Post-surgery lumbar scar tissue

Post-surgery lumbar scar tissue

Q:

Can you give us any recommendations for scar tissue surrounding the 4th & 5th lumbar discs, had surgery two years ago on #5 am having many of the same symptoms again, but have been told it is scar tissue. Is there a way to tell the difference between scar tissue and a herniated disc and what is the current treatment recommended for alleviating scar tissue pain?

--Becky

A:

There is really no way to tell. Even if you have an MRI that clearly shows a large herniated disc, you still cannot be certain that the pain is coming from the herniated disc. After two surgery and now with recurrent symptoms, I would be very cautious about a third surgery. You may want to look into a rehab program to maximize your function instead of trying to eliminate pain.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

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