Failed back syndrome refers to persistent pain — or even worsening pain — after previous treatments, including surgery. While some types of spine surgery are more likely to lead to successful pain relief than others, failed back syndrome can be treated successfully.

Many patients in this condition turn to the combined team of orthopedic spine and neuroscience specialists at Norton Leatherman spine for help when they have continued pain, weakness, lack of mobility and other symptoms despite previous treatments.

Failed Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion surgery stabilizes the spine by creating bone grafts that fuse some of the vertebrae together to provide stability and relieve pain. The surgery itself creates an environment for the bone graft to grow around a structure to accomplish the fusion.

A stabilized and somewhat immobile spine is necessary for the bone graft to grow successfully. Failed back syndrome after spinal fusion surgery can be the result of the vertebrae failing to fuse completely.

While patients are recovering from spinal fusion surgery, Norton Leatherman Spine physicians recommend they walk often, but avoid bending, twisting and lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds until cleared by their physician.

Failed Back Syndrome After Discectomy or Laminectomy

Continued issues after back surgery are often the result of the surgeon not addressing what’s actually causing the pain.

Degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and other conditions where there is pressure on nerve roots or even the spine — causing pain, numbness or weakness — can be difficult to repair surgically.

A new herniated disc can erupt after surgery and can cause failed back syndrome. Another cause can be successful repair of the worst of the herniated discs while less noticeable herniations remained.

A high level of experience and skill are necessary to identify precisely the source of your pain so it can be addressed.

The high number of back surgeries performed at Norton Leatherman Spine means our surgeons have deep experience that allows them to pinpoint your diagnosis and deliver the correct treatment. Our expertise also allows us to address failed back syndrome and get you back to living your best life.

Spine Care From World-renowned Specialists

Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures.

• Nationally recognized spine surgery fellowship program with over 150 trained fellows
• First in the world to perform robotic spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition, demonstrating leadership in surgical innovations
• First health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV
• First in the state of Kentucky to use the EOS Imaging system, a high-resolution image system with 50% to 85% less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays and CT scans
• More than 4,000 surgeries performed each year
• Recognized as a national benchmark for patient-reported outcome measures against spine surgeons across the nation, ensuring high-quality, data-driven care
• A team of 45 highly regarded specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists
• Internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more
• Specialists who have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world
• Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., the program namesake, was the first doctor in Kentucky to repair scoliosis surgically