feel some discomfort after a colonoscopy, side and back pain usually don’t stick around for long. Most patient experiences show the recovery timeline is short, with mild aches fading within 24–48 hours. Should you have had air pumped into your colon during the procedure, bloating or cramping may linger a bit longer, but it’s temporary. Rest, gentle movement, and hydration help speed things up.

Time After ProcedureWhat You May Feel
0–6 hoursDrowsiness, mild cramping
6–24 hoursGas pressure, slight soreness
1–2 daysOccasional twinges, fatigue
3+ daysPain should be gone

Listen to your body—should discomfort last longer, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.

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Pain Severity Indicators

Since colonoscopies are generally low-risk, it’s understandable to question whether lingering pain is normal or a sign something’s off. Pay attention to pain intensity—mild discomfort for a day or two is typical, but sharp or worsening pain isn’t.

Keep track of how long it lasts; most side effects fade within 48 hours. Symptom monitoring helps you spot red flags sooner. Should your pain feel like cramping or gas, it’s likely harmless, but persistent throbbing or stabbing sensations need attention.

Note whether moving or resting changes the discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers often help, but in the event they don’t touch the pain, that’s a clue something’s off.

Listen to your body—it’s the best guide for what’s normal for you.

When to Seek Help

Lingering pain after a colonoscopy can leave one questioning at what point it’s time to call a doctor. Mild discomfort usually fades within a day or two, but sharp or worsening pain warrants attention.

Should your pain assessment show it’s severe, persistent (beyond 48 hours), or paired with fever, nausea, or bleeding, don’t wait—seek help. Your medical history matters too; conditions like Crohn’s or diverticulitis raise risks.

Listen to your body: in the event rest, hydration, or OTC meds don’t ease it, something could be off. Trust your gut—literally.

In moments of uncertainty, err on the side of caution and check in with your provider. Quick action can rule out complications like perforation or infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Persistent Pain

Pain after a colonoscopy isn’t uncommon, but each time it sticks around longer than expected, it’s worth paying attention. Start with a pain assessment—note where it hurts, how intense it feels, and whether movement makes it worse.

Mild discomfort for a day or two is normal, but should it linger beyond 72 hours or gets sharper, don’t ignore it. Watch for signs like fever, bloating, or trouble passing gas, as these could signal something more serious.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for a doctor consultation should you feel unsure—trust your instincts. Your doctor can rule out complications and guide you on next steps.

Persistent pain isn’t something to tough out; getting it checked guarantees you recover safely and comfortably.

Potential Complications Linked to Colonoscopy Pain

While most discomfort after a colonoscopy fades quickly, sometimes it points to something more serious. Post-procedure complications can include lingering pain, and being aware of what to watch for helps you act fast.

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Here are four potential issues linked to prolonged pain:

  1. Perforation: A rare but serious tear in the colon wall causes sharp, worsening pain.
  2. Infection: Fever with persistent pain could signal an internal infection.
  3. Bowel Obstruction: Cramping, bloating, and no bowel movements could mean a blockage.
  4. Gas Trapping: Air left in your intestines during the procedure can cause sharp, fleeting discomfort.

Pain management strategies like rest and hydration often help, but don’t ignore severe or worsening symptoms.

Mild pain often eases with rest and fluids, but persistent or severe symptoms demand immediate attention. Listen to your body.

Your body’s signals matter—listen to them.

Tips for Managing Discomfort at Home

You can ease side and back pain after a colonoscopy by trying rest and relaxation techniques like gentle stretching or deep breathing.

Over-the-counter pain relievers might help, but check with your doctor initially to make sure they’re safe for you.

Staying hydrated and eating soft, easy-to-digest foods can also speed up your recovery and reduce discomfort.

Rest and Relaxation Techniques

Since it’s common to feel some discomfort after a colonoscopy, taking time to rest and ease tension can make recovery smoother.

Gentle relaxation techniques help your body heal by reducing stress and muscle tightness. Here are four ways to find relief:

  1. Try meditation practices: Sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on calming thoughts. Even 5–10 minutes can ease tension.
  2. Use deep breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat to relax your abdomen.
  3. Apply warmth: A heating pad on your back or side can soothe sore muscles—just keep it low to avoid burns.
  4. Rest in a supported position: Prop yourself with pillows to take pressure off tender areas.

Listen to your body and move slowly to avoid straining.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Some discomfort after a colonoscopy is normal, and in case rest and relaxation aren’t quite enough, over-the-counter meds can help. Start with acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain—it’s gentle on your stomach and won’t irritate your digestive system.

Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin unless your doctor approves, as they can increase bleeding risk. Follow medication guidelines carefully: don’t exceed the recommended dose, and space out doses as directed.

Should gas pains linger, simethicone (Gas-X) can ease bloating. Heat pads or warm compresses might also soothe muscle soreness.

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Stay hydrated to help your body process the meds, but skip carbonated drinks should gas be an issue. Always check with your doctor before mixing medications, especially in the event you’re on other prescriptions.

Listen to your body—should pain worsen, call your provider.

Hydration and Diet Adjustments

While over-the-counter meds can take the edge off post-colonoscopy discomfort, what you drink and eat plays just as big a role in easing side and back pain. Staying hydrated helps flush out remaining air and reduces cramping, while gentle dietary adjustments prevent further irritation.

  1. Sip warm liquids like herbal tea or broth—they soothe your gut and relax tense muscles.
  2. Avoid carbonated drinks—they worsen bloating and pressure in your abdomen.
  3. Choose bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice, or bananas to avoid stressing your system.
  4. Gradually reintroduce fiber over a few days to prevent sudden gas or cramping.

Small changes make a big difference.

Listen to your body—if something feels off, slow down and adjust. Hydration techniques and dietary recommendations aren’t complicated, but they’re key to feeling better faster.

Differences Between Normal and Abnormal Pain Symptoms

After a colonoscopy, it’s common to have some mild discomfort in your abdomen or back—like cramps or a dull ache—that eases within a day or two.

Normal pain typically feels like bloating or pressure from the air used during the procedure, and it improves as one moves around or passes gas. You may also notice slight soreness from lying still during the exam.

After a colonoscopy, bloating and pressure from trapped air are normal and ease with movement or passing gas. Mild soreness may linger.

Abnormal pain, though, is sharper, worsens over time, or doesn’t let up. Should you have severe cramping, fever, or pain that spreads to your shoulders, it could signal complications like a perforation or infection.

Watch for nausea, chills, or bleeding—these aren’t part of normal recovery. Trust your gut; when something feels off, call your doctor.

Most discomfort is harmless, but being aware of the difference keeps you safe.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Post-Procedure Pain

  1. Stay hydrated before and after the procedure to ease gas-related discomfort, which often causes referred pain.
  2. Move gently post-procedure—short walks help release trapped gas and reduce stiffness.
  3. Practice deep breathing or light stretching (like pelvic tilts) to relax tense muscles.
  4. Use a heating pad on low settings for 15-20 minutes to soothe sore spots.

Avoid heavy lifting or intense activity for 24 hours.

Should you be prone to cramping, ask your doctor about over-the-counter options beforehand.

Small adjustments can make a big difference in how you feel afterward.

Conclusion

Post-procedure pain can puzzle you, but gentle gas, muscle strain, or simply lying stiffly often explain it. Monitor mild aches—they’ll likely fade fast. But should pain persists or pounds sharply, don’t delay; seek help promptly. Rest, hydration, and movement ease discomfort. Recall, fleeting feelings are fairly normal; fierce ones need focus. Trust your body’s whispers—before they roar.

Allfit Well Health Team
Allfit Well Health Team

The Allfit Well Health Team is a group of expert physicians specializing in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Pulmonologist, Hematology, and General Care. They provide reliable, evidence-based health information to help readers understand, manage, and prevent medical conditions.