21/07/2026
Still in Pain After Spine Surgery? It Could Be Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome - FBSS).
Many patients believe that spine surgery guarantees complete pain relief. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Persistent or recurrent back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or burning pain after spinal surgery may be due to Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, also known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). One of the common causes is epidural fibrosis (scar tissue) around the spinal nerves, which can continue to irritate and compress them.
The good news is that another major surgery is not always the answer.
Modern Interventional Pain Medicine offers minimally invasive treatments that can provide significant relief, including:
âś… Epidural Neuroplasty (adhesiolysis) to release scar tissue around affected nerves
âś… Targeted epidural steroid injections
âś… Radiofrequency ablation for facet joint pain
âś… Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in carefully selected patients
âś… Comprehensive rehabilitation and medication optimization
The key is to identify the actual source of pain before planning further treatment.
If you continue to suffer from pain even after spine surgery, seek an evaluation from an Interventional Pain Specialist before considering repeat surgery. A detailed assessment can help determine whether minimally invasive treatment is a suitable option.
Persistent pain after surgery doesn't always mean you need another operation—it means you need the right diagnosis.
📍 Dr. Anurag Aggarwal
Director & Head, Emergency Medicine & Trauma
Head, Pain & Palliative Care
Fortis Hospital, Noida