Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treatment in PA & NJ
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refers to chronic back or leg pain that persists or recurs after one or more spinal surgeries. It affects a significant percentage of patients who undergo lumbar spine surgery and can be more disabling than the original condition. The causes are varied and may include scar tissue formation, adjacent segment disease, inadequate decompression, or altered spinal mechanics.
At DVPSI, we specialize in treating FBSS using spinal cord stimulation and other advanced interventional approaches that have been shown to provide superior outcomes to repeat surgery in most FBSS patients. If you have had back surgery and are still in pain, there are effective options available.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent back or leg pain after spinal surgery
- Pain that is similar to or worse than pre-surgical pain
- New pain patterns developing after initial post-surgical improvement
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Pain at adjacent spinal levels not addressed by surgery
- Activity limitations preventing return to normal function
Common Causes
- Scar tissue (fibrosis) forming around spinal nerves after surgery
- Adjacent segment disease where fusion puts stress on neighboring discs
- Incomplete decompression of nerve roots at surgery
- Recurrent disc herniation at the operated or adjacent level
- Spinal instability developing after decompressive surgery
- Undiagnosed pain generators such as SI joint or facet joint pain
Treatment Options at DVPSI
Our board-certified physicians use a stepwise, minimally invasive approach, always starting with the least invasive effective treatment and escalating only when necessary.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
SCS is the most evidence-based treatment for FBSS, with studies showing it provides superior pain relief and quality of life compared to repeat surgery or continued medication management.
Epidural Adhesiolysis
A procedure to break up scar tissue around spinal nerves, providing relief from fibrosis-related pain.
Targeted Drug Delivery (Intrathecal Pump)
Delivers pain medication directly to the spinal fluid, providing relief with far lower systemic doses.
SI Joint Treatment
Addressing SI joint pain, a frequently overlooked pain source after lumbar fusion.
Facet Joint Procedures
Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation for adjacent segment facet pain.
Comprehensive Re-evaluation
Full diagnostic workup to identify all pain generators contributing to post-surgical pain.
Why Choose DVPSI for Failed Back Surgery Treatment
DVPSI has extensive experience in failed back surgery syndrome, one of the most complex challenges in pain medicine. Dr. Patel's training at Northwestern and Dr. Rosen's decades of experience make our team particularly well-suited to evaluate and treat patients who have not achieved relief from prior surgeries.