Failed Back Surgical Syndrome Specialist

Broward Specialty Group

Urology, Pain Management, Aesthetics, and Gastroenterology located in Coconut Creek, FL, Delray Beach, FL, and Pompano Beach, FL

Between 20-40% of people who undergo back surgery, experience failed back surgical syndrome. When left untreated, failed back surgical syndrome can result in disability, keeping you from your job, and other favorite activities. The team at Broward Specialty Group, with three convenient locations in Coconut Creek, Delray Beach, and Pompano Beach, Florida, has years of experience treating failed back surgical syndrome. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today.

Failed Back Surgical Syndrome Q & A

What is failed back surgical syndrome?

Failed back surgical syndrome is a condition that causes persistent or recurrent symptoms following back surgery.

Many people with failed back surgical syndrome feel better at first, but their early symptoms reappear as the healing process continues. Others experience pain equal to or worse than the initial issues that required surgery.

What are the symptoms of failed back surgical syndrome?

Failed back surgical syndrome affects everyone differently. Common signs include:

Severe back pain
Neuropathic pain (neuropathy)
Radicular pain (radiculopathy)
Return of original symptoms
Reduced mobility
Headaches

In severe cases, failed back surgical syndrome can cause weakness, mobility issues, or electric-like pain that radiates through the legs and lower body.

What are some causes of failed back surgical syndrome?

Broward Specialty Group treats many of the common causes of failed back surgical syndrome, including:

Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is a condition that causes inflammation to one of the three protective linings that surround your spinal cord. Symptoms of arachnoiditis include burning pain, stinging pain, and other nerve-related problems. This type of failed back surgical syndrome is especially common in people who undergo complex or recurrent back surgery.

Pseudoarthrosis

Pseudoarthrosis occurs when a spinal fusion surgery fails to join two vertebrae together. Without proper fusion, bones, and supportive materials like screws and pins can move around, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Recurrence of an earlier diagnosis

Even if your back surgery goes successfully, a similar problem can occur again. For example, a spinal disc treated with a microdiscectomy might re-herniate and can happen even if you follow your surgeons’ recovery instructions carefully.

Spinal instability

If a spinal fusion or decompression surgery doesn’t go as planned, additional space may form around your vertebrae or spinal nerves. This extra space may allow for movement, resulting in pain, swelling, and general discomfort.

How is failed back surgical syndrome treated?

Treatment of failed back surgical syndrome depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Following a review of your medical history and comprehensive exam, Broward Specialty Group might recommend:

Epidural injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Trigger point injections
Facet joint injections
Regenerative medicine
Sympathetic nerve blocks
Endoscopic disc repair
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Botox® injections

The goal of treatment is to limit the pain and encourage mobility without undergoing a second surgery.

To learn more about treatment for failed back surgical syndrome, schedule an appointment at Broward Specialty Group. Call the office or book a consultation online today.