Back Surgery Scar Tissue

All types of surgery on the human body produce scar tissue, and the back is no exception. Scar tissue is a normal part of the body’s healing process. The amount of scar tissue that forms, truly depends on how invasive the procedure was. Also, a persons health prior to back surgery plays a role in the amount of scar tissue that forms. Scar tissue called epidural fibrosis can form near the nerve roots of the spine and even bind to them. This pressure on the nerves can cause a tremendous amount of pain.

What is Back Surgery Scar Tissue?

Back surgery scar tissue is the fibrous connective tissue that forms after surgery and is a normal part of healing. One can experience pain from the scar tissue if the tissue touches the nerve roots in the spine. Scar tissue is made up of a substance called Fibrin. Fibrin’s job is to protect the injured area so the body’s repair mechanisms can begin their healing work.

Symptoms of Back Surgery Scar Tissue

Back surgery scar tissue typically forms between 6 to 12 weeks after back surgery. There is an initial period of pain relief, after which the patient slowly begins to experience the back pain again. Another common symptom of back surgery scar tissue is lack of movement in the back. Around 90% of those patients that have had back surgery have reported restricted movement which was caused by epidural fibrosis. If the scar tissue is located in the lumbar area of the spine, numbness, radiating leg pain, lower back pain, restriction in movement, and loss of coordination are can result.

How to effectively treat Back Surgery Scar Tissue

Far Infrared Heat

All living beings emit certain amounts of Far Infrared Heat (FIR). The sun is the primary emitter of Far infrared heat. They are a form of energy that are a part of the electro-magnetic light frequency of sunlight and the human eye can not detect them. The rays are beneficial and safe unlike short wavelengths such as X-rays and gamma rays. Far-infrared heat promotes the rebuilding of injured tissue. It does this by having a beneficial effect on the cells that are necessary for injury repair (fibroblasts). Far infrared heat also increases the growth of new cells. Far-infrared rays help with healing and relieving stress by increasing blood circulation. Far-infrared heating pads are a great source of Far-infrared heat and they offer the best pain relief, more so than traditional electric heating pads.

Natural Anti-inflammatory supplements

Proteolytic Enzymes found in the natural anti-inflammatory supplement Heal-n-Soothe, work to dissolve scar tissue. They have been proven to control scar tissue and even reverse some of the damage that has been done.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment against back surgery scar tissue. Acupuncturists insert small needles into the scar tissue in the attempt to loosen and break up the tissue. The scar tissue may also be blocking a major meridian , which in turn can cause pain.