318 Brannan Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94107

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

On occasion, some patients have new or persistent back pain after having undergone spinal surgery for leg or back pain. In those situations, the cause of pain should be reassessed. While the pain may be reduced, it is still present. Sometimes the pain worsens following surgery, as a result of the scar tissue around the spinal nerve roots, causing persistent muscle spasms and tissue pain.

Some reports estimate that anywhere from 20% to 40% of spinal surgeries result in failed back surgery syndrome, studies show that the odds of experiencing continued pain is increased by undergoing more than one surgical procedure.

We treat failed back surgery syndrome, working to help you manage your pain. Initial treatment plans can include nerve blocks, injections or treatment that can block pain signals temporarily, which is done by a procedure called radiofrequency neurotomy. An exercise program that may help the gradual recovery of muscle strength may also be included as part of the individual treatment plan.

Other options may be considered if the pain is unbearable or debilitating. We work to ensure you can have a normal life, while your pain is managed. You may still experience pain, but it will be manageable.

Contact us today if you have undergone spinal surgery but you are still experiencing back pain. We will come up with a personalized treatment plan.