Failed Back Syndrome
Upper & Lower Back Pain
Surgery is supposed to be the final and last resort for treating back pain.
But what happens when your symptoms recur and get worse even after surgery?
The term for that condition is known as a failed back syndrome.
If you have had surgery, but you still experience chronic pain long after recovery time, you need physical therapy. Another surgery or medications just won’t do.
Let our physical therapists help you begin a life free of pain. Contact us today to get started.
What is failed back syndrome?
Failed back syndrome (also called failed back surgery syndrome) is a term used to describe persistent or recurrent pain after spinal surgery has been performed to relieve the otherwise pain.
With nearly 1 out of 10 persons experiencing back pain, many are opting for surgery to find relief. However, up to 40% of patients who have had back or spinal surgery are still experiencing pain.
After the surgery, some patients may feel better, then begin to experience the pain again, which gets worse. For some others, the pain will not be relieved or even gets worse after surgery.
Symptoms of Failed Back Syndrome
While many factors that could lead to FBS are out of your control and that of the surgeon, the symptoms are still there. They include:
- Dull or sharp chronic pain lasting for more than 12 weeks
- Nerve related pain caused by damage to the nerve or spinal cord
- Radicular pain - pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks, leg, or feet.
- Return of original symptoms
- Reduced mobility even after the recovery period
- New problems may arise
- Headaches may develop
- Numbness, tingling sensation, or weakness
Treatment for Failed Back Syndrome
Going back for the same surgery to relieve current pain has been seen to be ineffective. The same holds true for medications.
Physical therapy is recommended to alleviate the symptoms of Failed Back Syndrome. PT is effective for reducing pain and swelling, restoring or improving function and flexibility, building strength and endurance, and correcting posture.
At Polygon PT,
a physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms, and create a treatment plan just for you.
This will likely include passive therapy such as:
- Applying heat or cold
- Deep massage to release tension and improve blood circulation
- Ultrasound
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)