Post-nucleotomy syndrome is a type of back pain in the broader sense. However, it mainly occurs after surgical procedures on the spine, such as disc operations. It is particularly important to treat post-nucleotomy syndrome at an early stage before the pain becomes chronic.
In this article, you will find out what treatment options are available and which specialists can help you.
Post-nucleotomy syndrome (also known as postdiscectomy syndrome) is characterized by persistent pain after back surgery.
The pain is more common after intervertebral disc surgery, but also occurs with other back operations or after tumor operations on the spine.
Around 30 percent of people who have had disc surgery develop post-nucleotomy syndrome as a result.
Post-nucleotomy syndrome is characterized by persistent pain in the back and leg area @ 9nong /AdobeStock
The symptoms of post-nucleotomy syndrome
It is characterized by persistent pain even a long time after the operation. In addition, there may be discomfort in the legs. Those affected often describe pain that radiates into the legs.
Post-nucleotomy syndrome can become chronic if left untreated , meaning that patients suffer long-term pain that is rarely relieved by surgery.
On a psychological level, patients with chronic pain often develop
For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment of post-nucleotomy syndrome is very important.
The simplest cause of subsequent post-nucleotomy syndrome is that doctors have inadequately removed the source of pain during the operation. This is the case when the intervertebral disc is overloaded after a herniated disc.
In addition, surgery can create a new source of pain in the spine that develops as a result of injury or scarring.
If doctors have removed a disc and not sufficiently stabilized the spine, adjacent vertebral bodies can become interlocked. This can trigger post-nucleotomy syndrome.
However, psychological problems and stress can also lead to pain symptoms and chronic back pain. The development of post-nucleotomy syndrome is therefore possible.
From a medical point of view, pain is not easy to classify. Back pain is also one of the diseases of modern civilization.
Constant office work and predominantly sedentary activities promote a variety of back complaints.
In order to better classify the complaints, the doctor will first ask you about your medical history. The main aim here is to narrow down the pain and better understand your complaints.
Possible anamnesis questions could be:
To diagnose post-nucleotomy syndrome, however, the specialist needs images.
These are produced by
Early diagnosis is important so that the pain does not become chronic.
In addition to post-nucleotomy syndrome, tumor diseases of the spine or inflammation are also possible causes of painin the differential diagnosis.
Initially, painkillers (analgesics) and warming pads play an important role in the treatment of post-nucleotomy syndrome patients. In some cases, the medication also alleviates post-operative inflammation.
Heat calms and relaxes the muscles and thus helps to alleviate pain @ Uwe Grötzner /AdobeStock
Post-nucleotomy syndrome specialists also have injection therapies or transcutaneous nerve stimulation at their disposal. Doctors generally avoid repeated operations, as this can lead to new sources of pain due to new scarring.
Behavioral therapy, exercise therapy and physiotherapy support the treatment of post-nucleotomy syndrome. Good results can also be achieved through regular back training.
To relieve pressure on the spine, patients shouldwatch their weight and remain at a normal weight.
A post-nucleotomy syndrome specialist usually works in orthopaedics or spinal surgery. Depending on the symptoms, other specialist disciplines may also be involved, such as
Patients with persistent back pain after back surgery should visit a specialized clinic or pain outpatient clinic. This enables doctors to diagnose and treat post-nucleotomy syndrome at an early stage.
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