Overview

What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is the term often used to describe persistent pain following back or spine surgery. Spine surgery is performed to:

• Decompress pinched nerve roots
• Stabilize a segment of the spine that is moving abnormally
• Correct spinal deformity

Unfortunately, spine surgery cannot directly cure pain. It is only able to change the anatomy of the spine that is a probable cause of back pain.

Incidence of FBSS

• An estimated 10 to 40 percent of people undergoing back surgery are affected.
• Even with the best surgeon and outcomes, surgery is no more than 95 percent effective.