Failed Back Surgical Syndrome

Failed back surgical syndrome, also known as post-laminectomy syndrome, is when a patient experiences continued pain following spine surgery. Pain that is chronic following a spine surgery such as a laminectomy, spinal fusion, or discectomy may be classified as Failed back surgical syndrome. There are many causes of failed back surgical syndrome, but it is typically the result of muscle pain, muscle spasms, or nerve pain similar to sciatica. Muscle pain is characterized by dull aching, cramping, and soreness around the surgery site. Whereas, nerve pain is characterized by shooting pain, ”electric shock-like” pain, tingling, or weakness in the area affected by the surgery.

To determine whether you are suffering from failed back surgical syndrome or from another condition, your provider will start with a comprehensive medical review and physical exam. Diagnostic tests that include x-rays, lab results, electromyography, and/or MRIs will also be reviewed.

Failed back surgical syndrome may be treated in many ways including non-opioid adjuvant medications, epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, spinal cord stimulation, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Failed back surgical syndrome may be treated as part of a care team model involving pain psychology, pain management, orthopedic or neurological surgery and primary care specialties working together.