Failed back syndrome (FBS) can be described as chronic, severe back and/or leg pain that occurs after back surgery. Multiple factors can contribute to FBS, which can be
extremely troubling and disabling:
- The original disease has reoccurred or was not treated completely.*
Examples include recurrent disc herniation and ongoing pressure on a nerve.
- Complications may arise from back surgery or the natural healing process
that follows back surgery.* A joint may become irritated
because surgery altered the person's posture and way of moving. Scarring from
surgery may cause nerves to become overactive and generate pain.
- Other condition(s) may mediate ongoing complaint of back pain.*
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and/or deconditioning
may be present and need to be treated when possible.
Symptoms may include diffuse, dull, and achy pain located primarily in the back
and/or legs (see nociceptive pain) and sharp,
pricking, and stabbing pain that radiates from the legs (see neuropathic
pain). Patients with Failed Back Syndrome should be evaluated and treated
in an interdisciplinary setting where a group of healthcare professionals from
varied fields work together toward a common goal for the patient. Treatments may
range from non-surgical to surgical depending on the cause(s) of pain.
* Long DM. Failed back surgery syndrome. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 1991 Oct;2(4):899-919.
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| Published: February 21, 2008 |
Updated: February 21, 2008 |
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