My Previous Back Surgery Didn’t Work – What Should I Do?

Did you have back surgery, and you are still in pain? Keep reading to understand what is causing your pain.

Before taking up surgery, the patient is briefed about all the possible outcomes, whether the procedure is minimally invasive or highly invasive, and more. All surgical procedures carry some chances of risk, and some procedures have a higher failure rate than the success rate.

If you had taken up a back surgery, then probably you were informed about a potential risk known as failed back surgery syndrome(FBSS). Specialists of back pain in Fayetteville can help you understand more about FBSS.

What is FBSS?

FBSS is a term used to describe an unsuccessful or a failed surgery that was performed to reduce the pain but instead increased the pain. It has been reported that patients who take up an invasive back surgery are more prone to FBSS. 40% of patients who go for a back surgery face FBSS, especially those operating in the lumbar region.

What are the symptoms and causes of FBSS?

Symptoms of FBSS Include:

1. Constant or chronic pain.
2. Pain in the treated area.
3. Decreased range of motion.
4. A dull pain radiating to the arms, legs, or neck.
5. Muscle spasms.

If you have noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above after your back surgery, you should immediately contact your doctor for further treatment.

Causes of FBSS include:

Not all patients develop FBSS, but certain risk factors are known to increase the chances of FBSS:

1. Spinal fusion failure.
2. Migration of the implant to an abnormal location.
3. Formation of excessive scar tissue.
4. Damage to another nerve or compression of another nerve root.

What to do if you have FBSS?

Thinking of another surgery to correct the previous one is not a good option. So, some conservative methods can help you manage the pain.

1. Physical therapy: Your physiotherapist will teach you some basic back extension and rotation exercises to help you manage the pain.

2. Medication: Medication can be helpful when the pain is too severe, but once the pain has been reduced, these should be discontinued. As the patient can get addicted to the medication, it can lead to depression or anxiety.

3. Lifestyle changes: Mild to moderate exercises, sleeping in the correct position, taking extra care of your back, and undergoing regular massage sessions can help you manage the pain.

4. Spinal cord stimulators: These can be used to reduce back pain up to a great extent.