How to pick up the pieces after failed back surgery?
Failed back surgery can be a devastating experience. For those who undergo surgery to relieve chronic pain only to find that symptoms persist or worsen, feelings of betrayal and disillusionment can be overwhelming.
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Read more: Back Pain Relief: Exercises and Stretching to Help Relieve Back Pain.
If you’re struggling with failed back syndrome, know that you’re not alone. Many people have gone through this experience and found ways to cope and improve their quality of life.
What is failed back syndrome?
Failed back syndrome is a condition that can occur after surgery to correct back problems. The term “failed back syndrome” does not necessarily mean that the surgery failed. Instead, it means you will still have ongoing pain even after surgery. Failed back syndrome is sometimes called post-laminectomy, post-discectomy, or post-surgical syndrome.
What causes failed back syndrome?
1) Spinal fusion failure
Spinal fusion can fail when the vertebrae (vertebrae) and discs do not heal properly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Bones and discs do not align properly during surgery
The bone graft or artificial disc is not properly fused to the vertebrae. There is too much motion in the blended layer. The surgery did not relieve all the pressure on the nerves.
2) Nerve damage
Nerve damage can occur during back surgery for the following reasons:
Incision site – Incisions that reach the spine may damage surrounding nerves
Retraction – the process of moving tissue out of the way to reach the spine can damage delicate nerves
Tear or injury to the dura mater (the outermost layer of tissue surrounding the spinal cord and nerves)
Use surgical equipment (such as a scalpel or scissors) near the nerve.
3) Migration
Sometimes the cage or pole used to fuse the spine can slip. This is called “migration” and can cause a lot of pain. In some cases, your doctor may be able to put the cage or pole back into place without having to perform another surgery.
How to Treat Failed Back Surgery
1) Drugs
Many medications can help control the pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome. These include over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and prescription medications, such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and nerve-blocking injections.
2) Physical therapy
Physical therapy will help you regain strength and flexibility in your back and improve your overall mobility. A physical therapist will design a customized rehabilitation program based on your specific needs and goals.
3) Spinal cord stimulation
You may be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). SCS is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic pain. SCS sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. During the medical procedure, a small device called a pulse generator is implanted under the skin of the lower back. The device is connected to thin wires (leads) close to the spinal cord. Wires carry electrical impulses from the pulse generator to the spinal cord. The electrical impulses block pain signals before they reach the brain. SCS is a reversible process and can be turned off at any time.
If you want back pain relief in Chicago, contact the Illinois Pain and Spine Institute. Our pain management experts provide comprehensive care to patients suffering from chronic pain.
