Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a condition that sometimes manifests after patients undergo unsuccessful spine surgery. This condition is characterized as severe back pain that persists longer than three months after surgery. Although some discomfort is normal after spine surgery, it is important to recognize when the pain poses a larger concern. Understanding the symptoms of failed back surgery syndrome is essential for early intervention, which increases the chances of patients finding relief from their chronic pain condition.
BEST Health System partners with interventional pain management physicians across the country to increase patient access to quality chronic pain care. The BEST approach to chronic pain care integrates minimally invasive approaches to help patients find relief without the need for traditional surgery. Continue reading to learn more about managing failed back surgery syndrome, and how the team at BEST can help.
Causes and Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
There are a few reasons why failed back surgery syndrome might develop after patients undergo spine surgery. The most common cause of FBSS is surgical complications, including nerve compression, spinal destabilization, and infection. Nerve damage is a key factor contributing to FBSS, due to scar tissue formation, which can cause tingling, burning, and weakness in the affected area.
Patients with failed back surgery syndrome may experience a range of symptoms due to their condition. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Chronic back or leg pain
- Sharp, radiating nerve pain
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Limited mobility and stiffness
- Emotional distress due to prolonged discomfort
Treatment Options
Living with failed back surgery syndrome can be incredibly frustrating. Deciding to undergo spine surgery in the first place can be daunting, and having a negative result only intensifies patient hesitancy to seek further help.
BEST Health System works with patients to find non-drug solutions for chronic pain conditions like FBSS. Neuromodulation, also known as spinal cord stimulation, is a minimally invasive procedure recommended to patients experiencing severe chronic pain. This procedure involves the implantation of a small device in the lower back, which has lead wires that connect to the spinal cord to deliver tiny electrical impulses. These impulses block pain signals from reaching the brain, allowing patients more control over their chronic pain. The nature of this surgery only requires three small incisions, which allows for a quicker recovery time and reduced risk of infection.
BEST Health System specializes in neuromodulation and employs in-demand physicians who have dedicated their careers to finding drug-free solutions for chronic pain. If you have recently been diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome or another chronic pain condition–relief can be one step away.
Schedule an appointment at a BEST Health System location near you to learn more about neuromodulation trials.
