Effectiveness of an interdisciplinary program in patients with failed back surgery syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the results of an interdisciplinary program administered to patients with failed back surgery syndrome, aiming at functional improvement, modulation of pain, reduction of anxiety symptoms and depression, and improvement of quality of life. Method: This is a non-randomized prospective study with a sample of patients with failed back surgery pain syndrome diagnosed with persistent or recurrent pain after surgery to the lumbar spine (laminectomy and arthrodesis) referred to liaison in the Pain Clinic (n= 26). The instruments used were Brief Pain Inventory, Roland-Morris Questionnaire and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. The generic WHOQOL-bref13 questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life and the fear of moving was assessed by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Results: There was a predominance of females, the mean age was 42.3 ± 5.8 years, 43% were married and average schooling was 7 ± 4.5 years. The mean time of pain reported was 8 ± 6.8 months in addition to high levels of anxiety, depression and kinesiophobia. After the intervention, there was a significant improvement in the perception of quality of life and of all parameters evaluated (p<0.05), with functional gains as well as decreased pain threshold. Conclusion: The interdisciplinary intervention in patients with failed back surgery syndrome provides better functional performance, decreases the intensity of pain, anxiety and depression symptoms, and improves quality of life. The inclusion of this intervention associated with drug therapy may the patient develop an active and independent lifestyle.