Failed Back Surgery

Failed back syndrome or failed back surgery is a condition used to describe persistent back pain following back surgeries.

The conditions that can occur due to failed back surgery may include re-herniation of a disc, infection, pseudoarthorsis, hardware failure, non-surgery related spine degeneration, flat back syndrome, instability or adjacent segment degeneration.

Treatments may include nerve blocks or injections, or treatment to block the pain signals temporarily. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise program to improve your muscle strength.

If pain persists, your doctor may suggest neuromodulation, where small leads with small electrical contacts are placed to heat up small nerve endings.