No longer the ‘preferred’ term
for back pain that hangs around after a
back surgery that was intended to relieve it,
failed back surgery syndrome has new names like ‘post-surgical continued pain’
and ‘persistent spinal pain syndrome’. Despite its name, if you have had back surgery
and still experience back pain, you know how the pain can cloud your life, day and night. For many, this means not getting a good night’s rest, which can result in further
fatigue and lack of productivity throughout the
day. Luckily, there is hope for those who suffer from
persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) after back surgery. Recent
studies have demonstrated that using chiropractic spinal
manipulation and even auricular acupressure can effectively reduce
back pain and enhance sleep quality.
WHAT IS PSPS - Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome?
PSPS is described as persistent,
new, or recurrent low back with or without lower extremity (radicular pain for
10%-40% of patients) pain after at least one or more back surgeries. PSPS is most common with lumbar spine surgery and deemed
‘chronic’ at 3-months after spine surgery due to quick onset of neuropathic pain. (1)
Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation has gentle, safe, alleviating treatment for
post-back-surgery patients.
HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL MANIPULATION HELP?
Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation implements evidence-based,
well-researched chiropractic technique, Cox® Technic. One chiropractic
study related the outcomes of 32 cases of post-surgical
continued lumbar spine pain post-back surgery who were treated
with (Cox®) flexion distraction spinal manipulation and mobilization. Relief
was measured by numerical pain scale scores (0/no pain to 10/worst
pain) and dropped 4.1 out of 10 in a mean number of 14
treatments. Patients who experienced back surgeries that combined
surgical types (like discectomy with fusion or laminectory) lowered
even more with 5.7 out of 10. (2) An additional study of 69 cases
treated with (Cox®) flexion distraction documented that 81% of
patients responded with greater than 50% relief of
pain at the end of care (mean: 49 days, 11
treatments). At 2-years’ follow-up, 78.6% continued
with their pain relief. Mean relief of pain at the end of the treatment
period was 71.6% and 70% at 2-year follow-up. (3) Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Byron Folwell on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
illustrates The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management
for post-back-surgery-continued back pain patients.
A HELPFUL ADJUNCTIVE APPROACH: WHAT IS AURICULAR
ACUPRESSURE?
Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation welcomes effective
non-surgical means to help our
chiropractic patients get that extra edge of relief. Auricular acupressure is
such an approach in which pressure is used on particular
points on the ear. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a
long time, but lately researchers have started
evaluating its potential as a type of
treatment for PSPS patients. A Korean study found that auricular
acupressure decreased both pain and neurological symptoms
of PSPS. Researchers said it was an effective, safe, cost-effective,
non-invasive intervention that can improve pain, neuropathy, and
sleep in PSPS patients. (1) Well, you can’t argue with those
outcomes! Tonawanda post back surgery continued pain patients
would surely appreciate them. Another study found
that auricular acupressure was effective in lessening
pain and improving the sleep of older osteoarthritic persons residing
in nursing homes. (4) Old and young alike, we all could
use better sleep when having pain.
CONTACT Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation
Back pain after back surgery can be frustrating,
but it does not have to keep you awake
all night or bother you as intensely. If PSPS is
your issue and you’re experiencing poor sleep quality due to PSPS, schedule your
Tonawanda chiropractic appointment with Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation today
to explore how chiropractic can help you!