What are some common back procedures?
There are a number of surgical procedures used to address issues of the back and spine. These include:
- Spinal fusion
- Laminectomy
- Discectomy
- Bone grafts
- Artificial disc replacement
All of these procedures are used to repair and restore damaged parts of the spine. Back surgery is used when more conservative methods to relieve back pain have failed. Although back surgery is usually successful, some patients experience pain even after surgery. When a patient experiences pain that persists or recurs after back surgery, it’s often referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS).
Why am I still experiencing pain after my surgery?
There are a number of reasons you could be experiencing pain after back surgery. Some of the most common causes of failed back surgery include:
Pseudoarthrosis
Pseudoarthrosis occurs when a spinal fusion procedure fails. If the bones fail to heal and fuse together as intended, patients can experience severe pain months or even years after the procedure. The metal plates, screws, and rods used to fuse the vertebrae can come loose or break leading to painful symptoms in the back and legs.
Continued degeneration
Even if damaged parts of your spine may have been repaired, your condition can continue to affect other areas. Patients with conditions like osteoporosis that affect the structure and strength of the spine can experience continued degeneration even after surgery.
Back surgery alters the structure of the spine. When an area is repaired or restored, it can increase pressure to other vulnerable parts of the spine, leading to further degeneration.
Back surgery can also fail as a result of improper diagnosis, infection, or poor rehabilitation.
How is failed back surgery treated?
Treating failed back surgery requires a comprehensive approach. To begin, Dr. Bhatt performs a physical examination and discusses your symptoms and medical history. He also performs X-rays to check for any deformities or changes to your spine. Dr. Bhatt may suggest a number of options for addressing your failed back surgery including:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Surgery
Depending on your condition, conservative options like physical therapy and medications can be used to relieve your pain and strengthen the structure of your spine. If you suffer from a condition like pseudoarthrosis, where the bone has failed to heal properly, a second surgical procedure may be required to correct the issue. Dr. Bhatt provides compassionate patient care tailored to your specific needs.
To find out the right treatment for your failed back surgery, book an appointment by phone or online today.
