Pain After Lower Back Surgery

Pain After Lower Back Surgery

Several factors can lead to Pain After Lower Back Surgery. These include muscle tension, scar tissue, post-laminectomy pain syndrome, and artificial disk replacement.

Preoperative patient selection

Pain After Lower Back Surgery Surgical procedures on the spine span the gamut from minimally invasive decompression to multi-stage extensive reconstruction. There are many comorbidities, however, and patients undergoing surgery are not all the same. There is considerable variation in demographic and underlying health conditions, and the type of anesthesia a patient receives.

One of the biggest questions facing physicians is determining the optimal surgical procedure for a patient. While there is no single correct answer, increased knowledge about LDH allows surgeons to preoperatively make more informed decisions.

In addition to clinical management, preoperative patient selection has also been studied. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has a definition of routine preoperative tests. These tests typically include a panel of blood tests, chest radiography, and a physical examination.

Spinal fusion

Pain After Lower Back Surgery Depending on the type of procedure performed, a spinal fusion may or may not be a good idea. It is important to understand the risks and potential benefits of the surgery before you decide to go through with it.

Most spinal fusion procedures involve placing bone graft material between the vertebrae. The graft stimulates the bones to heal and it also helps with pain relief. It can be made of coral, bone or graphite fiber.

Some spine surgeons use metal screws or rods to hold the vertebrae in place while the graft heals. This can be helpful, but it also can slow the healing process.

Another possible risk is infection. A patient with an infected wound may experience swelling, bleeding or clotting. If this occurs, it is advisable to see a doctor right away.

Post-laminectomy pain syndrome

Approximately 20% of patients who undergo spinal surgery are affected by post-laminectomy pain syndrome. This condition can lead to a decreased quality of life, but it is not a permanent condition. Luckily, there are several treatments available for this type of pain.

Pain After Lower Back Surgery First and foremost, the patient may be prescribed pain killers. If these don’t work, more advanced treatment options may be suggested. These include platelet rich plasma therapy and radiofrequency denervation. Surgical procedures are also often used in combination with other therapies to treat this condition.

In addition, physical therapy can be useful in treating post-laminectomy pain. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the back. They can also help the patient improve their posture.

Scar tissue

During Pain After Lower Back Surgery some areas of the spine may be prone to forming scar tissue. These areas can compress nearby nerve roots, and cause pain.

There are two ways that scar tissue can form: by gluing itself to bone, or by attaching to structures that require flexibility. Typically, the scar tissue forms in areas that have been affected by trauma. The body’s ability to quickly remove scar tissue is limited. Surgical removal is a possibility if the patient has no improvement.

An X-ray or MRI with contrast can show areas of the spine with adhesions. The best way to remove adhesions is by using a precise surgical procedure. This can include a catheter inserted to inject medicine to destroy the scar tissue, or a steroid injected to reduce inflammation.

Muscle tension

Pain After Lower Back Surgery

Pain After Lower Back Surgery Whether it’s a pulled muscle or an overused neck muscle, back and neck muscles are commonly strained. Strains can lead to pain and inflammation in the back and neck. The symptoms are not typically life-threatening, but can be very debilitating. However, there are treatments that can alleviate the pain and improve movement, such as massage therapy, core exercises, and strengthening exercises.

One of the most common causes of chronic low back pain is the development of scar tissue around nerve roots in the spine. These adhesions can slow down healing and cause new pain generators, such as epidural fibrosis. While surgery isn’t usually required, it is sometimes needed to correct problems with the spine.

Artificial disk replacement

Pain After Lower Back Surgery During an artificial disk replacement for lower back pain, the surgeon removes the problematic disk and inserts an artificial disc into the space. Usually, the new artificial disc is made of metal or plastic.

An anesthetic is administered using an IV line to keep the patient asleep throughout the surgery. A breathing tube is also placed during the procedure. Once the surgery is completed, the wound is cleaned and the area is closed with strong sutures.

A team of surgeons works together to perform the procedure. The surgery typically takes two to three hours, depending on the number of vertebrae that will be affected. A hospital stay of about two to four nights is typical, and most patients are able to return home a few days after the surgery.