Poor outcome back surgeries are surprisingly common. Unfortunately, 20-40{5c9bc43f7f49546fe88f2f6515aa62928889addb211576f50003db9ad9c7b0f7} of back surgery patients continue to suffer after one or more surgical interventions. Failed back surgery often leaves surgeons, specialists, and patients frustrated and feeling like options are limited.
However, as researchers continue to uncover regenerative medicine’s, also known as stem cell therapy, capabilities in managing chronic pain, patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) may have a new alternative option to find relief from chronic pain.
Why Does Back Surgery Fail?
There are many reasons why back surgery may fail. Sometimes surgeons may operate on patients who don’t have a high chance of improving after surgery. Some patients have conditions and habits that don’t facilitate healing, including:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Depression
- Chronic pain disorders, like fibromyalgia
Some back surgeries can’t resolve a patient’s condition due to factors occurring during the surgery, causing inadequate or excessive decompression.
Inadequate decompression happens when the surgeon doesn’t leave enough space around the spinal cord and nerves, while excessive decompression results from too much space, causing spinal instability.
Back surgery can also fail because of recovery issues, like a recurrent diagnosis, infection, or nerve root irritation.
How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help Failed Back Surgery?
Stem cells are unique in their ability to differentiate into various cell types in the body, playing a critical role in tissue repair. As a result, stem cells are gaining notoriety in managing diseases, injuries, and ailments in every part of the body.
When managing spinal damage, stem cell therapy offers the potential for a more natural and successful recovery if the patient has been thoroughly reviewed for candidacy determination.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Many patients with degenerative disc disease can’t find relief through back surgery. However, regenerative medicine therapies may have the capability to heal and repair the damaged tissues, facet joints, ligaments and other supportive tissues with their regenerative properties.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
After spinal fusion surgery, many patients continue to suffer because of a lack of new bone growth. Stem cells may offer the potential for pain management and in some cases, may have the capability to regenerate bone tissue and avoid further invasive procedures like a bone graft.
Reduced Infection Risk
Stem cells can help encourage a strong and healthy healing process. For example, patients who suffer from post-surgical infections may do so due to the body’s weakened post-surgical state. As stem cells replenish the healthy cells in the body, patients may be less susceptible to infection, healing more efficiently and quickly.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for back pain, also known as Stem Cell Therapy for back pain. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.