Failed back syndrome–sometimes called failed back surgery syndrome–refers to a condition wherein a patient experiences chronic pain after a spinal surgery. While some pain is normal during the recovery process, failed back syndrome often occurs several months after the procedure was performed and can develop into a persistent condition.
What Causes Failed Back Syndrome?
Unfortunately, there is no single cause of FBS. In some cases, this condition occurs because the source of the original pain was misdiagnosed. In other cases, an excessive amount of scar tissue forms around the spinal nerve. When it becomes inflamed, it presses against the nerve, causing chronic pain. There are also personal circumstances which can lead to this syndrome, such as an excess of sitting which puts a great deal of pressure on the back, or conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disease, or vascular disease.
How Is It Treated?
Initial treatment generally includes a mix of injections, nerve blocks, and physical therapy to rebuild the strength of the back tissue and increase spinal stability. If pain persists, electrical neurostimulation may help to lessen it, and there are options for symptom management that are delivered directly to the site of the pain.
Repeat surgeries are rarely recommended, unless the source of the pain is certain.
How Can I Avoid It?
Make sure your doctor has comprehensive imaging before they operate, and be as specific with them as you can about your pain to avoid misdiagnosis. After surgery, once you’re cleared for activity, make sure you’re standing and walking when possible rather than sitting to excess, and stay on top of any physical therapy regimen you’re given. Additionally, avoid any strenuous activity that’s not absolutely necessary. Your doctor should give you a list of actions you’re not allowed to do, such as lifting above a certain threshold of weight.
If you’ve had a recent back surgery and are still experiencing pain months later, contact your orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible to discuss diagnosis and treatment options. At HROSM, we can work with you to ensure your treatment and recovery gets you back to doing the things you love!
