What Is Failed Back Syndrome and How Do You Treat It

By Your Health Magazine

Are you trapped in a cycle of chronic back pain that refuses to subside, even after exhausting traditional treatments and surgeries? This persistent condition, known as failed back syndrome, can significantly disrupt your daily life and overall well-being.

If you’re searching for practical solutions to manage your pain and regain your mobility, you’re not alone. This guide will explore a comprehensive range of strategies designed to address failed back syndrome.

What Is Failed Back Syndrome (FBS)?

FBS, also known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), is a condition in which a person continues to experience chronic pain after undergoing spinal surgery. The pain may be similar to or even worse than the pain experienced before the surgery. Despite the name, it doesn’t necessarily mean the surgery was a failure, but instead that the surgery did not achieve the desired result of pain relief. Patients dealing with this ongoing discomfort frequently seek the help of medical experts in their location, such as a New Jersey spine specialist, who can assess the situation and recommend further treatments to alleviate pain and restore function.

Treatment Options

Since the underlying causes of FBS can vary, treatment plans are tailored to the individual. Here are the common treatment options for FBS:

1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy is a critical component in managing FBS. It focuses on strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine to reduce strain and improve posture. These exercises help support spinal function and minimize pain. Stretching and flexibility training can also help alleviate stiffness and increase range of motion.

In addition, manual therapy techniques like massage or spinal manipulation may provide temporary relief by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation. A consistent rehabilitation program tailored to the patient’s specific needs can significantly improve mobility and relieve chronic discomfort.

2. Medication Management

Medications are often used to help control pain and inflammation in patients with failed back syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease pain. For nerve-related pain, medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin are often used due to their effectiveness in managing neuropathic pain.

Muscle relaxants can be helpful in reducing muscle spasms that may exacerbate pain. In more severe cases, opioids may be prescribed, but due to the risk of addiction and side effects, they are typically used with caution and for short durations under close medical supervision.

3. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

SCS is a treatment option for FBS that involves implanting a small device under the skin to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses help block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief from chronic pain. Patients are able to control the device and adjust the stimulation level based on their pain. SCS is often considered when other treatments have failed, and it offers a non-invasive way to manage long-term pain without relying on medication.

4. Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are another minimally invasive treatment for failed back syndrome. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space around the spine, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. The effects are often temporary, but for some patients, they can provide significant relief for weeks or months. This procedure can be repeated periodically as part of an overall pain management plan and is often used when conservative treatments like physical therapy are not enough to control pain.

5. Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are a targeted pain relief method used to treat FBS. They involve injecting an anesthetic or steroid solution near specific nerves to disrupt the pain signals being sent to the brain. While the effects are typically temporary, nerve blocks can offer immediate relief from severe pain and are often used as part of a diagnostic process to determine which nerves are causing the discomfort.

6. Revision Surgery

Revision surgery may be necessary for patients whose initial spinal surgery did not fully resolve their condition or where complications such as scar tissue, nerve damage, or improper stabilization arose. This corrective surgery aims to address the root cause of the continued pain, whether that involves further stabilizing the spine, removing scar tissue, or repairing damaged structures. Revision surgery is considered only after careful evaluation and is typically pursued when other treatments have proven ineffective in providing relief.

7. Pain Management Programs

Multidisciplinary pain management programs are often recommended for patients with FBS, combining various approaches to address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain. These programs include physical therapy, medication management, psychological support, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently used to help patients cope with the psychological impact of chronic pain, teaching strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

8. Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Some patients with FBS find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, which involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve function and reduce pain. Chiropractic care is another option, where spinal adjustments may help alleviate certain types of pain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that involves applying small electrical currents through the skin to reduce pain signals, offering additional relief. While not a primary treatment, these therapies can complement other medical interventions in managing FBS.

Conclusion

Failed back syndrome can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but it’s important to remember that there are effective treatment options available. By understanding the various approaches and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can find strategies to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.