Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe the condition of patients who have not experienced successful results following spinal surgery. These individuals continue to experience pain or discomfort even after undergoing surgical procedures intended to alleviate their symptoms. 

At Alliance Orthopedics, we understand the complexities of FBSS and are committed to providing comprehensive care and solutions for those affected by this condition. To assist you in finding relief from your symptoms, we offer a variety of treatments and therapies designed to promote healing and reduce pain.

Causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Failed back surgery syndrome stems from various surgical and non-surgical causes. Surgical reasons encompass incorrect procedures, technical mishaps like misplaced screws, and post-surgical scar tissue formation around nerve roots. Non-surgical factors include recurrent disc herniation where a previously treated disc herniates again, adjacent segment disease indicating spine degeneration near the surgery site, and ongoing post-operative pressure on spinal nerves. Recognizing these causes is essential for effective treatment planning.

Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The symptoms of failed back surgery syndrome may vary greatly from one individual to another, depending on the original spinal condition and the specific surgical procedures performed. However, there are some common symptoms many people with this condition experience. Understanding these symptoms is the first step in recognizing the presence of FBSS and seeking appropriate care. Common symptoms of FBSS include:

• Chronic back pain
• Radiating leg pain or sciatica
• Sharp, stabbing pain in the extremities
• Numbness or tingling sensations, especially in the legs
• Muscle weakness or spasms
• Joint stiffness or reduced mobility
• Recurring headaches or migraines
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain
• Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treatments

Fortunately, for those facing failed back surgery syndrome, treatments are available to help address symptoms and promote healing. Conservative treatments often serve as the first line of intervention. This includes physical therapy and offering customized exercises to bolster the strength and flexibility of surrounding muscles and joints.

Persistent cases may require advanced methods such as spinal cord stimulation to block pain signals or revision surgery to rectify previous surgical issues. Alternative therapies, including dry needling and chiropractic care, are often used to complement these strategies. At Alliance Orthopedics, we prioritize your well-being and pain relief. Our team of specialists is well-versed in the intricacies of FBSS and is equipped to provide both conservative and advanced treatments tailored to your needs.

Sciatica is a common condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. It’s usually caused when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis compresses part of the nerve.

Alliance Orthopedics is committed to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including sciatica. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you understand the root cause of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is typically caused by issues affecting the spine that result in compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. These issues may vary greatly in severity and duration, from temporary and mild, to chronic and severe. Here are some of the most common causes of sciatica:

• Pregnancy
• Piriformis syndrome
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Bone spurs on the spine
• Herniated disk

Symptoms of Sciatica

The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. However, symptoms of sciatica may also mimic other conditions making diagnosis difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss any symptoms of sciatica with a qualified healthcare professional. Some common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Lower back pain
• Pain in your buttocks or leg that is worse when sitting
• Burning or tingling down the leg
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your leg or foot
• Constant pain on one side of the rear
• Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

Treatments

At Alliance Orthopedics, we believe in a patient-centered approach to treating sciatica. We aim to alleviate your pain, restore mobility, and help you return to regular activities as quickly and safely as possible. We offer the latest in advanced pain relief technologies and treatments. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis through recovery. To help treat sciatica, Alliance Orthopedics offers several modalities, including:

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that can help relieve sciatic nerve pain. It works by gently stretching the spine, which changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes the pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that can be effective for many patients with sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to realign the spine, which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and alleviate pain. Treatment may involve spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, as well as soft tissue manipulation and stretching exercises to relieve muscle tension. Regular chiropractic care can help to maintain spinal health and prevent future episodes of sciatica.

Dry Needling

Dry needling, similar to acupuncture, is a treatment technique that involves inserting very thin needles at specific trigger points on your body. It can be beneficial in treating sciatica by breaking up trigger points stimulating sensory nerves in the muscles and surrounding tissues. This leads to the release of endorphins, which are our body’s natural painkillers. Dry needling can be an effective treatment for relieving sciatica pain, and it may also reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.

If you’re suffering from sciatica, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alliance Orthopedics. We’re here to help you get back to living your life without pain. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to provide you with personalized care, whether that involves chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, acupuncture, or a combination of these treatments.