Identifying and Treating Failed Back Syndrome

If you still have severe pain after spine surgery, you might feel frustrated and confused. At Advanced Pain & Spine Management, we understand how discouraging this experience can be. 

Our team, led by George Macrinici, MD, and Jason McAloon, DO, helps patients find relief and regain their independence. We serve communities across the Greater Chicago Area from our offices in Arlington Heights, IL and Bloomingdale, IL. 

If your surgical pain persists, you may be experiencing a condition known as failed back syndrome, also called post-laminectomy syndrome. Here, we help you understand why it happens and how we can treat it.

What is failed back syndrome?

Failed back syndrome is persistent back or leg pain that continues after spine surgery. Many patients worry that their surgeon may have made a mistake or something else went wrong during the procedure.

However, a 2024 review in the Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science explains that this condition can occur even after technically flawless operations. The pain is usually caused by biological factors that surgery cannot control, such as:

• Epidural fibrosis, which is extensive scar tissue forming around nerve roots.
• Progressive degeneration of the discs at adjacent spinal levels.
• Central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hyper-reactive to pain signals.

Doctors now often refer to this condition under the term persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS). Our providers focus on identifying these underlying causes to target your pain at its source.

How do we treat failed back syndrome?

We treat failed back syndrome using advanced, minimally invasive therapies rather than recommending another major operation. Repeat surgeries often fail to correct neuropathic pain. 

Instead, we frequently recommend spinal cord stimulation. This therapy uses mild electrical currents to block hyperactive pain signals before they reach your brain.

While spinal cord stimulation is highly effective for many, it is not a universal cure. Patients can undergo a temporary test trial of a spinal cord stimulator to help determine if the device effectively blocks your nerve pain before you commit to a permanent implant. 

Our team walks you through every step of the trial to ensure it is the right choice for you.

What can you expect during your evaluation?

During your first visit, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to understand your unique pain history. We review your imaging, discuss your past surgeries, and design a personalized treatment plan. 

Beyond spinal cord stimulation, we offer a wide range of options for back pain. These include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and medication management. Our goal is to improve your daily function and help you return to the activities you love.

Persistent post-surgical pain is a reality for many, but effective relief is available. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Arlington Heights, IL or Bloomingdale, IL office.