Overcoming Chronic Pain After Back Surgeries

Overview

A 65-year-old woman had been suffering from debilitating lower back and leg pain since 2015, following a diagnosis of multiple slipped discs. Despite undergoing three orthopedic back surgeries in 2015, 2017, and 2021, she experienced no significant pain relief. Her condition severely affected her mobility and quality of life, leading her to seek alternative treatment options after conventional methods failed.

Key challenges

Pain memory syndrome caused by heightened nervous system sensitivity.
Chronic pain radiating from the lower back to both legs, hips, and thighs.
Inability to stand or walk for extended periods without severe discomfort.
Nighttime pain and difficulty rising from a seated or lying position.
Tight hip flexors exacerbating transition-related pain.
Dependence on mobility aids (cane and walker).

Treatment

The patient was assessed and found to have tight hip flexors contributing to her pain when transitioning from sitting to standing. Additionally, she displayed signs of “pain memory”—a neurological condition where the brain continues to perceive pain even after the structural cause has been removed.

Treatment began with Neuroacupuncture, targeting the sensory cortex to help reset the pain memory and improve nerve signaling. The hip flexors were manually released, which provided immediate relief—allowing her to get up from bed without screaming in pain for the first time in years.

She committed to the treatment plan, attending sessions twice a week. A combination of Neuroacupuncture and physical release techniques was used to progressively reduce pain and restore functionality.

Outcomes

Significant reduction in pain levels after the first treatment.
Able to stand in the kitchen for up to 30 minutes without pain.
Walks daily for about 30 minutes without discomfort.
Walks daily for about 30 minutes without discomfort.
No longer uses a cane or walker.
Improved confidence and quality of life.
Ongoing care includes exercises to strengthen muscle function and prevent relapse.

This case highlights the power of integrative approaches like Neuroacupuncture in addressing chronic post-surgical pain conditions. By targeting both physical tension and the neurological root of “pain memory,” treatment not only alleviated symptoms but also restored mobility and independence. The patient’s recovery illustrates how Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide effective solutions even after multiple surgical failures.

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