Alternative Options for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Spinal fusion surgery is a recommended solution for a herniated disk. However, according to Randy V. Curtis, DC, between 10 to 40 percent of patients who have spinal fusion back surgery are left more incapacitated, with an increasingly restricted range of motion, and returning severe pain. Back surgery was supposed to improve your condition, not make it worse. Standard medical treatment means living on pain medication, which can impede daily function. Alternative options are available for failed back surgery syndrome.

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

• Failed back surgery syndrome causes dull aching pain in the legs or back. Sharp stabbing pain and pricking or shocking pain occurs in hands or feet, depending on what part of the spine is damaged. Failed back surgery syndrome has several causes. Scar tissue can form at the surgical site, resulting in pressure on the nerve and increased pain. Occasionally, a surgical procedure goes wrong at the hands of a surgeon, causing additional injury and pain. A misdiagnosis of the patient's eligibility for spinal fusion surgery, unsuccessful surgery or complications with surgery can cause failed back surgery syndrome, resulting is intense chronic pain for the patient, accompanied by loss of mobility, anxiety or depression.

Applied Kinesiology

• Applied kinesiology uses a technique of muscle testing to determine the overall health and function of your body. When applied to a patient with failed back surgery syndrome, kinesiology can bring relief with gentle manipulation, acupressure and supporting supplements to rebuild tissue and control inflammation. Over a period of a few weeks, your body will be brought into balance, which can ease muscle spasm, calm nerve pain and control inflammation. Your kinesiologist can recommend a regimen of natural supplements like Drenamin to ease inflammation in the body. In addition, your kinesiologist can determine if you have any other existing conditions like allergies and work to rebalance your system.

Acupuncture

• Modern acupuncturists often use an alternative to needles. An electronic hand device uses tiny electrical shocks, replacing the use of needles.

  Needles are inserted in two places, where the pain is or in locations away from the pain known as distal points. Needles inserted into distal points can bring quick and effective relief of acute pain. Your acupuncturist can suggest herbal treatment that will assist in re-balancing your system and aide with pain management. Pain management will allow you to get healing sleep, increase range of motion, reduce inflammation and stop intense nerve pain, eliminating the need for disruptive prescription medication.