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What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Although it’s not an actual medical condition, rather a side effect from a preexisting condition, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (or FBSS), is a term that is used to describe a back surgery that leaves the patient with continued chronic back pain after back surgery has been performed

What Percentage of Back Surgeries Fail?

Although the average success rate for most back surgeries is close to 95%, sometimes patients do continue to experience chronic pain after back surgery has been performed. It is important to note that this does not necessarily indicate that the surgery has been a failure or that any negligence has occurred. Patients who have undergone spinal fusion, traditional open back surgery or who have accumulated scar tissue from a previous surgery have reported higher instances of FBSS.

Treatment Options for FBSS

The pain and difficulty some patients experience post-op as FBSS is real, and medical attention can help provide relief. At this time there is no type of back surgery that can directly treat the cause of FBSS pain. However, patients may find relief with the aid of chiropractic care, fentanyl or narcotic patches, electrical stimulation to the nerves in the back, and in some cases, total disc replacement or lumbar fusion surgery. Speaking with a doctor or a medical specialist will provide you with the information needed to properly diagnosis the exact cause of the pain and the treatment options available for each individual case. Those who have undergone surgery and have chronic pain, as a result, have been known to see significant improvements in pain management after participating in the types of treatment options listed above.