Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a postoperative syndrome that results in excessive pain in the spine and the area around it. It is usually seen after major spine injuries. In most cases, they last for quite a few months or years. To prevent such complications, visit the best spine surgeons near you, who are experienced and trained.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is consistent pain or new pain in the back even after the surgery. The pain might increase or start again in a few weeks post-operation. The term is quite misleading as the pain doesn't need to be because of a failed surgery. There are many additional reasons which can contribute to causing discomfort and pain.

Spine surgery in Chennai is carried out with utmost precision to avoid significant complications in the future.

Symptoms for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The most common symptom of FBBS is back pain, but the patient can feel a wide range of severe backaches. Here are different types of pain that a person suffering from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome might experience-

• Pain in a new area of the back
• Neuropathic pain- When the pain in nerves or the spinal cord moves and transfers to different parts of the body. The pain is not localized and affects the major part of the body. The patient might also feel the sensation of tingling, numbness, etc.
• Severe pain- There is continuous pain in the back for more than a month. It is a sign of chronic pain. Pain after surgery is quite common, but it should heal with time. 
• Recurrence of the previous symptoms
• Difficulty in moving even after months of surgery and healing.
• Shooting pain in the spine, hip, joints, neck, and head
• Severe weakness and weight loss

Causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome does not only include unsuccessful operations. Other reasons for this syndrome are-

• Unsuccessful microdiscectomy surgery in the lower back
• The difficulty arising during a spine fusion surgery 
• Injury in the nerves
• Failure during an implant
• Formation of scar tissue usually in the area surrounding the nerve roots 
• Adjacent segment disease
• Pseudoarthrosis
• Infection in spine

When to See a Doctor for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

After the surgery, a follow-up appointment with the doctor will help you identify the syndrome in its initial stages. Post-operative pain is common in back surgeries, but if it increases in some time or spreads to other parts, it becomes a matter of concern.

You must consult a doctor for the following cases-

• Difficulty in walking or while performing any essential physical activity
• Sudden shooting pain
• Improper bowel function 
• High fever along with vomiting

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Risk for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

If not appropriately treated, FBSS can be dangerous and can cause permanent damage to the spine, nerves, muscles, etc. Some of the pre-operative risk factors are-

• Wrong diagnosis 
• Obesity 
• Smoking 
• Patient suffering from chronic pain 

Risk factors after the operation are-

• Nerve root irritation in the spine
• Infection 
• Change in spinal balance 
• Epidural fibrosis 

Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

There are many levels of treatment for FBSS. The doctor will start by examining your posture and intensity of pain and ask you to do MRIs and X-Rays to understand the problem in depth. The types of treatment are-

• Medicines- it might take more time than usual but is highly effective. Several types of drugs like muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tramadol, opioids, etc., can help.
• Physiotherapy and exercises- different types of exercises and physiotherapy techniques are designed and used in FBSS, depending on the cause. 
• Surgical options- techniques like spinal cord stimulation, etc., are used in FBSS. These are performed only in critical conditions. 
• Injections- they are an excellent alternative for short-term relief and muscle relaxation.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is chronic pain after back surgeries. There are many reasons behind this complication, and to get the proper treatment, you must first identify the cause. Get in touch with the experts and start with the treatment.