Failed back surgery treatments are measures prescribed by physicians to help ease the pain and other side effects that occur after traditional open back surgery has failed.
The failure of back surgery is a huge disappointment. Those who have undergone traditional back surgery expect relief from pain, regained mobility and flexibility, and a return to a normal lifestyle. Occasionally, however, conventional back surgery does not alleviate pain and other symptoms.
Treatments physicians may try to alleviate the symptoms of failed back surgery, include, but are not limited to:
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Non-steroidal, over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Epidural steroidal injections
- Exercise and stretching
- Hot and cold compresses
If none of these treatments are effective and suffering after traditional back surgery continues, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome may be the cause. FBSS is a general term used to describe symptoms of any failed back surgery.
Symptoms of failed back surgery can include:
- Chronic pain or persistent and dull aches the back or leg(s)
- Development of new pain and aches
- Pain or tingling that radiates from the back to the legs and toes or shoulders, arms, and hands
- Hyper-mobility or instability in joints
- Degeneration and weakening of spinal muscles
- Pain resulting from post-operative scar tissue formation
- Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness
- Numbness in the back or leg(s)
If conventional treatments for failed back surgery have not worked for you, contact Laser Spine Institute. We can review your case to ascertain whether minimally invasive endoscopic procedures are a possible solution to your continued pain. Contact Laser Spine Institute now for answers to your questions and a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.
