Anywhere from 51 to 84 percent of American adults experience back pain. Many are senior women; however, anyone with injury to the spine, a degenerative condition (arthritis), an inherited deformity, or physical stressors on the job is prone to back discomfort. Spinal stenosis, herniated discs, scoliosis, and fractures are other examples. When such conditions and issues are not adequately responsive to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, they may require surgical correction.
When you get back surgery, you expect to make a full recovery and completely eliminate your symptoms. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. Failed back surgery syndrome, or FBSS, involves continued pain and/or limited return to normal activities after back surgery.
Common back surgeries include:
- Spinal fusion, removal of an intervertebral disc and permanent fixation of adjacent spinal bones to provide back stabilization
- Discectomy, removal of a bulging intervertebral disc (the cushion between spinal bones)
- Disc decompression, removal of bone spurs and remodeling of the spinal canal
- Kyphoplasty, injection of bone cement to expand and strengthen compressed and/or fractured intervertebral discs
- Foraminotomy, expansion of the spinal canal to relief nerve impingement
- Disc replacement, installation of a synthetic intervertebral disc
If you are contemplating back surgery, discuss your prospective procedure with Dr. Ahlgren in Rochester Hills. He will explain the reasons why surgery may be your best option, what the procedure entails, and what your rehabilitation and recovery will look like. Dr. Ahlgren has extensive experience in many kinds of back surgeries, a lot of which are minimally invasive. This kind of expertise is key to long-term success in any kind of spine procedure.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) Risk Factors
No one wants to go through surgery and still suffer from symptoms – and an experienced surgeon will do everything possible to prevent this issue from happening. However, there are situations when the procedure performed does not achieve the desired results.
Accordingly, you should discuss realistic outcomes with your doctor, including possible return of some or all pain and failure to be as physically active as expected. Open and honest communication increases the chances of positive and realistic treatment outcomes.
Additionally, you and your spine surgeon should discuss your particular risk factors for failed back surgery. Risks of incomplete recovery, delayed recovery, and continued pain include factors such as:
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Depression (and other mental health disorders)
- Presence of scar tissue and chronic pain problems, such as fibromyalgia
- Areas of disc disease different from the operated site
- Post-operative infection
- Loosening of spinal hardware, such as plates and screws
Improving Back Surgery Outcomes
Besides selecting the best orthopedic surgeon, prospective surgical patients should commit to a multi-disciplinary approach to recovery. This includes input from physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the back and improve muscular function and balance. Pain medication should be used as prescribed, and of course, patience and persistence are important elements of rehabilitation. You should also follow your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions precisely. Doing all of these things will significantly reduce your risk of FBSS.
Experienced Spine Surgeon in Southeast Michigan
At Ahlgren Spine, our professional team delivers the surgical and non-surgical treatments patients need for optimal health and function. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren is board-certified and fellowship-trained in spine surgery. He has the experience and skills necessary to deliver the results you need and the compassion to help you every step of the way to recovery.
Please call us today at (248) 215-8080 to arrange a consultation. We have three locations in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer. You may also request a consultation online.
