Failed Back Syndrome

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Failed Back Syndrome
Texas Back Institute

Symptoms

Common symptoms associated with failed back surgery syndrome include diffuse, dull and aching pain involving the back and/or legs (or the neck and/or arms). Patients may also complain of sharp, pricking, burning or stabbing pain in the extremities.
Description Additional information

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refers to chronic back or neck pain, with or without extremity pain, that can occur if spine surgery does not achieve the desired result. Contributing factors include recurrent disc herniation, compressed nerves, altered joint mobility, scar, muscle deconditioning and degeneration of facet or sacroiliac joints.
Treatments
Failed Back Syndrome

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Treatment for failed back surgery syndrome may include physical therapy, chiropractic care (for joint-related pain), nerve blocks, pain management, injections or a comprehensive pain management program. Surgery may be considered for structural problems or spinal cord stimulation for pain control.
Non-Surgical Treatments

* Acute Pain Management
* Chronic Pain Management Program
* Psychological Support

Surgical Treatments

* Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
* Facet and Sacroiliac Joint (SI) Rhizotomy

Appointments
Full Description

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refers to chronic back or neck pain, with or without extremity pain, that can occur if a spine surgery does not achieve the desired result. Contributing factors to pain that returns following spine surgery include but are not limited to recurrent disc herniation, pressure on a spinal nerve, altered joint mobility, scar tissue, muscle deconditioning, facet joint degeneration or sacroiliac joint degeneration. Common symptoms associated with FBSS include diffuse, dull and aching pain involving the back and/or legs. Patients may also complain of sharp, pricking, burning or stabbing pain in the extremities.
Screening and Diagnosis

The physician will review the treatment history, particularly the type of surgery done and for what reason. Particular attention is paid to the result of the surgery and how the patient’s symptoms have evolved following the surgery. A physical examination will also be done. X-rays, MRI and computed tomography (CT) may be ordered.
Treatments for Failed Back Syndrome

Treatment for failed back surgery syndrome may include physical therapy, nerve blocks, medications, injections or a chronic pain management program. If the pain is possibly coming from the facet or sacroiliac joints, chiropractic care may be used. Correctable structural problems are sought and, if identified, surgery may be performed to address these issues. This may include facet joint or sacroiliac joint rhizotomy. Sometimes no correctable cause of the patient’s symptoms is identified. In these cases, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or narcotic pumps may be used for pain control. It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor in deciding which treatment, if any, may be best for you.