What Are the Treatments for Scar Tissue in the Lower Back From Multiple Surgeries?

After surgery, the tissue surrounding the surgery site forms scar tissue as a part of the healing process. With back surgery, the scar tissue can sometimes form an adhesion, where the tissue hardens onto other structures internally. If scar tissue adheres or presses on nerve roots, the patient experiences pain similar to the pain that the surgery should have resolved. There are several treatments for pain related to scar tissue formation.

Techniques During Surgery

• During surgery, a surgeon may utilize specific techniques to reduce the chance of scar tissue formation producing problems in the future. The surgeon may implant grafts of gelatin or silicon to keep the tissue from forming an adhesion on the nerves. According to Spine-Health.com, this technique has not yet been shown to reduce the rate of scar tissue formation conclusively.

Stretching

• Stretching is the most common treatment to prevent scar tissue from impinging on nerves after back surgeries. Your back surgeon may provide you with a treatment plan to utilize specific stretches at a specified number per day to increase mobility. Moving the nerve area frequently by stretching the legs and ankles keeps the forming scar tissue from adhering or sticking to the nerves. This technique is used during the postoperative period from week six to week 12 of recovery for best results.

Medication

• Medications, such as Neurontin, are prescribed by a surgeon to treat nerve pain that is caused by scar tissue adhesion. This medication is used for up to a year after surgery. Medication is generally used in conjunction with stretching for optimal results.

Pain Management

• Pain management techniques can reduce the pain felt if your physician believes you have scar tissue due to back surgery. Physical therapy, TENS units, ultrasound treatment, massage and pain medications are options that your physician may prescribe to manage your pain.

Considerations

• Pain due to scar tissue formation is rare and usually presents during the sixth through 12th month of recovery. Pain presenting after the first year of recovery is not related to scar tissue formation, notes Spine-Health.com. Your physician will perform diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, to determine if the pain you are feeling is a result of scar tissue or other causes (disc herniation or spinal growths).