Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Failed back surgery syndrome describes ongoing or new back or leg pain after spine surgery that hasn’t provided the expected relief. It isn’t a single diagnosis, but a description of a situation that calls for careful re-evaluation to understand what’s driving the pain.
Signs & Symptoms
- Persistent or recurring back or leg pain after spine surgery
- New symptoms that weren’t present before surgery
- Pain that initially improved after surgery but later returned
Causes & Risk Factors
Causes vary widely and can include scar tissue, a new or recurrent disc problem, hardware-related issues, or a condition that wasn’t fully addressed by the original surgery.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a thorough review of your prior surgical history and current symptoms, combined with updated imaging, to understand what’s contributing to your pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause and may range from conservative care to a revision procedure. Our team will discuss options specific to your situation after a full evaluation.
This information is for general education and isn’t a diagnosis or medical advice. To find out what’s right for you, request an appointment or call 810-262-7030.