Redefining Relief: Navigating Low Back Pain After Failed Surgery!
Jan 15, 2024 -- Posted by :In the United States, back surgery is a frequent procedure, with hundreds of thousands of surgeries, such as laminectomies, diskectomies, and spinal fusions, conducted annually. Typically, the initial medical strategy for back pain includes rest, medications, exercise, and physical therapy. If these methods are ineffective, epidural injections may be the next step. However, if relief is still not achieved, chiropractic care is often overlooked, and many patients proceed along a path leading to surgery.
While many surgeons do not view surgery as a primary solution for back pain, most patients believe it to be the surgeon's main focus. Surgery is actually more appropriate when there is nerve root compression causing symptoms like muscle atrophy, foot drop, or numbness. If the main issue is back pain without leg pain or numbness, surgery is generally not advised.
Nonetheless, many patients with leg pain also suffer from severe low back pain. Those who continue to experience pain or numbness after surgery are considered surgical failures, a condition known as failed back surgery syndrome. This issue is significant enough to be the subject of entire medical conferences. Post-surgery, patients have limited medical options, and further surgery is particularly challenging. They may be offered treatments like opiate patches or implanted spinal cord stimulators, which use electrical impulses to alleviate pain.
However, these methods are not always successful and cannot address joint problems. If a joint or disk issue existed before surgery, it likely remains post-surgery. Such cases should be evaluated by a chiropractor to determine if there is an underlying joint issue that can be specifically adjusted.
Natural alternatives to electrical implants and long-term opiate use for pain management may include physiotherapy, ice, exercise, and massage as part of a comprehensive non-drug treatment program. Counseling and behavioral therapy can also help reduce medication dependency. Typically, patients can safely undergo chiropractic adjustments after the initial surgery has healed, usually around six weeks post-operation. It's crucial to explore all options before considering repeat surgeries. A combination of active rehabilitation and specific chiropractic care can offer a solution for many patients.
So, if you are experiencing back pain, lower back pain, or pain in the coccyx and type in pain management near me or chiropractor near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my back and who in my area can refer me?”
Also, if you feel leg pain it may indicate things are getting worse and may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your back. Some people will try stretching the lower back first to see if they get relief from their back pain. Pain very low in the lower back may be originating from the coccyx or tailbone. A pulled muscle in the back generally will get better with rest. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional around you.
Check out what the experts say about chiropractic care for back pain here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749874/
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by on your day off for a walk in visit and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.
So if you find yourself experiencing lower back pain while running or doing physical activities or if you are suffering from back pain that is affecting your quality of life and allowing you to enjoy Fort Myers Beach. Come see us at Coast Chiropractic Centers located on 7270 College Parkway.
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If you would like to avoid getting back pain in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
Don't let back pain stop you from enjoying the beautiful SWFL! Dr. Tim Harcourt is here to give you the relief you need.