Acupuncture for Post-Surgery & Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Pain Relief in McLean
When Pain Persists After Surgery
For many patients, surgery is meant to be the “final step” in resolving chronic back pain. But in some cases, pain continues even after the operation—a condition known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). In McLean, we see patients who have undergone spinal fusions, laminectomies, or discectomies, only to find their pain either unchanged or worse.
This persistent pain can be devastating. Patients often describe frustration at having “done everything right” yet still being unable to sit, walk, or sleep comfortably. Traditional options—such as long-term opioids—carry serious risks and rarely provide lasting relief. That’s where acupuncture comes in as a safe, evidence-supported therapy that helps calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and restore function.
Why Pain Lingers After Surgery
Several mechanisms explain FBSS and chronic post-surgical pain:
- Scar tissue formation irritating surrounding nerves.
- Recurrent disc herniation after discectomy.
- Nerve damage during surgery leading to neuropathic pain.
- Altered pain signaling—the nervous system remains “sensitized” even after the original problem is addressed.
- Psychological stress and fear of movement perpetuating tension and pain.
Because FBSS is multi-factorial, a holistic approach like acupuncture is well-suited to address the complexity.
How Acupuncture Helps Post-Surgical Pain
Neurological Reset
Acupuncture modulates the brain’s pain-processing centers. Research using fMRI shows changes in activity within the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus—areas critical to pain perception.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
By increasing circulation around scar tissue, acupuncture reduces local inflammation, helping ease nerve compression and stiffness.
Neuropathic Pain Support
Unlike medications that often fail with nerve-related pain, acupuncture influences neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which are involved in neuropathic pain regulation.
Emotional Well-Being
Chronic pain often brings depression and anxiety. Acupuncture lowers cortisol, eases anxiety, and helps patients sleep better—factors that significantly improve recovery.
What the Research Shows
- A 2015 randomized controlled trial in Pain Medicine found that patients with FBSS who received acupuncture reported significantly lower pain scores and better physical function compared to standard therapy alone.
- A 2021 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Neuroscience confirmed acupuncture’s effectiveness for post-surgical pain, reducing both opioid use and overall pain intensity.
- The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) lists acupuncture among recommended non-pharmacological interventions for post-surgical pain management.
- Studies on nerve-related pain show acupuncture improves neuropathic pain scores by 30–40%, especially in patients resistant to medication.
These results make acupuncture one of the most evidence-supported complementary therapies for post-surgical pain.
Patient Story: Finding Relief After Surgery
Robert, a 56-year-old McLean resident, underwent lumbar fusion after years of chronic back pain. He hoped surgery would let him return to golf, but months later, he was still waking up with 8/10 pain and couldn’t stand longer than 10 minutes.
Frustrated, Robert turned to Balance Art Acupuncture. His treatment began with twice-weekly sessions focused on both local points near the surgical scar and systemic points to calm the nervous system. After four sessions, Robert noticed his pain was less constant. By week eight, he reported pain reduced to 4/10, improved sleep, and confidence to begin gentle exercise again.
Now, with monthly maintenance, Robert plays nine holes of golf without debilitating pain—a major victory he never thought possible after surgery.
Practical Tips for Patients with FBSS
- Stay active: Gentle movement prevents stiffness; avoid prolonged bed rest.
- Incorporate mindfulness: Stress worsens pain; meditation or breathing exercises help.
- Heat therapy: Warm compresses reduce scar tissue stiffness.
- Work with your providers: Acupuncture integrates well with physical therapy and rehab plans.
Why McLean Patients Trust Balance Art Acupuncture
- Specialized experience with post-surgical and neuropathic pain.
- Evidence-based care that integrates modern science with traditional wisdom.
- Holistic treatment focusing on pain, mobility, and emotional well-being.
- Convenient McLean location, serving Tysons, Vienna, and Falls Church.
Conclusion: Hope After Surgery
Post-surgery pain or FBSS can feel discouraging, but it does not have to be permanent. Acupuncture provides a proven, safe, and holistic option for patients in McLean seeking relief. By calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and supporting emotional resilience, acupuncture offers a path back to comfort and function—even when surgery hasn’t delivered.
👉 If you’re struggling with pain after back surgery, schedule a consultation at Balance Art Acupuncture McLean today. Relief may be closer than you think. https://patient.unifiedpractice.com/balanceartacupuncture-mclean/booking/previous-visit
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