Going into back surgery is a significant decision, one that could have a profoundly positive impact on your life after recovery. But that's unfortunately not always the case.
Failed back surgery syndrome happens when you continue to have persistent pain after back or spine surgery that was supposed to fix the problem. It's a complex condition that requires repeated treatments to address the underlying issue.
At Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Shachi Patel and her team offer a range of treatments for FBSS. Dr. Patel is a pain management specialist offering epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulation, and radiofrequency ablation to address FBSS symptoms.
Failed back surgery syndrome is just what it sounds like; it occurs when you have pain that persists after a spine procedure that was to alleviate your pain.
The pain from FBSS may begin right after surgery or show up within a few days to weeks. The more complex the procedure, the more likely you are to have FBSS.
The incidence of FBSS is higher in repeated surgeries. The first spine surgery is typically more successful than subsequent ones, which increases the risk of developing FBSS.
FBSS can happen immediately after surgery, producing pain similar to before surgery or a completely different type of pain.
Some people are more at risk for FBSS, including those with psychological problems, obesity, and those who smoke. People who've had prior back surgeries or specific back issues like spinal stenosis or a disc herniation are also more likely to have FBSS.
FBSS is sometimes difficult to diagnose right after surgery, due to post-surgical pain. However, it can develop quickly as the surgical pain begins to dissipate, or take weeks to show up.
In some cases, the pain slowly develops in the back, legs, or buttocks after surgery. It may feel like it did before surgery or be completely different.
Sometimes there's compression of the L5 nerve root, which can lead to foot drop along with other symptoms in FBSS. Motor and sensory symptoms may also develop, including tingling and numbness in the back and legs.
FBSS also causes mobility problems due to increased pain and may also lead to bowel and bladder dysfunction. Sleep dysfunction and muscle spasms are also common symptoms of FBSS.
If you develop pain after spine surgery, it's essential to seek treatment immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. Dr. Patel discusses your symptoms and evaluates to determine the best route of treatment.
You can manage mild to moderate symptoms of FBSS through conservative care. Dr. Patel recommends physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate back and leg pain.
If conservative measures aren't enough to reduce your discomfort, she recommends steroid injections to calm inflammation and provide long-term relief. These injections include nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections.
In some cases, a repeat surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or correct spinal alignment. We also offer implantable devices that help alleviate chronic FBSS pain, such as spinal cord stimulators and pain pumps.
Sometimes, multiple treatments are necessary to control pain after a failed back surgery.
To learn more about our FBSS treatments, call our Newark, Delaware, office to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with Dr. Patel on our website.
