Failed back surgery syndrome (FBBS) is not a true medical syndrome but rather a description of an unsuccessful surgical treatment. It refers to back pain and functional limitations that persist (and, in some cases, even worsen) after a surgical approach has been taken to resolve them.

FBBS is an umbrella term that is broadly applied to patients suffering from ongoing pain and discomfort after undergoing back surgery. It can occur for a wide variety of different reasons, including:

• Improper diagnosis, surgical strategy, or techniques
• Post-surgical complications, including infection and failure to heal
• Implant complications
• Conditions or disorders that were not addressed by the surgery
• The development of spinal conditions post-surgery
• Ongoing spinal instability
• Pain and dysfunction where no cause has been identified

At Resolve Pain and Spine, our experienced pain specialists are committed to pinpointing the underlying causes of post-surgical back pain and tailoring treatment plans to the precise needs of each patient.

Symptoms Of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The symptoms of failed back surgery vary from patient to patient depending on the original injury or condition, the type of surgery undergone, and the reason(s) for surgical failure. They may be evident immediately following surgery or develop during the recovery period and can include one or more of the following:

• Nerve pain
• Weakness
• Abnormal sensation
• Pain caused by broken or improperly placed hardware
• Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord
• Loss of natural spinal curvature
• Recurrence or worsening of the original symptoms the back surgery was meant to address

Diagnosis And Treatment

Any patient experiencing ongoing pain and dysfunction after back or spinal surgery can be said to have failed back surgery syndrome, but this diagnosis is of little use if the underlying reasons for the failure are not clearly understood.

At Resolve Pain and Spine, our exceptional doctors are dedicated to digging deep to investigate and reveal hidden causes of chronic pain. We take the time to build relationships with our patients and gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences, symptoms, and surgical history in order to accurately diagnose and treat even the most complex cases of FBBS. Depending on the circumstances, our diagnostic process may involve imaging tests, bone scans, injections, laboratory tests, and more.

Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, our team of specialists will develop a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve pain and restore quality of life. Often, a combination of complementary therapies is most effective in treating FBBS. These may include:

• Spinal cord stimulation
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Spinal injections
• PRP therapy
• Stem cell therapy
• Acupuncture
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Non-opioid pain treatment options

Why Choose Resolve Pain And Spine Center?

Resolve Pain and Spine is a cutting-edge pain management clinic with locations in West Orange and Brick, New Jersey. Drawing on decades of experience using a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain treatment, our team of leading doctors has successfully helped numerous patients overcome the challenges associated with a failed back surgery. We look forward to meeting you and developing an individualized treatment plan that will help you progress on your journey to a complete and lasting recovery.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Move forward from a failed back or spine surgery with state-of-the-art pain relief treatment at Resolve Pain and Spine in West Orange and Brick. Schedule your initial consultation today!