Trouble w/scar tissue forming post lumbar fusion or SCS laminectomy?

Had an L4-S1 fusion after 3 previous surgeries, no scar tissue. Been fused C3-T1, no scar tissue. Had 4 right shoulder surgeries followed by a replacement, no scar tissue in that joint either.

I’ve had dozens of surgeries and haven’t developed any scar tissue. I’ve got bad luck with the number of surgeries but super lucky to not have developed scar tissue.

Good luck,
Bob

@tracygilbert
Thank you so much Tracy! I am praying for several people in this group who have upcoming surgeries and I will add you to my prayer list😊
I would appreciate if you would pray for my back to continue to heal and for the pain to dissipate 🙏
I am so blessed to have had a successful surgery…. The healing is just such a slow process and I want to get really active again!
Thank you again, Sherry

I had a spinal cord stimulator (wires) removed 5 weeks ago. Now I have so much myofascial pain on the left side of my spine. It feels like the scar tissue is tearing away from my facia. The only relief I get is lying on ice or heat flat in bed, muscle relaxants and narcotics when it gets really bad. I can’t stand more than 10 minutes without pain of 7/10.

Has anyone had this and it diminished over time?? How long did it take. I had a massage that was helpful temporarily and started physical therapy, but it sounds like I need to see a therapist who specializes in myofascial release and I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford that. I don’t think insurance will pay for it. Any suggestions?

I have not experienced your issues but I do get Myofascial Release (MFR) treatment for my back. It is not covered by insurance so it’s cash bases. But it is great therapy if you can find a therapist. Good luck

@sherrym25
I had fusion surgery March 2024. (my L4-5 has an AFD from 2017) I'm now fused from L3-S1, including the AFD. The AFD worked fine, then in 2022 I needed a fusion at L3-4. I couldn't get another AFD because the end plates weren't compatible with the disk. Since my last fusion I have had pain at the L4-5 level(bone growth material was placed there during my last surgery). I think scar tissue is causing the pain at that level. I'm going to schedule with Mayo for a complete exam as the providers in my area have brushed the issue off without any further action.

Are you saying that they have to do a laminectomy in order to place the paddles? For all who are not familiar with scar tissue. It's best searched under Epidural Fibrosis. Which essentially is scar tissue that forms in the epidural space, the area where the nerves exit the spine. The procedure to address it of course has multiple names. But essentially Epidural Lysis of adhesions is the simplest. Also known as the RACZ procedure. Absolutely proven to be effective in many, many clinical studies... But here's the rub. There's not enough clinical Trials. And with limited trials, generally insurance won't cover the procedure. Leading to less people seeking it. And then less providers offering it. The reason for this I believe anyways. Is the procedure is minimally invasive. Can be performed in 20 min to an hour usually. And carries a price tag of somewhere between 2 - $4000.00. And possibly may have to be repeated to ensure getting all the scar tissue or any possible scar occurring through the procedure. But you don't need to be a math wiz. To compare this to multiple surgeries, or a Spinal Cord stimulator. You see Surgery is Contra-indicated for Epidural Fibrosis. That is why you rarely or never hear your surgeon discuss it or fail to dismiss it... Medical Device Corporations such as Medtronic or Boston Scientific hold Big sway and Stakes in this Industry. And they have basically drove out Lysis of Adhesions and paid for play of their SCS's. In some states there are providers who offer it. But as with anything you've got to thoroughly research anyone you may consider performing the procedure. I'm in Minnesota, Medtronics backyard. So it's not offered anywhere in the state. But That's my opinion.

@njbenny I am discovering the scar tissue from the surgery is creating superficial nerve pain for me. My physical therapist is really digging deep and breaking it free and I can’t believe how much better I feel. Wishing you the best, Sherry.

Hi, I'm glad that therapy is helping you. I've had 8 back surgeries since 2015. The most recent was to have all of the hardware removed from L3-S1. I'm going back to Mayo in June to get a full work-up as the doctors here don't have any answers and aren't interested in finding out as to why I'm having pain. I'm almost sure that scar tissue is the cause and the amount that I have, therapy won't help. I wish you continued success on the path that you're on. Benny

@njbenny
I was talking to my physical therapist yesterday and she told me that a lady came in after hand surgery and said that she had a positive and a negative to say about it. The positive was that the scar tissue was healing her injury. The negative was that the scar tissue was creating other issues. That is what I have found with my back. As my back healed, scar tissue created side affects for my nerves. The wonderful thing about it and about our body is that some things can be fixed. By breaking free the tissue my physical therapist has really helped my pain and I expect to be recovered soon.
My physical therapist uses about 15 minutes of ultrasound right along my incision line on both sides and then does deep tissue massage. I feel zings of pain as she works at but oh my goodness the results are amazing. It’s a very slow process, but she is releasing the nerves.
Wishing the best for you! Sherry