Williamson Chiropractic Help for Persistent Pain After Back Surgery: Auricular Acupressure and Manipulation

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!  

 
Williamson chiropractic respite for back pain after back surgery 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."