Persistent Pain After Bone Spur Surgery: Seeking Answers and Relief

Bone spurs have been surgically removed over a year ago?

My mother had surgery for bone spurs over a year ago, but she still experiences pain in her bones all over her body, along with numbness in her hands, dizziness, and lower back pain.
We have consulted both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, but her condition has not improved for a long time.
We are unsure if she has developed new bone spurs or if her recovery from the surgery was inadequate.
The surgeon at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital said the surgery went very well, but despite seeing various doctors, her pain persists daily, making her feel worse than before the surgery.

A Jun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/01

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

Hello, whether there are new lesions depends on the symptoms and if they are the same as before, or if there are new symptoms.
After spinal surgery, nerve pain usually decreases, but numbness and weakness may take longer to recover or may not fully recover, depending on the condition of the nerve compression.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Sincerely, Wang Shou-ji.

Reply Date: 2020/11/01

More Info

Persistent pain after surgery, particularly after a procedure to remove bone spurs, can be a frustrating and challenging experience for both the patient and their family. In your mother's case, experiencing widespread pain, numbness in the hands, dizziness, and persistent back pain more than a year after surgery raises several important considerations.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that surgery, while often necessary to alleviate specific issues like bone spurs, does not guarantee complete relief from pain. Post-surgical pain can arise from several factors, including:
1. Postoperative Recovery: After any surgical procedure, the body undergoes a healing process that can take time. In some cases, the recovery may not progress as expected, leading to ongoing discomfort. This can be exacerbated by factors such as age, overall health, and the presence of comorbid conditions.

2. Nerve Damage or Irritation: If the surgery involved manipulation or removal of bone spurs near nerves, there is a possibility of nerve irritation or damage. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain radiating to different parts of the body.

3. Formation of Scar Tissue: After surgery, scar tissue can form around the surgical site. This scar tissue can sometimes entrap nerves or restrict movement, leading to chronic pain.

4. New Bone Spurs: It is also possible for new bone spurs to develop after surgery, especially if the underlying causes of the initial bone spurs (such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease) have not been addressed. This can lead to a recurrence of symptoms similar to those experienced before the surgery.

5. Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal disorders can contribute to widespread pain and may not be directly related to the surgery itself.

Given these possibilities, it is crucial to take a comprehensive approach to your mother's situation. Here are some steps you might consider:
- Follow-Up with the Surgeon: If you haven't already, schedule a follow-up appointment with the surgeon who performed the procedure. Discuss your mother's ongoing symptoms in detail, and ask if imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs) are warranted to check for new bone spurs or other complications.

- Consult a Pain Specialist: A pain management specialist can provide a multidisciplinary approach to managing chronic pain. They may recommend treatments such as physical therapy, medication adjustments, nerve blocks, or other interventions to help alleviate your mother's symptoms.

- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial for recovery and pain management. A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program that focuses on strengthening the muscles around the spine and improving flexibility, which can help reduce pain and improve function.

- Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through complementary therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. While these should be approached with caution and ideally discussed with a healthcare provider, they may provide additional relief.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage your mother to engage in gentle activities like walking or swimming, which can help maintain mobility without putting excessive strain on her body. Additionally, ensuring she has a balanced diet and adequate hydration can support overall health.

- Mental Health Support: Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in chronic pain management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in helping patients cope with the emotional aspects of chronic pain.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to feel frustrated and concerned about your mother's ongoing pain, a thorough evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach can help identify the underlying causes and develop an effective management plan. It is essential to remain proactive in seeking answers and advocating for her health.

Similar Q&A

Is Tendon Release Surgery Effective for Sciatic Pain Relief?

Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in both sides of my buttocks for over a year, primarily at the ischial tuberosity—sitting causes pain, while standing does not. Various examinations, including spinal MRI and pelvic MRI, have not determined the cause. I have tried vari...

Dr. Su Hongci reply Rehabilitation
Hello: The formation of bone spurs, in simple terms, occurs at the junction where bone meets soft tissue, subjected to prolonged excessive pressure, tension, and injury, which promotes degenerative changes in the bone. These degenerative changes lead to bone hyperplasia. Therefor...

Understanding Severe Hip and Tailbone Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, my brother is 67 years old. Since he underwent knee arthroscopy (without joint replacement) last August, he has been experiencing gradually worsening pain in his right hip and coccyx, which has become increasingly severe over the past month. There are tender points ...

Dr. Li Yanheng reply Rehabilitation
Your pain issue has become chronic, affecting central nervous system pain and neuromuscular regulation. It is recommended that you visit a specialized pain rehabilitation clinic for a comprehensive examination and treatment.

Understanding Post-Surgery Pain in Femoral Osteonecrosis: What to Expect

Hello Doctor: I underwent femoral decompression last month! The doctor used two types of bone grafts, one is bone allograft and the other is osteoconductive bone graft. It should be better to use these two together, right? On the 20th, it has been exactly four weeks post-surgery....

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, avascular necrosis of the femoral head can be treated with decompression surgery in the early stages, a hemiarthroplasty in the mid-stages, and a total hip arthroplasty in the late stages. Each individual's condition is different, so please trust your attending physic...

Complex Orthopedic Symptoms: Seeking Expert Advice for Relief

Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by many issues for a long time, and I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Thank you. 1. I previously had an X-ray that indicated a bone spur at the C5 vertebra. Could this cause pain in my neck or elsewhere? Under what circumstances sho...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. Local bone spurs in the spine do not necessarily cause pain in that area. Surgery should only be considered if there is nerve compression and symptoms cannot be alleviated by medication or rehabilitation. Nerve compression often leads to issues such as limb numbness and...