Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)

If you are struggling with chronic pain after spinal surgery, you might be suffering from failed back surgery syndrome. At the University Pain and Spine Center, our specialists can help you regain your health. Contact our team for an expert assessment and customized treatment plan.

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What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a condition where patients continue to experience chronic pain after back surgery, despite the procedure being technically successful. It’s also known as Post-Laminectomy Syndrome or Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome.

Why Does FBSS Occur?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome develops when the underlying source of pain isn’t fully addressed or when new complications arise following spinal surgery. Understanding these causes is crucial for both prevention and treatment.

  • Scar tissue formation (epidural fibrosis). After surgery, the body’s natural healing process can create excessive scar tissue around nerve roots and the spinal cord. This fibrous tissue can bind to and compress nerves, creating pain that may be worse than the original symptoms. Unlike the initial disc or bone compression, scar tissue is more difficult to remove surgically.
  • Incomplete pain source resolution. Sometimes the surgery successfully addresses one problem but leaves other pain generators untouched. Residual disc fragments, missed herniated discs at adjacent levels, or ongoing spinal stenosis can continue causing symptoms. Additionally, facet joint arthritis or sacroiliac joint dysfunction may have been contributing to the original pain but weren’t addressed during the initial procedure.
  • Surgical complications and hardware issues. Technical complications during surgery can create new sources of pain. These include nerve damage from surgical instruments, infection, poor wound healing, or problems with implanted hardware like screws, rods, or artificial discs. Hardware can loosen, break, or cause adjacent segment disease where increased stress on surrounding spinal levels leads to accelerated degeneration.
  • Misdiagnosed or complex conditions. In some cases, the original diagnosis was incomplete or incorrect. Conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, or psychological factors contributing to pain may not respond to structural surgical repairs. Additionally, some patients have multiple overlapping conditions that require comprehensive treatment beyond a single surgical intervention.

When Should I Talk to a Doctor about FBSS?

Seek help if pain persists or worsens after your spinal surgery, especially if it limits your mobility or daily activities.

How is FBSS diagnosed?

Our team at University Pain and Spine Center performs a thorough review of your surgical history, physical exam, and diagnostic imaging to identify the cause of your ongoing pain.

How Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treated?

We offer a variety of treatments tailored to your needs, including:

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Treating Failed Back Surgery Syndrome in New Jersey and New York

Our pain management experts in Somerset, Monroe, Ewing, Englewood Cliffs, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bloomfield, Freehold, Clark, and Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Bayridge, Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, New York, are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives. If you think you are experiencing failed back surgery syndrome, do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialists. 

To learn more about your treatment options, call the University Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online.