No longer the ‘desired’ descriptor
for back pain that remains after a
back surgery that was supposed to relieve it,
failed back surgery syndrome has new names like ‘post-surgical continued pain’
and ‘persistent spinal pain syndrome’. Whatever its
name, if you have experienced back surgery
and still have 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 more
fatigue and lack of productivity during the
day. Fortunately, there is hope for those who have
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 improve sleep quality.
WHAT IS PSPS - Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome?
PSPS is identified 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. It
is most common with lumbar spine surgery and considered
‘chronic’ at 3-months after spine surgery because of the speed at
which neuropathic pain sets in. (1)
Chiropractic Care has gentle, safe, alleviating treatment for
post-back-surgery patients.
HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL MANIPULATION HELP?
Chiropractic Care uses evidence-based,
well-researched chiropractic technique, Cox® Technic. A chiropractic
study reported on 32 cases of post-surgical
continued lumbar spine pain after back surgery who were treated
with (Cox®) flexion distraction spinal manipulation and mobilization. Relief
was rated 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 blended
surgical approaches (like discectomy with fusion or laminectory) lowered
even more with 5.7 out of 10. (2) Another study of 69 cases
treated with (Cox®) flexion distraction documented that 81% of
patients responded with more 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 finish of the treatment
period was 71.6% and 70% at two-year follow-up. (3) Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Byron Folwell on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
describes 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 Care appreciates 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 specific
points on the ear. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a
long time, but recently researchers have begun
studying its potential as a form of
treatment for PSPS patients. A Korean study revealed that auricular
acupressure reduced both pain and neurological symptoms
associated with PSPS. Researchers said it was an effective, safe, cost-effective,
non-invasive intervention that may well improve pain, neuropathy, and
sleep in PSPS patients. (1) Well, you can’t argue with those
outcomes! West Palm Beach post back surgery continued pain patients
would certainly appreciate them. Another study showed
that auricular acupressure was effective in decreasing
pain and improving the sleep of elderly osteoarthritic persons residing
in nursing homes. (4) Old and young alike, we all could
use better sleep when experiencing pain.
CONTACT Chiropractic Care
Back pain after back surgery can be frustrating,
but it doesn’t have to keep you from sleeping or trouble you as intensely. If PSPS is
your issue and you’re experiencing poor sleep quality due to PSPS, make your
West Palm Beach chiropractic appointment with Chiropractic Care today
to explore how chiropractic can help you!