What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is persistent or recurring back and/or leg pain after spinal surgery.
FBSS does not mean the surgery was a failure — it means the desired pain relief was not achieved or new mechanical or nerve issues developed afterward.
Common procedures associated with FBSS include:
-
Discectomy - Laminectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Decompression surgery
Common Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Symptoms may appear immediately after surgery or develop months to years later and can include:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Nerve pain, burning or electric sensations
- Stiffness and reduced spinal mobility
- Pain that worsens with sitting or standing
- Muscular tightness and guarding
- Reduced tolerance to daily activities
In some cases, symptoms are different from the original pain, which can be especially frustrating for patients.
Why Pain Can Persist After Back Surgery
FBSS usually occurs when mechanical, neurological or functional issues remain unresolved or new ones develop after surgery.
Common contributing factors include:
Degenerative Changes
Disc material may continue to irritate nerve roots, or adjacent discs may become overloaded after surgery.
Scar Tissue Formation
Post-surgical scar tissue can tether or irritate nerves, limiting mobility and increasing pain.
Altered Spinal Mechanics
Fusion or structural changes can increase stress on neighbouring segments, leading to adjacent segment degeneration.
Incomplete Decompression
The nerve may still be partially compressed despite surgery.
Muscle Deconditioning
Extended recovery periods can lead to weakness and instability.
Central Sensitisation
Chronic pain can make the nervous system more reactive, amplifying pain signals.
Why Surgery Alone May Not Resolve Pain
Spinal surgery often addresses structural issues, but does not always correct:
-
Disc hydration - Joint mobility
- Muscle coordination
- Nervous system sensitivity
- Inflammation
- Scar tissue formation
Without addressing these factors, pain may persist or return. This is where non-surgical post-operative care becomes essential.
How Spinal Decompression May Help FBSS
Spinal decompression is often used in FBSS cases when surgery has already occurred and further surgery is not desired or recommended.
Based on the clinical literature you provided, decompression may help by:
Reducing pressure on irritated nerves
Gentle traction can relieve ongoing nerve root compression.
Improving disc hydration
Decompression encourages fluid exchange in remaining discs.
Reducing mechanical stress on adjacent segments
Especially important after fusion surgery.
Improving spinal mobility
Gentle motion without force or manipulation.
Supporting post-surgical recovery
By addressing biomechanics rather than scar tissue alone.
Decompression is non-invasive, controlled and carefully progressed, making it suitable for many post-surgical patients.
Is Decompression safe After Back Surgery?
Yes — when properly assessed and clinically indicated.
Before commencing decompression, we carefully evaluate:
-
Type and level of surgery - Presence of hardware or fusion
- Imaging (MRI/X-ray)
- Spinal stability
Decompression is never applied directly over unstable segments and protocols are modified for post-surgical spines.
What to Expect at Your FBSS Assessment
Comprehensive History Review
We review your surgical timeline, outcomes and current symptoms.
Neurological & Orthopaedic Examination
Assessing nerve function, strength, reflexes and movement.
Imaging Review
MRI or post-surgical imaging helps determine suitability.
Individualised Care Plan
May include:
- • spinal decompression (modified protocol)
- • gentle chiropractic care
- • stabilisation exercises
- • posture and activity guidance
- • gradual reconditioning
Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression After Failed Back Surgery?
Decompression may be suitable for people with:
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Post-surgical scar tissue
- Adjacent segment degeneration
- Persistent sciatica
- Chronic lower back pain after surgery
- Postural compression
- Nerve root irritation
- Recurrent flare-ups that never fully resolve
We do not offer decompression to people with:
- Spinal tumours
- Unstable fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Diagnosed spondylolisthesis grade III or IV
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Pregnancy
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
While it varies, most people require a structured program of:
- 2–3 sessions per week
- for 6–10 weeks
Disc healing is gradual, and ongoing congestion must be relieved consistently. We incorporate chiropractic care, decompression and rehabilitation to improve long-term stability — not just short-term pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — when properly assessed and supervised by a trained chiropractor. Manufacturer-provided clinical information and published research relating to BTL spinal decompression systems indicate that, when appropriately prescribed and supervised, spinal decompression is generally well tolerated in eligible patients. As with any clinical intervention, suitability must be determined through individual assessment, and responses may vary.
No. Most people find it relaxing. You should not feel pain during treatment.
Many cases of persistent sciatica after surgery are caused by recurrent disc issues or scar tissue. Decompression may help reduce nerve compression and improve symptoms.
This varies. We combine decompression with corrective chiropractic care and rehabilitation to support long-term results.
MRIs are helpful but not required. Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is needed before proceeding.
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