The only way to eliminate severe chronic back pain is through a surgical procedure. While physical therapy and other recovery methods can help strengthen your back and relieve pain, surgery can provide a more permanent fix. However, the risk of failed back surgery syndrome still exists. So let’s look at the causes of failed back surgery.

Causes of Failed Back Surgery

What is failed back surgery syndrome, and how can it be treated? Below, your local spine surgeon in Beverly Hills will explain the biggest causes of failed back surgery that can lead to the need for future treatment.

About Failed Back Surgery

Also called failed back surgery syndrome, this is a condition that occurs after the results of back surgery are unsuccessful. Usually, the patient will continue to experience pain after recovering from the surgery. Some will have the pain subside for a while but return in the future.

This pain usually occurs in the same place and can travel to other areas of the back. One common symptom of failed back surgery is radicular pain, which is a back pain that radiates outward towards the legs. It is not typical for back surgeries to fail, but there are a few causes that could put you at a higher risk for failed back surgery syndrome.

Back Surgery Syndrome Causes

Let’s take a look at the top causes of back pain after surgery so you can plan for the proper treatment process before you invest in a procedure.

Improper Diagnosis

While it is very unlikely to happen, it is still possible for your doctor to make an improper diagnosis. Based on the origin, location, and type of problems in your spine, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the pain. The surgery may turn out to be a fruitless endeavor focused on the wrong area of your back overall.

Scar Tissue

The formation of scar tissue on the area of recovery can cause some pain after the surgery. This does not always happen, but it is a possible cause of pain that should be addressed. Scar tissue that is too close to a nerve may end up bringing some of the original pain back after a few months.

Disc Herniation

Disc herniation can recur even after herniation surgery. The process of disc herniation creates a bulge in your spine, which puts pressure on your nerves and causes pain. The microdiscectomy procedure removes part of the disc that is causing the bulge, relieving pressure on your nerve. Sometimes, a new bulge can form after the surgery and cause pain again.

Treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

It can be difficult to treat failed back surgery syndrome depending on the location and severity of your pain. However, there are some treatments available to ensure the continued success of the surgery. Your doctor may prescribe different pain medications to get rid of inflammation and discomfort. Other medications can help locate the source of your pain to find more appropriate treatment.

In more severe cases, a revision spine surgery may be necessary. Doctors can relocate the source of your pain and prescribe an appropriate surgical treatment to fix the problem for good. Common surgeries include nerve blocks, drug infusions, and spinal cord stimulation.

Invest in the Best Spinal Cord Treatment

Failed back surgery syndrome can be difficult to deal with, especially if your pain is returning after a few months of surgical recovery. Visit the office of Dr. Yashar to learn more about a customized failed back syndrome treatment plan ASAP. You can prevent a failed diagnosis by speaking with a certified specialist who can give you accurate results. Don’t let your pain continue to grow. Seek the best treatment today!