Back pain is an ailment that happens for many reasons; strains, disc degeneration, and nerve compression are common causes of back discomfort. Some people have so much pain they require surgery to fix the issue – but what if it doesn’t?
Failed back surgery syndrome is an issue where pain begins or persists after a surgical procedure that a surgeon did correctly. It leads to significant discomfort and sometimes disability.
At Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Shachi Patel offers a range of pain management procedures to help relieve back pain. She’s an experienced pain management specialist offering spinal cord stimulation, regenerative medicine, and radiofrequency ablation to help alleviate chronic pain.
Failed back surgery syndrome is an issue that occurs after spine surgery. It occurs when a patient experiences pain or discomfort in the days, weeks, or months after a spine procedure.
The pain after FBSS can be a new form of pain or ongoing pain from the original issue. It’s not usually a problem with the surgeon performing the procedure correctly; rather, it’s an issue where the problem doesn’t resolve because of other factors.
People who have more complex forms of spine surgery are more at risk than those with a less invasive procedure. It’s also more likely to have a failed back surgery if you have to have the procedure more than once.
Chronic medical conditions and lifestyle issues like obesity and smoking also contribute to failed back surgery syndrome.
Patients who experience FBSS symptoms may notice them right away or weeks to months later. Some people may also stay in the clear for years until pain begins.
The symptoms of FBSS vary, depending on the surgical procedure and the individual’s overall health. Common symptoms of FBSS include:
FBSS symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe and can interfere with daily activities. If it persists for more than a few days to weeks, it’s essential to seek an evaluation.
There’s always a risk that back surgery won't work, but the risk is higher in some circumstances. You may be at a higher risk of FBSS if you have any of the following:
Not everyone at risk for FBSS will experience it, but it’s essential to know your risk factors before undergoing spine surgery.
When you have pain after surgery, you want relief fast. Dr. Patel evaluates your pain and discusses treatment options. Spinal cord stimulation is a great option for people who can’t have revision surgery.
For those with nerve-related spinal issues, she also offers radiofrequency ablation to eliminate discomfort quickly and effectively.
To learn more about the Vertiflex procedure for spinal stenosis, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel, call our Newark, Delaware office, or visit our website today.
