No longer the ‘preferred’ word
for back pain that remains following a
back surgery that was supposed to ease 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 alter your life, day and night. For many, this means not being
able to get a good night’s rest, which can lead to more
fatigue and lack of productivity during the
day. Fortunately, there is hope for those who suffer from
persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) after back surgery. New
studies have demonstrated that using chiropractic spinal
manipulation and even auricular acupressure can effectively reduce
back pain and improve the quality of sleep.
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. PSPS 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)
Apple Country Chiropractic has gentle, safe, relieving treatment for
post-back-surgery patients.
HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL MANIPULATION HELP?
Apple Country Chiropractic uses evidence-based,
well-researched chiropractic technique, Cox® Technic. A 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 decreased by 4.1 out of 10 in a mean number of 14
treatments. Patients who experienced back surgeries that blended
surgical types (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 reported 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% still experienced their pain relief. Mean relief of pain at the end 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?
Apple Country Chiropractic 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 applied to particular
points on the ear. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but recently 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
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 go wrong with those
outcomes! Williamson post back surgery continued pain patients
would certainly appreciate them. Another study found
that auricular acupressure was effective in decreasing
pain and improving the sleep of elderly osteoarthritic persons living
in nursing homes. (4) Old and young alike, we all could
use better sleep when having pain.
CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic
Back pain after back surgery can be frustrating,
but it doesn’t have to keep you up
all night or bother you as much. If PSPS is
your issue and you’re experiencing poor sleep quality due to PSPS, make your
Williamson chiropractic appointment with Apple Country Chiropractic today
to explore how chiropractic can help you!