Call to Schedule Free Consultation at Over 45 Centers Worldwide!
Call to Schedule Free Consultation at Over 45 Centers Worldwide!
DISEASE AWARENESS PAGE FOR R3 STEM CELL – FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME
Failed back surgery syndrome is a term that describes a cluster of symptoms that are experienced after spinal surgeries. These spinal surgeries may often be done to correct conditions affecting the back, leg or other parts of the body. Sometimes, failed back surgery syndrome is caused by the condition that the surgery was supposed to resolve. In other cases, the surgery and other factors are directly responsible for the pain felt.
The pain experienced in Failed back surgery syndrome is often lesser than the pain the individual felt before the surgery. Although, sometimes, the pain may have an equal or even greater severity. Besides pain, some of the other symptoms observed in Failed back surgery syndrome include muscle spasms and scar tissue build up around the area of the surgery. Failed back surgery syndrome is a condition that’s complex to address and treat because of the numerous factors associated with it.
The name Failed back surgery syndrome refers specifically to pain after the procedure and does not necessarily mean that the problem was directly caused by the surgery. The condition is often treated by several pain-relieving measures, including nerve blocks, injections, and pain killers. In addition to pain management, exercises are often prescribed for strengthening the muscles around the back and try to recover functionality and range of motion.
A syndrome is a group of symptoms that are often seen and diagnosed as part of the same condition. Symptoms are grouped into a single condition called a syndrome when they are found to occur together in almost all the cases observed. For example, parkinsonism is a syndrome in which symptoms like bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability are all present.
The “syndrome” in Failed back surgery syndrome refers to the occurrence of back pain following back surgery. These two are grouped together, and the absence of one would not lead to the diagnosis of the condition. For example, back pain that does not follow back surgery may be a manifestation of other conditions like spinal arthritis and disc hernias.
Since Failed back surgery syndrome is a direct consequence of back surgeries, it is often managed with consideration of the back conditions the surgery was supposed to address. Some surgeries that trigger Failed back surgery syndrome include
When Failed back surgery syndrome occurs after a laminectomy, it is called post-laminectomy syndrome. Post laminectomy syndrome is, in turn, often called Failed back surgery syndrome. However, Failed back surgery syndrome refers to a more general condition that follows back surgery, and not just post-laminectomy syndrome. A laminectomy is a procedure that involves removal of a lamina of the vertebrae. It is often done to reduce pressure on spinal nerves
A discectomy is a condition in which one (and rarely, more than one) intervertebral disc is removed. In some cases, the adjacent vertebrae are fused together. When a discectomy is done to remove a herniated disc causing pain in the leg, the odds of Failed back surgery syndrome are very low. However, when the procedure is done for a herniation causing pain in the lower back, the surgery is not as likely to be successful.
As mentioned earlier, a laminectomy can often be done to decompress spinal nerves. Another step is a minor discectomy. Nerve compression can often lead to conditions like radiculopathy and myelopathy.
The major symptom of this condition is pain. The type of pain depends on several factors, including the preexisting condition that the surgery was supposed to address, new complications that might have arisen, as well as the level of current management of the condition.
Besides pain, other symptoms include:
Research shows that more than 50% of all spinal surgeries are successful. This means that they often address the conditions that warranted the surgery, and have no complications. However, the success rate of repeat surgeries decreased with every procedure.
After a second, third and fourth procedure, the success rates drop to 30%, 15%, and 5% respectively. This means that the tendency to develop Failed back surgery syndrome increases as more back surgeries are done. Another research shows that the rate of failure of lumbar spine surgery is estimated to be between 10% to 46%.
Unsurprisingly, the major risk factor of developing Failed back surgery syndrome is spinal surgery. Other risk factors may include
The diagnosis of failed back surgery syndrome involves a combination of approaches including history, physical examination and investigations. The history is taken to identify past conditions, the severity of pain felt as well as red flags like bladder and bowel disturbances or other symptoms that might have been missed in the past.
The physical examination is focused on ruling out other conditions, as well as reestablishing past diagnoses.
The investigations adopted depends heavily on the suspicions. In cases where vertebral misalignments are being investigated, plain radiographs can be of great benefit. CT scans are used when the individual has contraindications like metal implants, and an MRI scan is unsuitable. However, in most cases, MRIs are often used when diagnosing Failed back surgery syndrome.
As mentioned earlier, Failed back surgery syndrome is a complicated condition. Because of this, its treatment revolves around managing the pain and improving functional use of the back and other affected areas. Surgery becomes less of an option; the more often it has been performed. Since the success rate of the procedure reduces with each surgery, other treatment options are often explored instead.
The most significant treatment of Failed back surgery syndrome is pain modulation. This can be achieved through several means. The conservative route is often taken for individuals who do not require immediate surgery. Anticonvulsants have gained increasing popularity in managing pain of neuropathic origin. They are, therefore, the drugs of choice in managing this condition.
The use of opioids, however, is only recommended for short term use because of their tendency to cause side effects like addiction, dependence, and overdose.
Intensive physical therapy is often prescribed for individuals with Failed back surgery syndrome. Exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles of the back are recommended. These involve movements called resisted active range of motion exercises. They help to increase the tone in the back.
Stretching exercises can also be useful. They are aimed at maintaining the range of motion in the back. Because of the pain, the individual may avoid certain movements in the back. Unfortunately, these can also lead to other conditions. Stretching exercises are thus done to combat this tendency and give the individual a more functional use of the back.
Even though the success rate of these decrease with each operation, they may be the best option available. It’s also noteworthy that repeat surgeries are very rarely necessary, and are only indicated in a handful of cases. These usually include progressive and disabling deficits of nerve origin. Examples include bowel and bladder dysfunctions and spinal instability.
Here are answers to many of the frequently asked questions we receive.
Arthritis can be classified into several types. Osteoarthritis is caused by the normal aging process of the body, or could be a result of injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common type of arthritis, happens due to autoimmune problems, wherein the body’s own immune system attacks healthy cells of the body. Infectious arthritis is caused by an infection to the joint. Patients with psoriasis may be affected by Psoriatic arthritis. Finally, excessive uric acid in the body can cause Gout, an arthritis that often starts at the toe.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. This disease causes chronic inflammation of the joints and can lead to deterioration of a variety of systems in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the membrane around the joints known as the synovium, which causes inflammation that thickens the synovium and ultimately deforms the cartilage and bone of the joints.
How common is it and who is at risk?
An estimated one percent of the entire world population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. As the case with osteoarthritis, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Other groups at risk are people middle-aged or older as well as those suffering from obesity. Rheumatoid arthritis risk is inheritable, which may be accelerated by smoking or unknown environmental exposures.
Signs of the disease include swollen, tender joints that may feel stiff, particularly in the mornings. Fever, fatigue, and loss of activity are also common symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to manifest initially in the smaller joints like those in the fingers and toes. Symptoms are exhibited in joints of other body parts as the disease spreads.
Diagnosis begins with a physical test checking for redness, warmth, and swelling as well as the state of reflexes in the affected joints. Multiple blood tests are conducted as people with rheumatoid arthritis usually have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. Additionally, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are conducted to track the spread of the disease.
While no cure exists as of now, research has revealed that the symptoms may be controlled by early application of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed depending on the case. Exercises to retain joint flexibility also provide some relief. If medications fail to slow down the disease, doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace joints or swollen tendons.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. This disease causes chronic inflammation of the joints and can lead to deterioration of a variety of systems in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the membrane around the joints known as the synovium, which causes inflammation that thickens the synovium and ultimately deforms the cartilage and bone of the joints.
How common is it and who is at risk?
An estimated one percent of the entire world population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. As the case with osteoarthritis, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Other groups at risk are people middle-aged or older as well as those suffering from obesity. Rheumatoid arthritis risk is inheritable, which may be accelerated by smoking or unknown environmental exposures.
Signs of the disease include swollen, tender joints that may feel stiff, particularly in the mornings. Fever, fatigue, and loss of activity are also common symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to manifest initially in the smaller joints like those in the fingers and toes. Symptoms are exhibited in joints of other body parts as the disease spreads.
Diagnosis begins with a physical test checking for redness, warmth, and swelling as well as the state of reflexes in the affected joints. Multiple blood tests are conducted as people with rheumatoid arthritis usually have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. Additionally, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are conducted to track the spread of the disease.
While no cure exists as of now, research has revealed that the symptoms may be controlled by early application of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed depending on the case. Exercises to retain joint flexibility also provide some relief. If medications fail to slow down the disease, doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace joints or swollen tendons.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis within kids. It is characterized by persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The disease occurs when the body’s own tissues are attacked by its cells. In some cases, it can create more serious complications such as growth problems and eye inflammation.
It is the most common form of arthritis diagnosed in children under the age of sixteen. Certain gene mutations can make the body more vulnerable to the external environment, which can result in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis occurring. Although reasons are unknown, girls are more susceptible to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis than boys.
Commonplace symptoms include joint pain or a limp caused by the pain, swelling of joints and stiffness of the joints that results in clumsiness by the child. In some cases, the disease can manifest as high fever and rashes.
Diagnosis for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is difficult as the pain and swelling in the joints could be attributed to a number of diseases. Quite a few blood tests are conducted to determine the status of markers like erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, and quantity of anti-nuclear bodies, among others. However, many children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis show no abnormalities in these tests.
The treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is geared towards making sure the child can maintain a regular level of physical activity. This can include different types of medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in more severe cases. Biologic agents may be recommended to help prevent joint damage. Physical therapy can also help the child maintain a full range of motion with or without joint supports or splints based on the situation. Surgery is the most extreme option used to improve the position of the affected joint.
Brand Ambassador Gallery
The USA stem cell leader offers procedures in
7 Countries including:
SUCCESS STORIES
R3 STEM CELL MASTER CLASS
Learn everything you need to know about the ever expanding field of regenerative medicine in this 8 part series that includes over four hours of entertaining content!
R3 STEM CELL INTERNATIONAL
R3 Stem Cell International includes 45 clinics in 7 countries. These Centers of Excellence treat all types of conditions with safe, effective protocols by expert stem cell physicians.
FREE STEM CELL CONSULTATION
R3 Stem Cell offers a no cost consultation to see if you or a loved one is a candidate for regenerative cell therapies including cytokines, growth factors, exosomes, and stem cells.
PROVIDER PARTNERSHIP
The R3 Partnership Program offers providers an all-in-one regenerative practice program including marketing, consultations and booked procedures!
The information provided by R3 Stem Cell is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary and only your medical professional can explain all the risks and potential benefits of any therapy based on your circumstances. R3 Stem Cell does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information provided by R3 Stem Cell, its employees, others appearing on this website at the invitation of R3 Stem Cell, or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk. R3 Stem Cell is not responsible for the outcome of your procedure. The FDA considers stem cell therapy experimental at this point.
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
HAWAII
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MINNESOTA
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
NEBRASKA
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NEW MEXICO
NEVADA
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH DAKOTA
TENNESSEE
The USA stem cell leader offers procedures in
7 Countries including:
Copyright © 2017-2024 R3 Stem Cell. All Rights Reserved.
