Back surgery is meant to bring relief. But for a significant number of patients, the pain persists or even worsens after the procedure. This condition is known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), and it is more common than many people realise. If you have had back surgery and are still experiencing pain, you are not alone and proper Failed Back Surgery Syndrome treatment is available. Understanding this condition is the first step towards finding the right path forward.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Closer Look
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome refers to persistent or recurring back and leg pain that continues after one or more spinal surgeries. The term does not mean the surgery was performed incorrectly. It simply means the desired outcome, long-term pain relief, was not achieved. FBSS is also referred to as Post-Laminectomy Syndrome. It can follow procedures such as laminectomy, discectomy, spinal fusion, or other spinal decompression surgeries. The pain in FBSS is typically a combination of nociceptive and neuropathic pain, making it complex to manage without specialist care.