No longer the ‘favored’ word
for back pain that lingers after 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 had back surgery
and still experience back pain, you know how the pain can take
over your life, day and night. For many, this means not getting a good night’s rest, which can result in more
tiredness and lack of productivity throughout the
day. Luckily, there is hope for those who have
persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) after back surgery. New
studies have demonstrated that using chiropractic spinal
manipulation and even auricular acupressure can effectively decrease
back pain and enhance sleep quality.
WHAT IS PSPS - Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome?
PSPS is described 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 deemed
‘chronic’ at 3-months after spine surgery due to quick onset of neuropathic pain. (1)
Satterwhite Chiropractic has gentle, safe, alleviating treatment for
post-back-surgery patients.
HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL MANIPULATION HELP?
Satterwhite Chiropractic uses evidence-based,
well-researched chiropractic technique, Cox® Technic. One 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 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) reduced
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 greater 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 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
illustrates The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management
for post-back-surgery-continued back pain patients.
A HELPFUL ADJUNCTIVE APPROACH: WHAT IS AURICULAR
ACUPRESSURE?
Satterwhite 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 specific
points on the ear. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but lately researchers have started
studying its potential as a type of
treatment for PSPS patients. A Korean study found that auricular
acupressure lowered 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! Oxford post back surgery continued pain patients
would certainly appreciate them. Another study found
that auricular acupressure was effective in lessening
pain and improving the sleep of elderly osteoarthritic persons residing
in nursing homes. (4) Regardless of age, we all could
use better sleep when having pain.
CONTACT Satterwhite 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
Oxford chiropractic appointment with Satterwhite Chiropractic soon
to explore how chiropractic can help you!