What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome and How Can It Be Treated?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a term that has gained significant attention in the medical community, denoting patients who continue to experience pain even after undergoing spine surgery. This condition, also known as post-laminectomy syndrome, is highly variable and often requires a multi-faceted treatment approach.

The primary symptoms of post-laminectomy syndrome encompass both low back or neck pain (axial spinal pain) and pain radiating to the extremities. Despite its name, the term “failed back surgery syndrome” doesn’t imply that the surgery itself was a failure. Rather, it designates persistent or recurrent complaints of low back and/or leg pain in patients post-surgery. UC Davis Health further elaborates that reasons for the persistent pain might include surgical nerve damage, scar tissue, inflammation, muscle strain, poor body mechanics, and other structural issues with the spine.

Given the complexity of this syndrome, it’s no surprise that its genesis is multifactorial. An in-depth study from University of Nebraska and Penn State University suggests that FBSS is an imprecise term which covers a vast group of disorders, all having persistent pain after lumbar surgery in common.

FBSS is indeed challenging, but there’s hope. According to Northwell Health, structural surgery, neuromodulation, or a blend of both could be effective for many patients. An exciting breakthrough in treating persistent back pain conditions, including FBSS, is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). With nearly 30 years of application, HSS mentions the significant superiority of SCS over conventional medical therapies.

Moreover, neuromodulation, a cutting-edge technology described by Stanford Medicine, is not just limited to treating FBSS. In Europe, it’s also utilized for conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), refractory angina, and painful peripheral vascular disease.

In conclusion, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is a condition requiring patience and often multiple approaches for alleviation. However, with advancements in medical science and tailored therapies, many patients find the relief they seek.