Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a rather self-explanatory term describing any operation that does not provide satisfactory relief from pain caused by a spine condition. This may be the result of a surgical error, inadequately addressing the underlying cause of the pain, nerve damage, muscle trauma, the rejection of hardware implanted during the procedure or postoperative complications such as excessive scarring. In some cases, surgery may address the initial condition but cause a secondary injury that triggers new symptoms that are just as bad as or even worse than the original symptoms.

While many patients are understandably reluctant to undergo a second operation to obtain relief from symptoms associated with failed back surgery syndrome, surgery may actually be the best option, especially if conservative treatments such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, lifestyle changes and physical therapy prove ineffective in managing chronic pain. But that doesn’t mean patients shouldn’t be selective in the types of surgeries they consider. Traditional open back surgery is not recommended for anyone who has been diagnosed with FBSS. Instead, minimally invasive procedures are the preferred surgical approach for relieving FBSS symptoms. When compared to minimally invasive alternatives, the reasons to avoid traditional surgery include:

1. Longer recover times^
2. More scarring and blood loss
3. More soft tissue and muscle damage
4. Higher risk of infection^

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery. Using a less than 1-inch incision, our surgeons have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic pain caused by bulging discs, bone spurs, degenerative joint disease and FBSS, to name a few. If you have been diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome and are contemplating a second surgery to alleviate your symptoms, you may be a candidate for our outpatient procedures. Contact USA Spine Care today to learn more. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free MRI review* as the first step in the screening process.

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