Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain as lumbar spinal pain of unknown origin either persisting despite surgical intervention or appearing after surgical intervention for spinal pain originally in the same topographical location. The pain may originate after surgery, or the surgery may exacerbate or insufficiently ameliorate existing pain.
Causes
- Osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint's cartilage. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.
- In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and swollen.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
Treatments
Antiepileptics, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral steroids, antidepressants, and opioids can help with the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome.
Physical therapy can help you optimize gait and posture and can improve muscle strength and physical function.
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can help in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome.