Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Your Top Questions Answered with ValorSpine

If you’re experiencing persistent or new pain after spinal surgery, you may be one of the many individuals diagnosed with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). This condition can be frustrating and debilitating, often leading to a cycle of discomfort and further attempts at relief. At ValorSpine, we understand the complexities of FBSS and offer advanced, minimally invasive solutions aimed at addressing the underlying causes of your continued pain. This FAQ addresses common concerns about FBSS and how our innovative treatments, like biologic disc repair, can offer a path toward lasting relief.

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a general term used to describe persistent or new chronic pain that continues after spinal surgery, typically for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. It is not a specific diagnosis but rather a descriptor for a patient’s ongoing pain following one or more surgical interventions. The pain can manifest in the same area as the original problem, or it can be different, often radiating into the legs (sciatica) or buttocks. FBSS is a complex challenge, indicating that the initial surgical procedure did not achieve the desired outcome of pain resolution.

Why does FBSS occur, and what are its common causes?

FBSS can result from a variety of factors. Sometimes, the initial surgery didn’t fully address the root cause of the pain, or a new problem developed post-surgery. Common culprits include the formation of epidural scar tissue (fibrosis), which can irritate nerve roots, or persistent or recurrent disc pathology, such as a re-herniation or ongoing annular tears in the treated or adjacent discs. Other factors can include nerve damage during surgery, spinal instability, muscle deconditioning, psychological factors, or even incorrect initial diagnosis, leading to surgery on the wrong source of pain.

How do I know if my chronic pain is due to FBSS?

If you have undergone spinal surgery and continue to experience chronic back, neck, or radiating pain for at least three to six months post-operation, FBSS might be the cause. Symptoms often include persistent aching, sharp, or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limbs, and difficulty with daily activities. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is crucial. This typically involves a detailed review of your surgical history, a physical examination, and advanced imaging such as an MRI to identify potential anatomical issues contributing to your ongoing pain.

Can ValorSpine’s treatments help if I’ve already had spine surgery and still have pain?

Yes, ValorSpine specializes in helping patients who have experienced failed back surgery. Our approach focuses on identifying and treating the underlying disc pathology, often persistent annular tears or degenerative changes, that may have been overlooked or exacerbated by previous surgeries. We understand that many FBSS cases stem from unresolved internal disc damage. Our minimally invasive biologic disc repair, such as intra-annular fibrin injection, offers a unique opportunity to address these issues directly, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and providing relief where previous surgeries have fallen short. In fact, studies show positive outcomes for 80% of failed surgery patients with this treatment.

How does intra-annular fibrin injection differ from traditional revision surgeries for FBSS?

Intra-annular fibrin injection is fundamentally different from revision surgery. Traditional revision surgeries for FBSS often involve more invasive procedures like fusion, further decompression, or removal of scar tissue. These carry their own set of risks, extended recovery times, and may not always address the fundamental disc problem. In contrast, our fibrin disc treatment is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. It aims to repair and seal the disc’s outer wall (annulus) and promote healing within the disc, rather than removing tissue or fusing segments. This approach preserves spinal mobility and reduces surgical trauma.

What makes fibrin disc treatment a suitable option for FBSS patients?

Fibrin disc treatment is particularly well-suited for FBSS patients because it directly targets a common underlying cause of persistent pain: annular tears and internal disc disruption. Many spinal surgeries focus on nerve compression but may not fully address the source of pain from a damaged disc itself. Our biologic disc repair utilizes fibrin, a natural clotting protein, to seal tears in the disc annulus, preventing leakage of inflammatory proteins and promoting healing. This can stabilize the disc and reduce pain without the need for additional invasive surgery, offering hope to those for whom prior interventions failed.

Is the intra-annular fibrin injection procedure painful for someone with existing surgical pain?

The intra-annular fibrin injection procedure is generally well-tolerated. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically using local anesthesia at the injection site, with optional light sedation to ensure your comfort. While some patients may experience temporary discomfort or pressure during the injection, it is usually minimal compared to surgical pain. Post-procedure, you might feel some localized soreness for a few days, which is a normal part of the healing response. We prioritize patient comfort throughout the entire process, especially for those with a history of chronic pain.

What is the typical recovery time after biologic disc repair for FBSS?

Recovery after biologic disc repair is significantly less intensive than traditional spine surgery. Most patients are able to walk within 30 minutes of the outpatient procedure and are discharged the same day. For the first few days, you might experience some mild soreness. We typically recommend avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for about four weeks to allow the fibrin to integrate and the disc to begin healing. Light activity, especially walking, is encouraged daily. Full healing can continue for up to 12 months, with most significant pain relief often experienced between 3-6 months post-procedure.

When can I expect to feel relief from my FBSS symptoms after treatment?

Patients typically experience relief at varying rates after biologic disc repair. While some individuals may notice initial improvements within a few weeks, the most significant and sustained pain relief is commonly reported between three to six months post-procedure. This timeline reflects the natural biological process of healing and regeneration within the disc as the fibrin promotes repair of the annular tears and internal disc structure. It’s important to remember that disc healing is a gradual process, and patience, coupled with adherence to post-procedure guidelines, will yield the best long-term outcomes.

What is ValorSpine’s success rate for patients with FBSS?

ValorSpine is proud of the compelling outcomes observed with biologic disc repair for challenging conditions like FBSS. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of this treatment, particularly for those who have not found relief with previous surgeries. In studies, approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with failed back surgery reported positive outcomes following treatment. Furthermore, overall patient satisfaction rates have been reported at 70% at two years or more post-procedure. These statistics highlight the potential for significant pain reduction and improved quality of life for individuals suffering from the persistent pain of FBSS.

Are there risks or side effects specific to FBSS patients undergoing this treatment?

While intra-annular fibrin injection is considered a safe procedure with fewer risks than major spine surgery, potential side effects can occur, similar to any injection. For FBSS patients specifically, the primary concern might be an initial, temporary increase in existing pain or soreness at the injection site for 1-2 weeks as the healing process begins. Other general risks are rare but include infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation. These are carefully mitigated by performing the procedure under fluoroscopic guidance by experienced specialists. We thoroughly discuss all potential risks and benefits with each patient during the consultation.

How do I determine if I am a candidate for ValorSpine’s approach to FBSS?

Determining candidacy for ValorSpine’s biologic disc repair for FBSS begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This typically involves a detailed review of your medical history, including previous surgeries and imaging studies like MRI scans. Our specialists will assess your current symptoms, pinpoint the likely source of your ongoing pain, and determine if an annular tear or disc degeneration is a contributing factor. We look for specific criteria that indicate you would benefit most from our advanced fibrin disc treatment. The best way to understand your options is to schedule a consultation with our expert team.

If you would like to read more, we recommend this article: Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis.