Understanding the Causes of Post-Surgical Back Pain
Immediately after spine surgery, pain is normal to an extent. In the days following, patients may experience stiffness and soreness as the tissue heals and the nerves regain function. However, if this discomfort persists after approximately three months, patients may start to wonder if they will ever experience a sense of relief.
Post-surgical back pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially because it often takes a lot of courage for patients to decide to undergo surgery in the first place. Therefore, if patients continue experiencing these extreme levels of discomfort months later, they may start to question their decision.
Although most spine surgeries are successful, the unfortunate truth is not all are. This can be due to a handful of reasons – from incorrect diagnosis to disturbing a nerve. In some cases, patients may continue to experience post-surgical back pain if they do not closely follow a rehabilitation plan consisting of rest and physical therapy.
At BEST Health System, our team of pain management specialists helps patients who experience severe post-surgical back pain. Our treatment plans consist of diagnostic testing, physical examinations, and conservative and minimally invasive treatment. It is our goal to help these patients find the relief they initially wanted with spine surgery. Continue reading to learn more about managing and treating post-surgical back pain.
When to Seek Treatment
If post-surgical back pain becomes unmanageably chronic or does not resolve itself within three months, you may want to consider seeing a pain management specialist. Pain management specialists are experts in understanding the causes of failed back surgery syndrome and will work with you to establish an effective plan.
If you experience symptoms aside from back pain including numbness or tingling sensations, urinary incompetence, or a fever, immediate treatment may become necessary. These symptoms can be strong indications that nerve damage occurred during the surgery. If this is the case, seeking treatment is essential. Promptly engaging in physical therapy, rest, and monitoring symptoms can help patients prevent nerve damage from furthering.
Potential Implications of Untreated Post-Surgical Back Pain
Untreated post-surgical back pain can have significant implications for patients, both physically and mentally. Chronic pain can decrease overall functionality and quality of life, limiting the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and participate in activities they once enjoyed. Avoiding medical attention can cause the symptoms to worsen and in severe cases, can prevent the injury from being treatable. Patients who seek treatment soon after noticing these symptoms are most likely to achieve relief.
Managing Post-Surgical Back Pain
It is very important for patients to put in effort to manage post-surgical back pain. Those who follow a plan to address the symptoms and improve their overall health and more likely to achieve significant relief. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring strength and flexibility to the affected area while reducing discomfort. Patients should also be educated on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to prevent further strain on the back. Additionally, incorporating modalities such as heat therapy, ice packs, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help alleviate post-operative discomfort.
Treatment with BEST Health System
BEST Health System is a modern care clinic dedicated to helping patients find relief from chronic pain. If you are experiencing severe post-surgical back pain, you may want to consider finding a pain management specialist.
BEST Health System partners with clinics across the United States to improve patient accessibility to top in-demand doctors. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
