If you recently underwent back surgery, chances are you are still recovering and experiencing some of the common ailments during this period. While some discomfort is completely normal, some patients suffer from severe pain that never improves or even gets worse with time.
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) affects from 10 to 40% of people who get surgically intervened for back pain. Itās important that recovering patients know the differences between this syndrome and normal post-operatory pain in order to get the prompt help they need.
What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?
FBSS is a term for describing persistent pain or discomfort following spinal surgery. It is not a specific or formal diagnosis, as it does not necessarily respond to a surgical mistake. Patients tend to experience pain that either returns or never fully goes away, numbness, tingling, limited mobility, and the sensations might be similar to those pre-surgery or entirely different.
Common Causes for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
If you are experiencing abnormal pain after back surgery, a pain specialist can help you identify the cause of your FBSS:
- Incomplete decompression of a nerve
- Scar tissue formation
- Nerve damage during surgery
- Hardware failure
- Incorrect diagnosis pre-surgery
- Spinal instability
- And mor
What is Considered āNormalā Post-Surgical Pain?
No matter what specific procedure you got done, spinal intervention recovery comes along with certain effects and pain. Generally speaking, patients can expect:
- A recovery that lasts from a few weeks to a couple months
- Located pain around the surgical site that radiates to nearby areas
- Soreness, increased sensitivity, numbness, or tingling
- Increased pain a few days after surgery that eventually fades away
- Incision tenderness and temporary stiffness
- Mild increase in pain when going back to physical activity or therapy
Always check with your doctor to have a specific set of expectations and timeline according to your procedure.
FBSS vs. Normal Post-Surgical Pain
You can start by assessing the following criteria by yourself, and contacting your pain specialist if the discomfort persists.
- Timeline: While normal recovery gradually improves depending on your initial issue and procedure, FBSS-related pain lingers over three or six months and/or worsens over time.
- Sensation: Expected discomfort can range from aching to dull feelings, while FBSS often presents as sharp, burning, and radiating pain.
- Location: Normal post-surgical pain tends to stay in the intervened area, while FBSS pain is more likely to expand to your legs, arms, and neck.
Addressing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in Webster, Texas
Experiencing pain even after back surgery is definitely frustrating, but it does not mean that it is a lost cause.
A pain management center can give you several options before considering going through a second surgery. Alternatives might include nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and physical therapy.
Persistent back pain, before or after surgery, is not something you should live with. If you suspect FBSS, contacting a specialized team as Space City Pain can give you lights on possible solutions for a pain-free life.
Contact our team for a comprehensive pain assessment and second opinion.
Our Approach at Space City Pain
We know how frustrating and confusing it can be dealing with back pain after spinal surgery. If you seek professional care, you will learn about all the available possibilities to enjoy a happier life. We will make sure to take the best care of you so you can kiss your worries goodbye and re-find comfort in your own body!
Our board certified healthcare providers have made Space City Pain a pioneer in pain management in the community since 2004. Our friendly, bilingual, and highly specialized staff excels at providing pain relief to patients. If you are looking to get back to your old self and a pain-free life, book an appointment by calling 281-338-4443 or send us a message online today.
We donāt manage pain, we treat it.
