Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) describes the symptoms you may be experiencing following a spine surgery that has not been effective. The surgery may have either failed to address the underlying cause of your symptoms, or it may have caused new symptoms to appear. If you’ve recently had spine surgery, you may be wondering if what you’re experiencing is a normal part of the recovery process or if you’re having symptoms that may indicate FBSS.

Signs of FBSS following a spinal procedure

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help determine if your symptoms are a natural part of the recovery process or an indication that you have FBSS:

• Do my symptoms match what my physician or surgeon said I should expect? You can expect some pain and other symptoms immediately following the surgery as you recover. If your symptoms match what your physician said you should expect, you may not need to worry.
• Am I experiencing the same types of symptoms I had prior to having surgery? If you’re experiencing the exact same symptoms as you were before you had surgery, this may indicate that the procedure did not adequately address the underlying condition.
• Was my spine surgery a traditional open procedure or a minimally invasive treatment? The type of surgery you had won’t tell you directly if you have FBSS or not. However, traditional open procedures have a higher risk of complications and are more likely to result in FBSS.
• How are my symptoms changing over time? In a normal recovery, your pain and other symptoms will subside as you heal from the surgery. Symptoms that persist or worsen over time are not normal and may be a sign of FBSS.

In all of these cases, your best option is to consult with your physician to discuss any symptoms you’re concerned about following a surgical procedure. Your physician can provide information based on your individual condition or diagnose your symptoms if necessary.

Treatment for FBSS at USA Spine Care

If you recently had spine surgery and have symptoms of failed back surgery syndrome, you likely don’t want to think about having another procedure any time soon. However, the experienced surgeons at USA Spine Care specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery, which is a safer and effective alternative to traditional open surgery and has less risk of complications.^

Our team has treated many patients with various spinal conditions, including FBSS, and can determine if you’re a candidate for one of our outpatient procedures. For more information on FBSS and how our minimally invasive surgical options may help, contact USA Spine Care today.

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