Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is technically not a syndrome at all; rather, it is a general term to describe a condition where a back surgery patient fails to experience a reduction in pain and other symptoms after surgery. Most conditions which cause spine related symptoms are related to the spinal deterioration that occurs with aging. With aging, all individuals heal more slowly. Many also develop other age related diseases, such as Type II Diabetes, which accelerates body deterioration and delays healing. Thus FBSS and aging are indirectly linked. However, it would be incorrect to state that a specific patient should not undergo spinal surgery because he or she will develop FBSS. Broad statistics should not be applied to specific individuals.
What is FBSS?
FBSS collectively describes a variety of aspects of an unsuccessful back surgery, such as:
- Continued pain
- Difficulty recuperating
- Rejection of bone grafts and hardware
- The development of new conditions
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Limited mobility
- And others
How is Getting Older Related to FBSS?
The natural aging process related spinal deterioration is one of the leading factors in the development of many of the conditions patients seek to treat with back surgery. This statement pertains to everything from bone spurs and facet disease to bulging discs and foraminal stenosis. Collectively referred to as degenerative spine conditions, these issues all arise as a result of the gradual deterioration of the spinal anatomy – bones, discs, joints, etc. – over time. Typically, conservative treatments are effective in managing the symptoms these conditions can cause, but surgery often becomes an option for patients who fail to find relief.
Other Treatment Options
If you have not experienced relief through conservative therapy from back pain and other symptoms resulting from a spinal condition and are considering surgery, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Rather than face the risks traditional open back surgery presents, such as FBSS, let us inform you about our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures that are a safe, effective alternative and have helped tens of thousands of patients recover spine related symptom relief.
