Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Definition

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) does not have a clear definition — this is because it is not so much a medical condition as it is a way to describe the negative outcomes of spinal operations that have not effectively addressed your back or neck pain. It’s not uncommon for an incorrect diagnosis to cause many traditional surgeries to fail. In addition, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can be caused by post-surgical infection, excessive scar tissue, the failure of a bone graft to “take,” or the body’s rejection of hardware that was inserted during surgery.

Accurately Diagnosing Your Spine Pain

The first step to accurately diagnosing your spine pain is to see your primary care physician. He or she will complete a full physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. Spine palpation may also be part of the examination. Always try to describe your symptoms as accurately and honestly as possible. A few weeks before your appointment, you may want to start a “pain journal,” in which you will keep a record of the location, frequency, and severity of your symptoms so that you can relay this information to your doctor. Your doctor might also order an MRI or CT scan to pinpoint the exact location of your pain. You may even visit specialists, like orthopedists and rheumatologists, before an accurate diagnosis can be confirmed.

Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Many patients have tried to eliminate their back or neck pain with traditional, open spine surgeries. The massively invasive nature of these operations, combined with the increased risk of infection, the lengthy recovery periods, and the possibility that your condition was not correctly diagnosed prior to surgery, can lead to nerve damage, the return of symptoms, muscle trauma, or additional back or neck pain, all of which can be referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Other symptoms of FBSS include depression, anxiety, and drug dependence.

Treating FBSS

Now that you understand a little more about Failed Back Surgery Syndrome and its definition, you may think that another spine procedure is out of the question. However, there are minimally invasive, outpatient procedures available to you. These procedures use gentle, endoscopic techniques to target and treat the exact location of your spinal condition. Contact Laser Spine Institute today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.