Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Why Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer
Persistent Back Pain After Surgery? There’s Still Hope.
Each year in the United States, over 1 million spinal surgeries are performed. Yet, a significant portion of these procedures could have been avoided with early intervention—specifically through chiropractic care and non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.
Unfortunately, most patients are never referred to a chiropractor before surgery. The modern healthcare system emphasizes pain management with medications and extreme measures—not prevention. As a result, many patients find themselves facing a condition known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS).
What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
FBSS, also known as post-laminectomy syndrome, refers to continued or worsening pain after spinal surgery. It’s not a single diagnosis, but a term describing persistent symptoms like back or leg pain, stiffness, numbness, or weakness—despite one or more surgeries intended to relieve those symptoms.
Rather than improving, patients with FBSS often struggle with the same or new issues after surgery, including:
- ✔️ Recurrent disc herniation
- ✔️ Ongoing nerve compression
- ✔️ Scar tissue (epidural fibrosis)
- ✔️ SI joint dysfunction mimicking sciatica
- ✔️ Vertebral instability or altered joint mobility
Why Back Surgery Often Fails
Surgery may not always address the true “pain generator” in the spine. New structural issues can develop post-operatively—or unresolved misalignments may continue to put pressure on the spine and nerves. Additionally, surgeries themselves can lead to complications:
- ⚠️ Misplaced screws or hardware failure
- ⚠️ Infection or allergic reaction to implants
- ⚠️ Nerve damage during surgery
- ⚠️ Incomplete treatment of multi-level spinal problems
Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or stress—combined with smoking, obesity, and inactivity—can further increase the risk of FBSS and worsen long-term recovery.
Common Symptoms of FBSS
- Chronic low back or leg pain (dull or stabbing)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
- Reduced mobility and difficulty sleeping
- Dependence on medications
- Emotional distress: anxiety, depression, or hopelessness
- In severe cases, thoughts of suicide
What the Research Says About Spinal Surgery Outcomes
- Reoperation Rates: 10.8% within 5 years for lumbar stenosis; up to 20.6% for anterior spinal fusion at 10 years.
- Recurrent Disc Herniation: 5% to 25% within 5 years after single-level surgery.
- SI Joint Degeneration: Found in 75% of patients 5 years post-lumbar fusion.
- Transitional Syndrome: 36% develop pain in adjacent spinal areas within 5 years.
- Patient Satisfaction: Only 34% report lasting pain relief after surgery; 66% are not satisfied (North et al.).
- Reoperation Success: Success drops with each surgery—30% after the second, 15% after the third, and only 5% after the fourth.
These statistics reveal a harsh truth: spinal surgery often doesn’t deliver the long-term relief patients are promised. And yet, patients continue to be pushed toward the operating table—even after multiple failed procedures.
Is There a Better Way?
Yes. At New Hope Family Chiropractic, we believe in proactive, conservative care. Instead of masking symptoms with drugs or waiting for surgery, we focus on addressing spinal misalignments, decompressing irritated nerves, and restoring function—naturally and non-invasively.
Our approach includes:
- ✅ Chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment and nerve function
- ✅ Non-surgical spinal decompression to reduce disc pressure and promote healing
- ✅ Lifestyle and posture coaching to support long-term results
- ✅ Active rehab and mobility programs customized to your needs
We work to prevent unnecessary surgeries—so you don’t become another FBSS statistic.
Don’t Wait for Surgery to Fail
If you’re considering back surgery or still struggling after one, there’s still hope. You may not need another operation—you may just need a better approach.
Schedule a consultation today with New Hope Family Chiropractic and discover your options for real, lasting relief.