TREATMENT OPTIONS 

The best care for failed back syndrome is to avoid creating it in the first place by performing surgery on the right patients. Those who suffer from FBS should try to avoid returning to the operating room and pursue other more conservative treatment options. There are situations which require re-operation such as the recurrence of a disc herniation or residual disc herniation which is still compromising one or more nerves. Spine surgery is generally performed to accomplish one or more of the following tasks; to remove something that should not be present such as a tumor, to stabilize a painful joint or spinal segment and to decompress (take pressure off) the spinal cord or a nerve that is compressed (pinched).

Back surgery cannot be used to surgically remove pain. It can be used to modify the structural relationship in the back so as to facilitate tissue recovery and to take away what is believed to a significant source of tissue inflammation and/or pains.

Conservative Treatment

• Physiotherapy
• Back Strengthening Exercises
• Transcutaneous nerve stimulation
• Electroacupuncture
• Spinal Cord Stimulator

Surgery directed at the primary cause of pain such as:

• Residual disc herniation
• Recurrent disc herniation
• Foraminal stenosis
• Vertebral instability
• Excessive adhering scar tissue (fibrosis)

PREVENTION

The best way to prevent neck and back pain and to prevent progressive spine compromise is to become familiar with how your spine works and to become an active participant in your spinecare. It is important to learn how to choose a spinecare specialist and to recognize an efficient spinecare team. There are many steps you can take and habits you can develop to better care for your spine and prevent spine injury. It is also important that you learn more about your spine disorder and become aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant intervention and follow up care. Early detection and timely intervention is generally associated with better treatment outcome.