Epidural Adhesiolysis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Epidural adhesiolysis is surgery to treat long-term back or leg pain. The epidural space is the area between your spinal cord and the bones that make up your spine. Pain may be caused by scar tissue in the epidural space pressing on nerves in your spine. Epidural adhesiolysis may be used to remove the scar tissue.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have a stiff neck or trouble thinking clearly.
- Your leg, feet, or other parts below the waist feel numb, tingly, or weak.
Seek care immediately if:
- You are a man and cannot get an erection.
- You have trouble holding back your urine or bowel movements.
- You have blood, pus, or a foul-smelling odor coming from your surgery area.
- Your symptoms get worse or come back.
Call your surgeon or pain specialist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have severe low back pain at night or even when resting.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have weakness in one or both legs.
- Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest as needed. As your pain decreases, start doing more. Return to your daily activities as directed. Use a pillow under or between your knees when you sleep. If you sleep on your stomach, use a pillow under your lower abdomen and hips. This may help decrease pain.
- Use assistive devices. A cane, walker, or crutches may help you walk and decrease your risk for falling or getting hurt. Ask your healthcare provider if you should use a cane, walker, or crutches. Ask for more information about how to choose and use them correctly.
- Go to physical therapy if directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises that help improve movement and strength, and decrease pain.
Follow up with your surgeon or pain specialist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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