Patient education
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treatment in Fort Wayne
Failed back surgery syndrome describes ongoing pain after spine surgery. The key is finding the specific cause — recurrent herniation, adjacent-level breakdown, hardware issues, or incomplete decompression — before deciding on next steps, which may or may not involve more surgery.
Printable patient guide
Persistent Symptoms After Spine Surgery
A two-page patient guide with condition education on the front and the approved blank Plan Today checklist on the back.
Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
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Continued pain - Persistent pain at the original surgery site
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New symptoms - Pain in different areas than before surgery
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Reduced function - Inability to perform activities as expected
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Scar tissue pain - Burning or aching around the incision
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Nerve symptoms - Numbness, tingling, or weakness
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Hardware discomfort - Pain related to screws or implants
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Adjacent level problems - New pain above or below fusion
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Psychological impact - Frustration and depression from ongoing pain
Causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Incomplete Decompression
Insufficient removal of bone or disc material, leaving nerves still compressed.
Scar Tissue Formation
Epidural fibrosis that can compress nerves and cause pain around the surgical site.
Hardware Problems
Loose screws, broken rods, or hardware malposition causing pain or instability.
Adjacent Segment Disease
Accelerated degeneration of levels above or below a fusion due to increased stress.
Incorrect Diagnosis
Surgery performed for the wrong condition or at the wrong level.
Recurrent Disc Herniation
New disc herniation at the same or different level after discectomy.
Diagnosis
Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Greenberg conducts a thorough review of your surgical history, current symptoms, and previous imaging. Understanding what was done previously is crucial for planning effective treatment.
Advanced Imaging
- MRI with contrast: Distinguishes scar tissue from recurrent disc herniation
- CT scan: Evaluates bone healing and hardware position
- Specialized tests: Nerve studies or diagnostic injections when indicated
Why Greenberg Spine
- Comprehensive revision surgery experience
- Endoscopic scar tissue removal
- Minimally invasive revision techniques
Conservative Treatment
Pain Management
Comprehensive pain management including medications, injections, and nerve blocks to control symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Specialized rehabilitation to improve function and reduce pain while working around surgical limitations.
Psychological Support
Counseling and support to address the emotional impact of ongoing pain and failed expectations.
When to Consider Revision Surgery
Objective Surgical Criteria
Revision surgery is considered when there’s a clear anatomical problem that can be corrected and conservative treatment has failed.
Clinical Indications
- Identifiable anatomical problem
- Hardware failure or malposition
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Adjacent segment disease
Revision Goals
- Address specific anatomical problem
- Remove scar tissue when appropriate
- Correct hardware problems
- Improve function and quality of life
Related Procedures
Revision Spine Surgery
Comprehensive revision procedures to address failed previous surgery and restore function.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for scar tissue removal and nerve decompression.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery Timeline
First 2-4 Weeks
Initial healing, pain management, and gradual mobilization with restrictions.
6-12 Weeks
Physical therapy begins, gradual return to light activities, continued healing.
3-6 Months
Significant improvement expected, return to most normal activities.
6-12 Months
Maximum improvement achieved, return to full activities when appropriate.
What to Expect
Realistic Expectations
Revision surgery success depends on the specific problem and patient factors.
Gradual Improvement
Recovery may be slower than primary surgery but can achieve significant improvement.
Comprehensive Care
Multidisciplinary approach including pain management and rehabilitation.
Related Conditions
Related Topics
Learn more about related conditions and treatments
Revision Spine Surgery
SI Joint Fusion
SI Joint Pain
Herniated Disc Guide
Request a Second Opinion
Contact Us
Experiencing Failed Back Surgery? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Marc Greenberg.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult with Dr. Greenberg to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
Free Patient Guide
Comprehensive spine surgery resource
Want a deeper overview of your options? Download the free Greenberg Spine Patient Guide covering all conditions, procedures, and what to expect.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if you have any of the following:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control, or new difficulty urinating
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
- Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
These can be signs of a problem that needs emergency treatment.
This is general educational information, not medical advice. A clinical evaluation is the only way to know what’s right for you.