Trouble with scar tissue?

What kind of problems with scar tissue are you worried about?

Scar tissue around the L5 nerve root. The scar tissue presses on the nerve, causing pain. It can't be surgically removed because it just grows back.

Ohh, I see. Thank you for explaining. I’ve had a long fusion, T4-L3, I think? (I was a child when it was done.) I do have chronic pain, including nerve pain, but that’s not something any of the neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons or PTs brought up with me as a potential cause of my pain.

Hopefully other members will be able to chime in.

My wife had lumbar fusion 9 years ago and lumbar laminectomy 2 years ago, during which neurosurgeon removed scar tissue. She still has chronic pain and is now on walker. We have not heard of any current solution to her pain.

Has anyone had L5 -S1 spinal fusion surgery and fused but still have chronic pain? The more you do, the worse the low back pain gets. Standing, walking, and even sitting. Reclining helps some. Pain meds are what allow me to work and get through a day. My fusion doctor has done all that he can for structural purposes. He thinks my pain may be coming from scar tissue. I am trying to do research, and I want to know as much as possible to find relief from chronic pain. Anyone with information and help with this would be greatly appreciated.

@tracygilbert Hello!
When did you have your surgery and where does your doctor think the scar tissue is? Near your spinal cord nerves or from the surgery incision?
Sherry

I have had 3 spinal fusion surgeries. My 1 st was in 2022 through the back did not fuse, 2nd in 2024 different doctor through the front fusing, 3rd April 2025 removal of hardware and added more bone. My current Dr thinks maybe pain is coming from the back entry scar tissue. I have daily low back pain that radiates to right leg numbness and tingling. Limping and can't use right leg to go upstairs. I do lose my balance often.

Yes I had L4-5, S1 fusions through 2 surgeries . The first Jan. 2021, and the last one July 2023, was to remove L4-5 hardware and then extend down to S1.
Unfortunately I still have pain, or should I say the pain was much improved until last fall of 2024. Pain in left side hip area increased again and any activity only makes it worse. I can get in my recliner for relief.
I will ask my surgeon to look at the MRI that was done at the same time as my cervical scans in May, and he will tell me if anything can be done surgically or if I must live with it.
I also had a cervical fusion 6 weeks ago, a 3 levels, from c4-7, after many years of increasing pain in my neck. I had done much PT, diagnostic injections, epidurals, an ablation (very painful!) . I am much better there, except for muscle pain in my shoulders and down the back, but I feel once my collar is gone and PT starts, that will be resolved.
All this to say we have to realize that the fusion may fix our problems but leave the pain. I wish you all the best in recovery and that the pain leaves you. Praying for us all too, which is most important to me!

@tracygilbert
Wow, you’ve sure been through a lot in a very short time.
First, I want to say that your last surgery wasn’t that long ago, and as you’re aware with your back surgeries, it’s going to take some time for everything to heal and calm down and get back to normal, especially with the lumbar region. I am healing from a T11 to L4 surgery nine months ago.

Something that I have learned more about and one of the Mayo Clinic Mentors @jenniferhunter is very passionate about, is myofacial release. Here is the link to a post she did several years ago. It’s very comprehensive and it may or may not apply to your situation but I just wanted you to have it in case it might help you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Wishing you the best!
Sherry😊

Thank you so much for sharing and just letting me know that I am not alone in this. My prayers are also with you to have less pain. I pray that your pain is manageable. Let me know what I can specifically pray for you. God Bless, Tracy