The failed back surgery syndrome affects thousands of people after surgery complications.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBS)
Failed back surgery syndrome or post laminectomy syndrome is a pain condition in which pain persists despite corrective surgery having been performed.
Causes and Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
One of the biggest reasons for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is that its causes seem multifaceted. FBS sufferers have undergone surgery for pain in the lower back region.
The most common symptoms of FBS are –
• dull or aching back pain
• back pain that radiates through the hips, buttocks or thighs
• severe, stabbing pain in the back or legs
The common causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome are –
Herniated Disc Surgery
Removal of a herniated disc can lead to another disc herniation later. During surgery, the herniated disc is not removed completely but 30 to 40 percent of it is left intact. The reduced disc size can cause other herniation or the remaining disc can slip.
If an iliac vein is cut during surgery, persistent, recurring pain can be as disabling as the herniated disc. Even where a second surgery done to address those issues, relief is not always achieved.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis refers to an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, in any region of the spine. This narrowing can cause restriction of the spinal canal and lead to weakness, numbness, or pain.
Lumbar stenosis is commonly caused due to aging related degeneration but it also can be caused by tumors, spinal disc herniation or surgery for the herniation.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Complications
Spinal Fusion is performed for many medical conditions, including fractured vertebrae, scoliosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and spinal tumors.
Unfortunately, postoperative complications can result, including SI or sacroiliac joint degeneration due to the fusion.
Other Causes
Other causes of FBS include epidural scarring following a laminectomy, postoperative infection or nerve injuries.
Treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
FBS can be treated with interventional pain management methods, such as spinal cord stimulation treatment and intrathecal pain pumps. Ask your pain management doctor for the best treatment option for you.
Spinal cord stimulation has proven to be a good option for patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome. The satisfaction and benefit rate of patients with FBSS implanted with a spinal cord stimulator have shown to be better than patients who underwent revision surgery.
To consult the best pain management doctors in Phoenix Arizona, call Pain and Spine Clinics at 480.565.PAIN (7246). Pain doctors in Phoenix treat all types of pain including chronic neck and back pain, joint pain, different kind of headaches, pelvic/abdominal pain, RSD and discomfort in one’s shoulder, hip, knees and ankle joints.