What is Failed Spinal Surgery Syndrome?
It is a condition that occurs when patients continue to feel pain after undergoing spinal surgery. This condition is often associated with the failure of the surgery to achieve the desired results.
Causes:
In some cases, pain may increase after various spinal surgeries due to several reasons:
Surgery: Sometimes surgery doesn’t achieve its desired goal.
Recurrent disc herniation: A disc herniation may occur after surgery.
Dead tissue or chronic inflammation in the joints: These factors can cause pain.
Systemic diseases: Such as diabetes or blood vessel problems can contribute to pain.
Compression on a nerve: As a result of increased joint roughness in the lower back after surgery.
Symptoms
Chronic pain: Pain that doesn’t go away after surgery.
Weakness in the arms or legs: There may be muscle weakness caused by pressure on nerves.
Lower back pain: Especially after surgery.
Pain that increases with movement: Pain can be severe enough to wake the patient from sleep.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of failed spinal surgery syndrome depends on:
Clinical examination: to assess the patient’s condition and pain level.
Medical imaging: such as magnetic resonance imaging or x-rays to determine the source of the pain.
Treatment:
After a thorough diagnosis and evaluation of the condition, several options are developed to treat the pain, including:
Drug therapy: includes pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
Radiofrequency: used to treat the nerves causing pain.
Physiotherapy: to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Injection therapy techniques: such as steroid injections to relieve pain.
Radiofrequency Therapy is the Best Technique for Treating Post-Spine Surgery Pain:
Radiofrequency Therapy is an effective option for treating chronic back pain, and this technique includes:
Using heat: to numb the nerves causing pain.
High precision: by directing a fine needle under the supervision of interventional radiology to the specified area.
Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to reduce pain.
Short procedure time: the procedure usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
Speed of recovery: the patient can leave the hospital immediately after the procedure and return to his daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Benefits and Advantages:
Pain Relief: Provides effective relief for pain caused by surgical complications.
Reduced Need for Medication: Can reduce dependence on painkillers.
Surgery Avoidance: Provides a non-surgical alternative for patients experiencing post-operative complications.
Improved Quality of Life: Helps patients get back to normal life faster.
Treating pain after failed spine surgeries requires a comprehensive approach that includes accurate diagnosis and the application of a variety of specialized treatments, including modern techniques such as radiofrequency therapy. This technique aims to improve the quality of life of patients and reduce their pain with the least possible surgical intervention. For more details, contact us at the clinic of Dr. Ahmed Saeed Al-Shal, a consultant in interventional pain treatment for the spine and joints without surgery.