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Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a complex condition that occurs when patients experience persistent or new pain after lumbar spinal surgery. This condition, often referred to as Failed Back Surgery, can significantly affect the quality of life and make pain management challenging.
What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?
FBSS is characterized by continued lumbar pain or the onset of new pain following a surgical intervention meant to correct spinal issues. Alarmingly, up to 40% of patients undergoing back surgery develop this syndrome. With lower back pain affecting 51% to 84% of adults during their lifetime, the rate of back surgeries has surged by 170% from 1998 to 2008, yet outcomes like FBSS remain a concern.
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors of Failed Back Surgery
Patients with FBSS may experience:
- Increased or persistent pain in the surgical area.
- Limited mobility or new physical restrictions.
- Emotional effects such as depression or anxiety.
Pre-Surgery Risk Factors Include:
- Anxiety, depression, obesity, and smoking.
- Underlying conditions like spinal stenosis or disc herniation.
Post-Surgery Complications May Include:
- Spinal instability.
- Epidural fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
- Adjacent disc disruption or further spinal degeneration.
Treatment Options for Failed Back Surgery
Conservative Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Focused on building tolerance in a non-pain contingent manner, physical therapy is often effective when tailored to a patient’s unique needs.
- Medications: Non-opioid pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to manage symptoms.
EMTT, Radial Shockwave, and Focused Shockwave, and Red Laser Therapy:
Elbow pain can persist despite traditional interventions. Studies show that for patients with tennis elbow, the use of corticosteroid injection actually resulted in worse clinical outcomes after 1 year. However, advancements in regenerative medicine provide effective, non-invasive solutions. We are proud to be the only clinic in Rhode Island offering three groundbreaking therapies:
- Radial Shockwaves: Ideal for widespread soft tissue pain and inflammation
- Focused Shockwaves: Targets deeper structures like tendons and ligaments
- EMTT: Treats larger areas without direct skin contact for enhanced patient comfort
- Red Laser Therapy: triggers photobiomodulation to repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow.
Why Surgery Isn’t Recommended Again
Research shows that patients who undergo multiple back surgeries have a higher likelihood of developing FBSS. Therefore, repeat surgeries are typically avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Impact of Failed Back Surgery on Patients
FBSS patients report a lower quality of life compared to those with other chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. They also experience:
- Higher rates of unemployment and disability.
- Increased dependency on opioids, with overdose being a leading cause of death after lumbar fusion surgery.
Preventing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Patient education is crucial to minimizing the risks associated with lower back surgery. Before undergoing surgery, patients should understand:
- The potential complications and likelihood of FBSS.
- Non-invasive treatment alternatives like physical therapy and interventional pain management techniques.
By making informed decisions, patients can reduce the likelihood of experiencing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome and improve their recovery outcomes.
Why Choose the Pain Center of Rhode Island for FBSS Treatment?
At the Pain Center of Rhode Island, we specialize in comprehensive care for patients dealing with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Our team provides personalized treatment plans, including physical therapy and interventional options, to address the root causes of pain and improve quality of life.
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