Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: What It Is All About?

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Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in Beverly Hills

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome also known as FBSS is a term used to describe a patient’s condition who have not had quite successful results after back or spine surgery. The patient may experience continued pain even after surgery. There are various reasons as to why back surgery may not work even after being undertaken by the best surgeon.

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Back Surgery Syndrome

Intelligent Pain Solutions treats all types of simple and complicated pain conditions. like back and neck pain.

What are the Reasons for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
- Spine surgery is capable of decompressing a nerve root that is pinched or stabilise a painful joint. The worse is; back or spine surgery cannot cut the patient’s pain completely. It is just capable of changing the anatomy and the injury that causes the back pain.
  
  You will be surprised to discover that the main reason why back surgeries are not very effective with some patients experiencing continuous pain even after surgery, is the fact that the injury which was operated on is not the actual cause of the pain.
  
  Some types of back surgery are found to be more predictable in terms of symptoms than others. Take for example;
  
  A spine fusion for spondylolisthesis is a predictable operation. However, if a procedure such as fusion surgeryfor degenerative disc disease is carried out, the success rate of reducing the patient’s pain is considerably less.
  
  A discectomy for lumbar herniated disc which is the main cause of leg pain is a predictable operation. However, such a process that causes lower back pain is far less likely to be successful.
  
  Well, the most appropriate way to avoid back surgery that in most cases result in unsuccessful result is to opt for an operation that has a high chance of successful outcome and identify the anatomic injury which can be corrected surgically.
Causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- The main cause of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can be determined by a comprehensive examination together with an appropriate diagnostic technique to pinpoint the underlying cause of the patient’s pain.
  
  The best method to do this is a definitive diagnosis of recurrent disc herniation. However, in several occasions, an MRI scan may be used which may reveal the presence of scar tissue suggesting that the scar tissue may be the likely source of the continued back pain after the lower back surgery.
Other Causes of Continued Pain after Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- There are several other potential cause of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome or continued pain even after surgery. These include;
  
  Recurrent herniation discs after back surgery: This is considered a common cause of recurrent pain once the discectomy procedure has been carried. The major symptoms are one where the patient has significant pain relief, followed by a sudden return of leg pain. These symptoms tend to occur acutely.
  
  Fusion surgery such as an implant failure or adjacent segment degeneration after a spine fusion. When the next level degenerates, it becomes a pain generator.
  
  Lumbar decompression back surgery such as a recurrent disc herniation or spinal stenosis, preoperative nerve damage, inadequate decomposition of a nerve root or nerve damage that may occur during surgery.
What are the Treatment Options?
- Treatment for Failed back surgery is done just like Chronic pain management with repeated steroid injections directly into the trigger joints, facet joints, spinal space and around existing nerve roots. Some additional injections may be useful to induce scarring around the ligaments in order to stabilise the spine.
  
  The injections can be combined with some other extensive medication such as opiates and anti-epileptic drugs. These are quite effective since they have a detrimental impact on ability to work and lifestyle. In unmanageable cases, a Dorsal Column Stimulator may be used to shut off the pain stimuli below the brain.
  
  The incidence of failed back surgery is up to 40%, and treatment can be challenging. Dr. George Graf with Intelligent Pain Solutions offers comprehensive treatment including both medication management and interventional procedures in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.
  
  Most insurance is accepted at the practice, call 310-854-0283 today!

Why Choose IPS

Conditions

Intelligent Pain Solutions treats all types of simple and complicated pain conditions. Relief is impressive for sciatica, back and neck pain.

Changed Lives

Over 90% of patients at Intelligent Pain Solutions are able to avoid potentially risky surgery, achieve pain relief and become more functional.

Treatments

Treatments at Intelligent Pain Solutions are cutting edge and performed by a first rate pain management doctors in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

Qualified Doctors

If you need a doctor for Pain Therapies including Stem Cell Therapy for the Spine and ALL joints!

"Top Beverly Hills & Los Angeles Pain Management Doctor" - Dr. George Graf, MD

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