Failed prior surgery syndrome, also known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), is when a person continues to have back or leg pain after having spinal surgery. This condition means that the surgery did not fully relieve the pain or sometimes even made it worse.
Common Causes
- Scar tissue: After surgery, scar tissue can form around the nerves, causing pain.
- Nerve damage: The surgery might have injured a nerve or nerves.
- Incorrect diagnosis: The original problem might not have been properly identified.
- Spinal instability: The spine may become unstable after surgery.
- Malalignment: When the spinal alignment after surgery is abnormal.
- Osteoporosis-related fractures: When the spine is weakened by osteoporosis and cannot support the surgical implants, resulting in spine fractures.
Symptoms
- Persistent back or leg pain after surgery.
- Stiffness in the back.
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.
- Muscle weakness in the legs.
- Pain that radiates down the leg.
Diagnostic Tests
- Physical exam: The doctor checks for pain, range of motion, and muscle strength.
- X-rays: Pictures of the spine to see the alignment and stability.
- MRI or CT scan: Detailed images of your spine to check for residual nerve compression or other issues.
- Electromyography (EMG): Tests the electrical activity of your muscles to see how well your nerves are working.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility.
- Injections: Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Nerve blocks: Injections to block pain signals from specific nerves.
Surgical:
- Revision surgery: Another surgery to correct the problems.
- Spinal cord stimulation: A device implanted to send electrical pulses to the spinal cord to reduce pain if nothing else can be done surgically.
Common Conditions That Can Cause Similar Symptoms
- Recurrent disc herniation: A new disc herniation at the same or a different level.
- Adjacent disc disease: When discs next to the surgical area break down and cause symptoms.
- Facet joint syndrome: Irritation or inflammation of the small joints in the spine that may become symptomatic after arthroplasty.
When to See the Doctor
- If you have persistent back or leg pain after surgery.
- If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet.
- If the pain interferes with your daily activities or sleep.
What to Ask the Doctor
- What is causing my pain?
- What treatment options are available?
- Is recovery possible?
- What are the risks and benefits of revision surgery?
- How can I prevent further complications?
Home Remedies for Mild Symptoms
- Exercise: Gentle exercises can help strengthen back muscles.
- Stretching: Regular stretching can relieve muscle tension.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain.
- Proper posture: Maintain good posture to reduce muscle strain.
- Heat or ice therapy: Applying heat or ice can reduce pain and swelling.
Understanding failed prior surgery syndrome can help you know when to seek medical advice and what questions to ask your doctor. This is usually a complex condition that requires consultation with a spine specialist that regularly treats patients with failed prior surgery.
