Conditions We treat
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Finding answers after spine surgery did not bring relief
Living With
Pain After Spine Surgery Can Be Frustrating And Confusing
Many patients undergo spine surgery hoping it will finally bring relief, only to find that pain continues or returns. When surgery does not deliver the outcome you expected, it can leave you feeling discouraged, uncertain, and unsure where to turn next.
At Spine Motion Specialists, we understand how difficult this experience can be. Our approach focuses on identifying the true source of ongoing pain and exploring solutions designed to restore function and protect long-term mobility.
What Is It?
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, often called FBSS, is a term used to describe persistent or recurring pain following one or more spine surgeries.
Despite undergoing surgery, some patients continue to experience:
- Ongoing back pain
- Radiating leg pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Burning or nerve-related pain
FBSS is not a single diagnosis. Instead, it reflects a complex set of factors that may include unresolved spinal problems, nerve irritation, or biomechanical changes that occurred after surgery.
Understanding the specific cause of your pain is the first step toward effective treatment.
What causes failed back surgery syndrome?
FBSS can develop for several reasons, including:
- Incomplete nerve decompression
- Scar tissue formation around nerves
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Intraoperative nerve injury
- Progression of degeneration at nearby levels
- Changes in spinal mechanics after fusion
In some cases, spinal fusion alters natural movement patterns and places added stress on surrounding discs and joints. Over time, this may contribute to adjacent segment degeneration and new sources of pain.
Other contributing factors may include misdiagnosis, poor surgical candidate selection, or postoperative complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of FBSS vary from person to person and may include:
- Chronic low back pain
- Radiating pain into the legs or arms
- Persistent numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Burning or electric nerve pain
- Stiffness and limited mobility
Some patients experience pain immediately after surgery, while others develop symptoms months or even years later. In many cases, pain may gradually worsen over time.
Diagnosis
Evaluation may include:
Diagnosing FBSS requires a careful and thorough evaluation. Dr. Hodges takes time to understand your full surgical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
- Detailed medical and surgical history
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Review of prior operative reports
- Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans
- Assessment of spinal alignment and movement
This detailed approach helps identify structural problems, nerve compression, scar tissue, or biomechanical issues that may be contributing to ongoing pain.
When to Seek Care
You should consider seeking care for FBSS if:
- Pain persists after spine surgery
- Symptoms return after a period of improvement
- Pain continues to worsen over time
- You experience new numbness or weakness
- Daily activities are becoming more difficult
- You have been told no further options are available
Early evaluation may help identify treatable causes and prevent further decline in function.
Why Spine Motion Specialists?
Your care plan is built around your goals, your movement, and your lifestyle, never a protocol.
Dr. Scott Hodges brings 35+ years of experience and a deep understanding of spine biomechanics to every patient visit.
Fusion-free philosophy
Motion-preserving expertise
Concierge, one-on-one care
Extended 60–90 minute consults
Virtual visits available for travel patients
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does failed back surgery syndrome mean my surgery failed?
Not necessarily. FBSS does not always mean a surgery was done incorrectly. In many cases, pain persists because the underlying problem was not fully addressed, new issues developed, or spinal mechanics changed over time.
A thorough evaluation can help determine what is causing your symptoms now.
Can FBSS be treated successfully?
Yes, many patients experience meaningful improvement when the true source of pain is identified and treated appropriately. Success depends on accurate diagnosis, personalized planning, and selecting the right treatment for your specific condition.
Will I need another surgery?
Not always. Some patients improve with non-surgical treatments. Others may benefit from revision or motion-preserving procedures. Dr. Hodges will explore all appropriate options before recommending additional surgery.
Why do symptoms sometimes appear years after surgery?
Over time, changes in spinal mechanics, scar tissue development, or degeneration at nearby levels can contribute to new pain. These delayed effects are common in patients who have undergone prior spine surgery, especially spinal fusion.
What if I have been told nothing more can be done after FBSS?
Many patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome are told they must simply “live with the pain” after one or more spine surgeries. This can be discouraging and leave people feeling out of options.
Dr. Hodges specializes in evaluating patients who have been told there are no remaining solutions. Through his deep understanding of spinal biomechanics and experience with motion-preserving techniques, he carefully assesses how prior surgery has affected spinal movement and function.
In some cases, advances in diagnostics and treatment options may offer new possibilities that were not previously explored. A comprehensive second opinion may help clarify your options and support informed, confident decisions about your care.
Take the next step
If you are living with pain after spine surgery, you do not have to face it alone. A consultation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and explore personalized treatment options.
