When you experience a back injury that affects the spine, a band of dense scar tissues is formed naturally in the epidural cavity as a factor in the natural healing process. The epidural space is the region between the spinal cord and the vertebral bones that encircle it. The band of scar tissues applies pressure on the nerves in their excess and restrain their movement causing severe pain and inflammation
The epidural Lysis procedure is an outpatient approach carried out to reduce the amount of scar tissues or sometime remove it permanently, thus releasing pinched nerves and relieving pain. The procedure includes the use of a small plastic tube called a catheter to help delivering various medications into the epidural space that dissolves the scar tissue formation. The combination of the drugs may vary in some treatment, however, mostly steroids are used to relieve inflammation encircling the pinched nerves along with the local anesthetic. The epidural Lysis procedure is medically safe and effective method to reduce pain and inflammation
Who are the candidates?
The Epidural Lysis procedure is mostly recommended for the patients who experience chronic back pain and leg pain due to the formation of epidural adhesion, after a lower spine surgery or a sudden injury or fall. The symptoms might include severe pain in the lower back along with a burning sensation, sciatica pain that sparks from the spine and spreads into the thighs, calves and feet, muscle spasms, reflex change and lower range of motion in the legs
Along with treating excessive scarring the epidural Lysis procedure also treats a variety of spinal problems including;
- Herniated disc
- Compression fractures
- Degenerative spine
- Spinal Stenosis
- Cervical Stenosis
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Arthritis of the spine
The Epidural Lysis procedure may not be the first option, the patients who opt this therapy have usually tried several other traditional treatments including medications and epidural steroid injections and failed to reduce pain
Procedure
The Epidural Lysis procedure is an outpatient approach and can be performed in a surgery center, the patient is usually given local anesthesia. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes. The epidural Lysis procedure is initiated by cleaning the patients lower back with an antiseptic solution before exposing it to the numbing medications. Soon after the numbing a small cut is made and with the help of an X-ray guidance a catheter is inserted and guided into the Epidural space. The catheter may release a contrasting pigmentation to confirm the exact location of pain
Once the confirmation of the affected area is made the catheter is used to deliver the blend of medications into the targeted area that will aid in dissolving the formation of scar tissues reducing swelling and pain. During the whole procedure the catheter is being monitored with the X-Ray guidance to ensure safe and effective positioning of the catheter. As all the medications have been delivered, the catheter is removed and the cut is cleaned and covered with a bandage
In case you or any of your loved one is suffering from any severe back pain and looking for a safe and cost-effective Epidural Lysis treatment, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at 815-464-7212. He is a world renowned Pain Medicine Physician who has been practicing regenerative injection therapies for the past several years with remarkable results