Persistent Pain After Spine Surgery: Seeking Effective Treatment Options

Q: Persistent Pain After Spine Surgery: Seeking Effective Treatment Options

Hello, there are several questions to consider： What is the patient's age and gender? What symptoms did you have before the surgery? What symptoms do you have after the surgery? Is there back pain or lower limb pain? Which area is painful? What type of surgery was performed? Was

After spinal disc surgery, if you are still experiencing pain and are unsure which hospital can help address this pain, it is advisable to consult with a pain management specialist or a neurosurgeon. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options?

Dear Dr.
Lai,
I underwent spinal disc surgeries in September 2012 (L4/L5) and July 2013 (L5/S1), the first at Linkou and the second in Taoyuan.
Both doctors assured me that the surgeries would provide a cure, but I was advised to continue with rehabilitation.
I have been intermittently undergoing rehabilitation for two years, yet I still experience persistent lower back pain and rely on pain medication.
I am very disappointed with the outcomes of the surgeries.
Are there any new techniques available for treatment, or which hospitals could help address my symptoms?
I would like to mention that I have tried consulting different hospitals, but each time the doctors tell me to return to my original surgeon for clarification.
I explained to these doctors that my original surgeon stated this is nerve pain and advised me to take medication when in pain and not to take it when there is no pain.
I truly do not understand this logic.
Therefore, I earnestly request your guidance on how I can resolve my current lower back pain issues.
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Allen (currently working in Taichung)

Allen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/28

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

Hello, there are several questions to consider: What is the patient's age and gender? What symptoms did you have before the surgery? What symptoms do you have after the surgery? Is there back pain or lower limb pain? Which area is painful? What type of surgery was performed? Was there any implantation of artificial materials? What kind of artificial implant was used? How is the patient's bone quality? What is the nature of the patient's work? What are the activity postures like? Are there any special diseases or chronic conditions?
I recommend that if possible, please prepare the original paper medical records, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, nerve conduction studies, and other reports.
It would be best to come to the outpatient clinic in person for a discussion (if the information is insufficient or outdated, it may take additional time for re-examination).
If you wish to consult with me, the outpatient hours are: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, and Monday evenings.
You are welcome to come.
I wish you a speedy recovery.

Changhua Hospital, Phone: 04-8298686-6937, Director of Spine and Neurosurgery, Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang.

Reply Date: 2015/12/28

More Info

Hello Allen,
I understand that you are experiencing persistent pain following your spinal surgeries in 2012 and 2013, and I empathize with your frustration. Chronic pain after spinal surgery can be a complex issue, often involving multiple factors including nerve damage, scar tissue formation, and underlying conditions that may not have been fully addressed during the initial surgeries.

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that while many patients do find relief from their symptoms after surgery, others may continue to experience pain due to various reasons. In your case, the ongoing pain could be attributed to nerve irritation or damage that occurred during the surgeries, or it could be related to the development of scar tissue around the nerves, which is often referred to as post-operative adhesions.

Given that you have been following a rehabilitation program for two years without significant improvement, it may be time to explore alternative treatment options. Here are several approaches you might consider:
1. Comprehensive Pain Management: Consult a pain management specialist who can offer a multidisciplinary approach to your pain. This may include medications, physical therapy, and interventional procedures such as nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, allowing you to engage more effectively in rehabilitation.

2. Physical Therapy: While you have been doing physical therapy, it might be beneficial to seek out a therapist who specializes in chronic pain management or spinal rehabilitation. They can tailor a program specifically to your needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles around your spine, improving flexibility, and teaching you pain management techniques.

3. Alternative Therapies: Consider exploring complementary therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. Some patients find relief through these modalities, which can help reduce muscle tension and improve overall well-being.

4. Psychological Support: Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychological support can help you develop coping strategies for dealing with pain and improve your overall quality of life.

5. Second Opinion: If you feel that your current healthcare providers are not addressing your concerns adequately, seeking a second opinion from a different spine specialist or a neurosurgeon may provide new insights into your condition. They may suggest advanced imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess for any complications or changes since your last surgeries.

6. Emerging Treatments: Stay informed about new treatments and technologies in spinal care. Minimally invasive techniques, regenerative medicine (like stem cell therapy), and neuromodulation therapies (such as spinal cord stimulation) are areas of ongoing research that may offer hope for patients with chronic pain.

7. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating lifestyle changes such as regular low-impact exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture can also contribute to pain relief and overall spinal health.

In conclusion, while your situation is undoubtedly challenging, there are various avenues you can explore to seek relief from your persistent pain. It is crucial to advocate for yourself and communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your ongoing symptoms and concerns. By taking a proactive approach and considering a multidisciplinary treatment plan, you may find a path toward improved pain management and a better quality of life.

Best wishes for your journey toward recovery, and I hope you find the relief you seek.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery Experts

Hello Doctor: I have a question. My mother has been experiencing chronic pain in her back, and the location of the pain changes daily. Previously, she sought treatment at a major hospital for this symptom and underwent surgery (the doctor indicated it was due to cervical osteophy...

Dr. Qiu Yushu reply Neurosurgery
Chronic back pain that shifts in location is not significantly related to nerve compression; it is more associated with conditions such as tendonitis and other soft tissue inflammation. Rehabilitation therapy is the preferred treatment. For discussing your condition, it is advisa...

Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights

I have rheumatoid arthritis and after undergoing L4-L5 spinal surgery last July, I still experience soreness, numbness, pain, stiffness, tightness, and weakness from my right hip to my calf, and I still need a walker. Is this a phenomenon of nerve adhesion? Dr. Lai, I have severa...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your condition of neural adhesion is just one possible cause. There may be other reasons as well. I recommend that you bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays and MRI for an in-person consultation. If it is not convenient for you to come to Changhua Hospital, pl...

Chronic Back Pain: Navigating Treatment Options for Severe Nerve Injury

Hello Dr. Zhang: I have a friend who has been suffering from severe back pain due to a previous injury that resulted in fractured vertebrae. Fragments are lodged near the spinal cord or nerves, causing intermittent, intense pain that can last for hours, and in severe cases, he ev...

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
Basically, if a nerve is truly injured, the treatment options, aside from surgical removal of foreign objects, primarily involve pain management. In addition to standard analgesics, one might consider opioids such as morphine, or consult a pain specialist for more effective pain ...

Managing Post-Surgery Back Pain After Scoliosis Surgery

It has been nearly 500 days since my surgery. Initially, I only experienced lower back pain when standing or sitting, but recently I have been feeling lower back pain even while lying in bed, and the intensity of the pain is quite high. I would like to know what methods can help ...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
The solution should be determined based on the surgical condition and postoperative X-rays. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up appointment with the surgeon who performed your operation, or ask the physician to refer you to a rehabilitation specialist for a rehabili...