Removal of Scar Tissue
Dr. Jared Scott – Advanced Pain Medicine Associates
Removal of Scar Tissue is often called Adhesiolysis or Epidural Lysis of Adhesions. The word Adhesiolysis comes from “Adhesion” meaning scar tissue and “Lysis” meaning to dissolve or destroy. Adhesiolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that was developed in the late 1980’s by Dr. Gabor Racz. The procedure has proven effective in treating chronic back and neck pain due to scar tissue formation. Scar tissue can surround nerve roots in the epidural space causing constant unrelenting pain. Adhesions are typically formed due to inflammation and chronic irritation. These adhesions can aggravate nearby nerve roots causing intense pain (Manchikanti 2007). Scar tissue frequently results in irritated and inflamed nerves, which can cause pain that radiates from the low back into the legs. Most commonly, people who present with neck or back pain due to scar tissue formation have had prior surgeries and/or prolonged neck or back pain. Adhesions may develop after spinal surgery and are thought to be the cause of recurrent pain.
The effectiveness of this procedure has been demonstrated by the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians which has developed a large evidence-based practice guideline for the management of chronic spinal pain with interventional techniques. In regards to adhesiolysis, the guidelines state that there is strong evidence to indicate effectiveness of adhesiolysis with epidural steroids for short and long term pain control in refractory pain (pain that is resistant to treatment) and radiculopathy (weakness, numbness, or muscle spasm from a dysfunctional nerve root). This is an established therapy at Advanced Pain Medicine Associates as one of the staff physicians, Dr. Jared Scott trained under Dr. Gabor Racz the inventor of the Adhesiolysis Procedure (Racz Procedure) and learned this safe innovative technique from him first-hand.
If you are suffering from chronic back or neck pain that has been refractory to other treatments, call Advanced Pain Medicine Associates and see if you may benefit from this innovative treatment. Dr. Jared Scott is located at 3715 N. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas 67220. Call 316-942-4519 or visit www.advancedpain.net for appointment information.
