Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe patients who continue to experience pain after spine surgery. Back surgery by nature is unpredictable at best, and most sources claim that FBSS is seen in nearly up to 60% of individuals that have previously undergone back surgery. Failed back surgery happens so frequently it’s currently defined as a “syndrome.”
The spine is at risk of injury, degeneration, and spinal conditions that can lead to neck and back pain. When you undergo back surgery, there is a risk that the issue may not be corrected or that other spinal conditions may develop as a result of the surgery and cause new or additional pain.
As a result of unsuccessful spine surgery, a patient may still be dealing with the same pain as before or worse yet the surgery has led to more significant problems and worse pain. This not only affects a patients physical well-being but takes a toll on their mental health and prevent the patient from seeking alternative remedies.
Causes Of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Adjacent segment disease
A spine fusion that failed to connect
A fused bone that continues to grow causing interruption to a nerve in proximity
Scar tissue formation that impinges on nerves
Post-operative pressure on a spinal nerve
Recurrent spinal disc herniation after surgery
Improper preoperative diagnoses of a patient before surgery
Facet joints growing and encroaching on the spinal canal and/or nerves
Technical errors that result in disc fragments or bone fragments missed
Pain due to spinal hardware that was implanted during the surgery, or hardware that breaks or becomes loose following surgery
Symptoms of FBSS
Lower back pain
Muscle spasms
Limited range of motion
New pain at a different location than pre‐surgery pain
Numbness or pain in the back or legs
Radiating pain in the arms or legs
Opioid drug dependence
Depression and anxiety
How Does Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy Help Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
The Gilbert Clinic specializes in spinal disc decompression therapy in Marine City to help alleviate the symptoms associated with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). The treatment works by gently separating the problem disc(s) and involved joint capsules, creating a negative pressure inside the disc and joint capsules to pull water, oxygen, and nutrients into the disc and space between the joints. This process helps rehydrate the disc and surrounding joint capsule, bringing in the nutrients needed to heal fibers and slow down the degenerative process. As the disc is re-hydrated, the shock absorbing properties are restored. In many cases, some of the lost height is restored as well, creating more space for the nerve. Certain limitations do apply for treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome with Spinal Decompression such as time lapsed from surgery and the presence of hardware in the spine.
Schedule Your Appointment At The Gilbert Clinic Today
It is possible to get relief of your sciatic pain without drugs, dangerous shots or surgery. To Stop Your Pain and Get Relief contact us to schedule an a free MRI review and appointment for Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy at The Gilbert Clinic.

Chiropractor Marine City MI. Serving Marine City, Algonac, St Clair and surrounding areas