Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Is Confusing According To Cleveland Area Clinic

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refers to chronic back or neck pain, with or without extremity pain, which can occur if spine surgery does not achieve the desired result. Contributing factors include: recurrent disc herniation, compressed nerves, altered joint mobility, scar tissue, muscle deconditioning and degeneration of facet or sacroiliac joints. However, Failed Back Syndrome is confusing according to Cleveland area clinic, Physicians Medical Group, as it is actually not a syndrome but a general medical term used to describe the condition.

Symptoms

Common symptoms associated with failed back surgery syndrome include diffuse, dull and aching pain involving the back and/or legs (or the neck and/or arms). Patients may also complain of sharp, pricking, burning or stabbing pain in the extremities.

Treatments

Treatment for failed back surgery syndrome may include physical therapy, chiropractic care (for joint-related pain), nerve blocks, pain management, injections or a comprehensive pain management program. Surgery may be considered for structural problems or spinal cord stimulation for pain control.

Back surgery outcomes can sometimes be anticipated as to treating symptoms. Some examples that will not usually reduce pain are:

• A discectomy for leg pain does not necessarily work for lower back pain.
• A spine fusion for multi-level degenerative disc disease is not likely to reduce pain.

Call us today for a same day appointment. There is no reason to continue to suffer. Physicians Medical Group of Cleveland is a full service clinic specializing in pain management, chiropractic services, surgical procedures, sports medicine and physical therapy.