Failed Back Syndrome
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Post-Surgical Chronic Pain
In some cases, patients who undergo traditional “open” spine surgery may not improve with healing—or may develop worsening pain symptoms. Sometimes diagnosed as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), this complex problem occurs in up to 40 percent of spine surgery patients. When left untreated, FBSS can lead to severe chronic pain and other disabling, long-term symptoms.
Treatment for Failed Back Syndrome
Spine surgery is a major decision, and it can be devastating when a procedure does not offer pain relief or leads to additional symptoms. FBSS occurs more often in the lumbar than cervical spine, and the likelihood of the condition is higher with open spine surgery procedures than it is with minimally invasive surgery.
Currently, there is no “cure” for FBSS other than procedures that treat the underlying or improperly treated lumbar or cervical spine condition. Conservative FBSS treatment methods include physical therapy, heat or ice and prescribed pain medications. Your Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine neurosurgeon may also recommend a minimally invasive procedure if the original cause of your pain has not been properly addressed.
When treating FBSS, neurosurgeons at Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine recommend therapies and treatment approaches best-suited to the structural cause of pain as well as a patient’s pain level, disability and overall health. Intervention options vary, and may include:
- Surgical decompression
- Spinal fusion
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
- Referrals to pain intervention specialists
FBSS Specialists in New Jersey
Blending compassionate care with the latest advances in non-surgical and minimally invasive pain relief, the neurosurgeons at Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine proudly serve patients at seven NJ & PA locations. To schedule a back pain consultation or request a second opinion for FBSS, call 609.921.9001 in New Jersey or 215.741.3141 in Pennsylvania. For your convenience, you can also submit a confidential online inquiry and a patient advocate will be in touch to answer your questions.
Request an Appointment
Submit an appointment request on our patient portal or contact our New Jersey and Pennsylvania campuses to speak with a patient advocate.