Do you have failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)? If so, managing the symptoms it can cause, particularly the pain, can be tough. You should consult with your physician for personalized advice about handling your pain, but USA Spine Care can give you some generalized tips to help in the meantime.

Tip No. 1: Stretching

Although FBSS pain might originally dissuade you from stretching regularly, it is important that you maintain flexibility in your spine. This can be achieved by gently moving your back muscles and other associated muscle groups (the hamstrings, for example) through their ranges of motion. It is best to perform stretches slowly, particularly if you’re attempting them after recent surgery, and to only go as far as your muscles will comfortably move. Moving too quickly or pushing too far can worsen symptoms.

Tip No. 2: Listening to your body

It’s only natural to want to get back to doing all the things you used to do before your spinal condition limited you. However, when you have mild to moderate failed back surgery syndrome symptoms, it can be all too easy to rush into an activity without considering how it may worsen your condition. For example, lifting a heavy object (especially using improper techniques), can cause additional pain and potentially injure another area of the spine. To avoid overdoing it, you should take care to keep your posture as neutral as possible throughout your day, and pay special attention to your body when stretching, exercising or participating in leisure activities. If you suspect your symptoms are worsening, stop.

Tip No. 3: Considering another surgery

If you’ve already had a back surgery that didn’t improve your symptoms, chances are that you’re hesitant to have another procedure done. You should try many of the available conservative treatments, like physical therapy and medication and maybe even complementary and alternative methods like acupuncture, massage or chiropractic care. However, if these fall short of improving your symptoms, surgery may be useful. And, if you’re thinking about having another surgery, you should examine all of your options. One of the possibilities is minimally invasive spine surgery performed at USA Spine Care. Offering numerous advantages versus traditional open-spine surgery, our outpatient procedures may be able to address your failed back surgery syndrome symptoms at their source. ^

To learn more about USA Spine Care and our minimally invasive spine surgery, contact us today.

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