Finding the right failed back surgery syndrome treatment plan can make a world of difference, although it can take a bit of trial and error to find the right options for your unique needs. For example, many people use pain medications to help alleviate discomfort after an unsuccessful neck or back surgery. While one person may only need one or two ibuprofen capsules per day to keep pain under control, another person may find ibuprofen ineffective and require a prescription medication instead.

As you explore your failed back surgery syndrome treatment options, you may wonder if there is a way to speed up the process of finding a combination that works. While the only way to know what will work for you is to give it a try with your doctor’s go-ahead, there are a handful of ways you can help make your treatment more effective, such as the tips outlined below for lasting relief from your chronic symptoms.

Lifestyle changes after failed back surgery

Talk to your doctor about implementing these three lifestyle changes to help expedite your pain relief from failed back surgery syndrome:

1. If you are carrying around a few excess pounds, consider setting a reasonable weight-loss goal. Losing just 1 to 2 percent of your body weight can help take some of the stress off of your spine.
2. The next time you go to the grocery store, add some extra produce to your cart. Broccoli, spinach and sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen for repairing tissues. Avocados, bananas and kiwi fruit are high in magnesium, which helps your body maintain muscle tone and bone density.
3. Avoid tobacco. By now, it’s well established that cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products can harm your body. Among other adverse effects, tobacco can also contribute to accelerated degeneration of the spine.

Complementary and alternative therapies

Diet and lifestyle changes can be helpful, but if you already maintain a healthy weight, regularly eat plenty of produce and avoid tobacco, consider thinking outside the box when it comes to treatment with these last two tips for conservative and alternative pain relief:

1. Roll out the yoga mat. Yoga is not just for relaxing and burning a few calories. It can help you strengthen the muscles that support your spine.
2. Make an appointment with a massage therapist. Getting a professional massage can be a great way to relieve tension in your neck and back. Just be sure to alert your massage therapist to your condition so that he or she can avoid any areas that might still be sore after surgery.

At USA Spine Care, we understand that the idea of having a second surgery after being diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome can be daunting. However, treatment options exist, such as our minimally invasive procedures that provide safer and effective alternatives to traditional open spine surgery.^ Contact our team today to learn how our outpatient procedures can provide you with lasting relief.

The highly skilled surgeons at USA Spine Care perform a variety of failed back surgery syndrome treatments by using a small incision that is muscle-sparing in order to relieve chronic pain. Since 2005, our minimally invasive surgery has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from debilitating neck or back conditions. To find out if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgery at USA Spine Care, reach out to us today and request a no-cost MRI review.* We can help you regain your quality of life.

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