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Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Info + Treatment Options

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Graphic

Back pain--particularly low back pain--is one of the most pervasive and immobilizing forms of pain. In fact, it is the leading contributor to disability worldwide.


When you undergo back surgery, you don’t expect to be left with persistent or even worse forms of pain afterward. However, many laminectomy patients do experience post-surgery pain. The condition even has a name: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Here’s what you should know about this increasingly common condition and its treatments.

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, often called FBSS or post-laminectomy syndrome, is a collection of conditions characterized by post-surgery pain.


Post-laminectomy pain occurs after surgery. For some patients, the pain that surgery was meant to cure returns after a brief pain-free period. For others, nerve damage, failure to heal, or a new spinal problem causes pain after surgery. Post-laminectomy syndrome pain has a variety of causes. As a result, treatments vary widely.


As chronic back pain has become more common, more surgeries have been developed to treat it. Unfortunately, many of the root causes of low back pain, such as arthritis, nerve damage and recurrent disc herniation, are progressive.

Scar tissue is another problematic result of back surgery. In many cases of post-laminectomy syndrome, scar tissue is the only problem that can be spotted on an MRI. This makes diagnosing and treating recurring pain more difficult.

Pain Caused by Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

FBBS is characterized by a variety of pain types and symptoms:


  • Nerve pain, characterized by burning, stinging, prickling, or sensitivity, is the most common pain reported by patients
  • Many patients complain of pain radiating to other areas of their body, including their legs or arms
  • Many patients experience feelings of muscle weakness and issues with bladder or bowel control


Carefully track any pain you experience after healing from a low back surgery. Write down descriptions of the pain, i.e. any burning, stinging, aching or radiating pain. Use this information to help your doctor evaluate your condition.

What Treatment Options Can Help Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

If you’re experiencing pain after back surgery, schedule an evaluation with your doctor immediately.


This evaluation may involve a physical examination, radiologic testing like x-rays and MRIs and other physical testing.


Pain Treatment Centers of America offers evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome at our various clinics throughout the state of Arkansas.


Contact us today to learn more about treatment options or to schedule your appointment.

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