Why does Segmental Motion Pain occur?

Segmental motion pain is a form of chronic back pain. Pain and discomfort in the lower back are common, affecting about 80% of people at some point in their lives. Often, the pain subsides within a few weeks, but it can sometimes develop into a chronic condition. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly where the pain originates, but it usually comes from the discs or the joints between the vertebrae in the back.

A segment consists of two vertebrae along with the disc, muscles, and ligaments between them. The pain may arise from one or more of these components.

What are the symptoms?

SRS can be caused by many factors. It could be due to trauma to the back from an accident, and/or an inherent hypermobility in the joints. A common symptom is a chronic, dull ache that radiates to the flanks, buttocks, and the back of the legs. Sharp pain in the back during sudden movements may also be experienced. To determine if you have SRS, we conduct a detailed pain analysis, review MRI images, and perform a clinical examination.

What treatments are available?

The first line of treatment we try is physiotherapy and pain medication. If these do not work and the back pain does not subside within 6-12 months, surgery may be an option. Primarily, a fusion surgery is considered, which involves stabilizing the movement between the vertebrae to eliminate the painful motion.

The surgical technique may vary depending on your specific conditions as a patient. In some cases, we perform the surgery using a minimally invasive technique (MIS), which generally involves less exposure during the operation. This option isn't suitable for everyone, but if it's right for you, your doctor will discuss this alternative.

What can I expect from the results?

The desired and most common result after a fusion surgery is significant relief from back pain, which substantially improves your quality of life. Paradoxically, many patients experience increased mobility after a fusion surgery if the back pain has decreased. The stiffness in the lower back is usually only felt as a moderate limitation of movement freedom.

According to the Swedish National Quality Registry for Spinal Surgery, 70% of operated patients are "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the outcome, 20% experience no improvement, and 5-10% report increased problems. Many patients also notice a continuous gradual improvement over 1-2 years post-operation.

Are there any risks with fusion surgery?

The most common risks are superficial wound infections treated with antibiotics. There is also a risk of damaging the membrane surrounding the nerves during the operation, which could lead to leakage of spinal fluid. This is not a severe complication. The membrane is repaired, and the patient needs to remain in bed for a day.

A clear risk factor that you can influence is smoking. If you are a smoker, you have a greater risk of complications such as infection and delayed healing. Quitting smoking significantly increases your chances of a successful treatment outcome.

How long is the hospital stay?

You will come to us on the morning of the surgery day. Typically, you are admitted for 1-2 days.

How long will I need to be off work?

How quickly you recover after surgery is individual and depends on several factors, including lifestyle factors such as smoking. The recommended sick leave usually lasts 2-3 months, depending on the type of work you do. You are often fully rehabilitated after 6-12 months.

What does rehabilitation involve?

Rehabilitation training after your surgery is crucial for achieving the best possible results and functionality. As a fundamental part of your treatment, we develop an individual rehabilitation plan tailored to your conditions. The goal is to restore full strength, functionality, and mobility, and increase your confidence in your back. This will provide you with the best conditions for a good quality of life and help prevent future problems. You are often fully rehabilitated after 6-12 months, after which we recommend that you continue wellness training to maintain the best possible back health. All physiotherapists at RKC have extensive experience in treating, diagnosing, and rehabilitating back conditions and pain.