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What Should I Do if I Think I Have Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

The sense of disappointment that accompanies failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) can take a devastating emotional toll. It’s easy to fall into denial. After all, everyone says to expect some pain after a spinal fusion procedure. Surely, it’ll go away eventually. Won’t it? Yes, it’s true: It takes time for the incisions associated with fusion surgery to heal. And yes, the healing process takes longer for some patients than for others. Yet, at some point after surgery, if chronic back or neck pain continues to be debilitating, it’s time to address the possibility that you may, in fact, be suffering from FBSS. What then?

Starting Over

The first thing to do if you think you have FBSS is to consult your doctor. He or she will likely perform examinations and tests similar to those performed when you first became concerned that chronic pain was having an adverse effect on your quality of life. You’ll also be asked whether you’ve followed post-operative instructions to the letter – it’s obviously important to do so to give your surgical wounds the best chance to heal correctly, but deviations from prescribed physical therapy or other post-operative procedure also can help your doctor determine a potential cause for your FBSS.

Chances are, before considering another surgical procedure, you’ll be asked to undergo many of the same conservative treatments that were used before your surgery, including:

• Physical therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Non-steroidal, over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication
• Epidural steroidal injections
• Exercise and stretching
• Hot and cold compresses
• Or others

Minimally Invasive Alternative to Fusion

One way to avoid FBSS associated with unsuccessful spinal fusion is to contact Laser Spine Institute before settling for highly invasive conventional surgery. The orthopedic specialists at Laser Spine Institute treat degenerative spine conditions such as herniated discs by using endoscopic technology to perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures that can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.