If you’re experiencing failed back surgery syndrome, it is understandable to be reluctant about the prospect of undergoing a follow-up procedure. It can be difficult to go through a previous surgery and discover that it did not improve your original symptoms, or has caused new ones altogether. However, additional surgical intervention is recommended for certain cases to relieve the condition known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).

Understanding why further surgery may be suggested

There are several reasons why another surgery may be an appropriate approach to treating FBSS. In some cases, the underlying cause of back pain and other symptoms was misidentified and the surgeon treated the wrong area of the spine due to an inaccurate diagnosis. In such circumstances, surgery might be suggested to correct the actual spinal issue after a proper diagnosis is made.

In some patients, the proper area of the spine was treated but the resulting scar tissue has caused problems of its own, such as placing pressure on surrounding nerve roots. A decompression procedure may be able to relieve this pressure and the resulting pain, weakness and other symptoms.

Comparing your options

If you are considering surgery to address FBSS, be sure to understand all of the options available to you. In years past, the only approach to back surgery was a highly invasive traditional open spine surgery that would involve a large incision and a lengthy recovery period. As an alternative, there are now more minimally invasive surgical techniques, including the procedures performed by the board-certified surgeons+ at USA Spine Care.

Before you consent to surgery

Before agreeing to have another back surgery to address failed back surgery syndrome, be sure that you have researched all of your options. In many cases, patients with FBSS are able to relieve their symptoms through a course of conservative treatment options, but another surgery may become necessary if you have fully explored conservative options without finding the relief you need to engage in regular activities.

To learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery to treat FBSS, contact USA Spine Care today. We can help you determine if you may be a candidate for one of our outpatient procedures with a no-cost MRI review.*