Prior Surgical Intervention

In some instances, prior surgical intervention fails and back pain continues after an operation. Many different factors can contribute to failed back surgery, which basically either decompresses a pinched nerve or stabilizes a painful joint. These include a residual or recurrent disk herniation, persistent pressure on a spinal nerve, or scar tissue. Some patients may be predisposed to the condition, due to underlying health problems like diabetes or vascular disease.

Symptoms

• Chronic back pain
• Achiness in the back and legs
• Sharp and/or pricking pain in the extremities

Treatment (and Prevention)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
• Physical therapy
• Behavioral medicine
• Nerve blocks
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)