Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is the continuation or worsening of symptoms following surgical treatment for a spinal condition. It most commonly occurs in patients who undergo open neck or back surgeries, which can be highly invasive operations that significantly disrupt the spine’s anatomical components. Open neck or back surgery is typically a treatment of last resort for patients who have found little to no relief after utilizing conservative, nonsurgical treatments for several weeks or months. It can affect patients who are suffering from a variety of spinal conditions, two of which are outlined below along with the open spine surgeries that are often used to treat them.

Herniated and Bulging Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus (jellylike center) of an intervertebral disc escapes through a crack or tear in the disc’s annulus fibrosus (tough outer shell). A bulging disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus shifts to one side but remains contained within the annulus fibrosus. These conditions commonly occur as a result of age-related degenerative changes that gradually affect the intervertebral discs, which are pad-like structures that act as “shock absorbers” and separate adjacent vertebrae (the bone structures that house and protect the spinal cord).

Open spine surgery for a herniated or bulging disc is usually performed through a large incision that dissects the musculature in the neck or back. The affected disc is often removed in its entirety and replaced with an intervertebral cage and bone grafting material that is attached to the vertebrae above and below. In turn, the patient loses all mobility in that segment of the neck or back. Recovery can be lengthy and arduous and may require several days or weeks of hospitalization.

Facet Disease

Facet disease is a type of arthritis that affects the joints connecting adjacent and articulating vertebrae. A layer of cartilage lines the facet joints and provides lubrication that allows them to smoothly and painlessly articulate. Over time, this cartilaginous lining can wear away, causing the bones to uncomfortably grind against one another. The body may try to mitigate this bone-on-bone contact by producing bone spurs (osteophytes) to stabilize the joints.

Surgery for facet disease often entails the fusion of the vertebrae that are connected by the affected joint(s). This completely immobilizes the joints to prevent them from painfully articulating. If necessary, the surgeon may also remove any osteophytes that have invaded the spinal column and caused neural compression. This type of operation (performed though a large incision that cuts through the muscles in the neck or back) often requires lengthy hospitalization and a rigorous rehabilitation.

Preventing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The only way to truly protect yourself from FBSS is by not undergoing neck or back surgery. However, that’s not always practical. There are some things you can do before surgery to reduce your risk for developing FBSS, including quitting smoking; reducing your alcohol consumption; losing weight; becoming more physically active; eating a well-balanced diet; and improving your overall level of health.

You can also reduce your chances of developing FBSS by undergoing a minimally invasive spinal procedure in lieu of an open neck or back surgery. These procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis through a very small incision that doesn’t dissect the muscles or ligaments in the neck or back. The vast majority of minimally invasive spinal procedures keep the spine’s anatomical components intact and rarely require the fusion of adjacent vertebrae. As a result, patients are able to retain the full range of motion in their neck and back and they often experience a lower risk of developing failed back surgery syndrome.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures that could reduce the risk for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe & effective outpatient procedures that could reduce the risk for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/fbss/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures that could reduce the risk for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome