Lysis of Adhesions in the Spine: What Is It?
Lysis of adhesions in the spine is a medical procedure designed to treat scar tissue (adhesions) that forms around the spinal nerves, typically after spinal surgery or injury. Adhesions can cause chronic pain, restricted movement, and nerve compression by binding tissues that should otherwise move freely. This procedure is often considered for individuals suffering from conditions like post-surgical spinal pain or failed back surgery syndrome, where scar tissue has formed around the nerves, leading to persistent discomfort. In these cases, adhesions can form as part of the body’s natural healing response, but they may cause unintended complications. The lysis of adhesions procedure aims to release or break up this scar tissue to alleviate pressure on the nerves and restore normal spinal function. This can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopy or other advanced imaging technologies, to precisely target the adhesions without causing additional trauma to surrounding tissues.
The lysis of adhesions procedure is often performed under local or regional anesthesia, with the aim of improving the patient’s mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life. While lysis of adhesions can provide significant relief, it is typically recommended only for individuals whose pain is caused by adhesions that have not responded to other conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications. It’s important to note that while the procedure can be effective in addressing scar tissue buildup, it is not a cure-all, and recurrence of adhesions can sometimes occur. Patients considering this procedure should undergo a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies, to ensure that adhesions are indeed the source of their pain and to assess the risks and potential benefits. In some cases, additional treatments or rehabilitation may be necessary after the procedure to ensure long-term relief and prevent the formation of new adhesions.
