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Free Medical Advice sponsored by
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Got an ache or pain? Have a question about a prescription or over-the-counter drug? Looking for some FREE medical advice?
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Question:
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| I have lordosis from having spina bifida and I had anterior/posterior spinal fusion in Aug. 2001. Since then deep inside my back has been itching. Is there any hope for me?
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Answer:
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| Thank you for your inquiry. First off we should clarify with you that the symptom is itching without associated pain or irritation, the latter two symptoms denote the possibility of a low grade subcutaneous infection which although unlikely should be thought of especially if there were metallic parts used in the spinal fusion procedure. An infection would usually manifest as pain which you do not report so this seems unlikely. Itching as a sensation per se is from the skin nerve endings, and in your case due to the surgery, some skin nerve endings have been disrupted in the surgical procedure and in the healing process, much fibrous tissue is laid down and the body attempts to reconnect the nerve endings to the skin Although it usually does a "good job" it is less perfect the second time around. It is common for any area surrounding an incision to have paraesthesia or hypersensitivity or the sensation of itch due to this cutaneous nerve remodelling. Usually over time ie years this does improve, so expect that it will improve over a long period of time. For general relief from itch, try an antihistamine such as occasional benadryl (causes drowsiness however) or hydroxyzine orally, or calamine lotion or a topical ointment or creme with menthol topically. These are available at our clinic. These may give you some relief. These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
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