Relief for Persistent Spinal Pain After Surgery (FBSS/PSPS-T2)
Persistent or recurrent pain after spine surgery is common and has updated names: post-laminectomy syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and persistent spinal pain syndrome – type 2 (PSPS-T2). At Midwest Pain & Wellness, we use an opioid-free, evidence-based plan to identify pain generators and restore function.
Is This You? (Common Causes & Symptoms)
Why pain can persist after surgery: recurrent or adjacent-level stenosis/disc herniation, facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain (especially after fusion), postoperative scar tethering, nerve injury/neuropathic pain, or muscular deconditioning. Symptoms range from axial neck/low-back pain to arm/leg (radicular) pain, numbness, weakness, or walking intolerance.
How We Help (3-Step Process)
1) Assess – Focused exam; thorough record and image review. When needed, we obtain MRI/CT to confirm or rule out recurrent compression, hardware issues, or alternative pain generators (facet/SI).
2) Recommend – A written plan that starts with optimized non-operative care (targeted physical therapy, activity modification, neuropathic meds when appropriate). If pain persists, we outline interventional options matched to the diagnosis.
3) Treat – Image-guided procedures chosen for your pattern of pain:
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for radicular pain/stenosis—expect short-term benefit in selected cases.
Facet pathway: diagnostic medial branch blocks → radiofrequency ablation (RFA/rhizotomy) when blocks are positive.
Sacroiliac joint injections/RFA when SI pain drives symptoms after fusion. ScienceDirect
Neuromodulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation, SCS) for neuropathic leg/back pain after surgery when conservative and injection options are inadequate. Evidence and guidelines support SCS vs. conventional medical management in appropriately selected patients.
Our care is collaborative, minimally invasive, and opioid-free.
Why Midwest Pain & Wellness
Opioid-free philosophy + interventional expertise.
Specialist-led evaluation focused on accurate diagnosis before procedures.
Easy access in Chicago Ridge: 10258 Southwest Hwy, Suite B, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 • 708-571-3669.
Post-Laminectomy Pain FAQ's
What is “post-laminectomy syndrome” (FBSS/PSPS-T2)?
Persistent or recurrent spinal pain after surgery. Updated classifications (ICD-11) group this as chronic pain after spinal surgery (also termed PSPS-T2), reflecting that pain may persist for several reasons—not simply “failed” surgery.
How do you figure out what’s still causing my pain?
We combine a careful exam with targeted imaging to look for recurrent stenosis/disc issues, hardware problems, or other pain generators like facet or sacroiliac (SI) joints—both common sources after fusion—then use diagnostic blocks when appropriate.
Do epidural steroid injections help after surgery?
They can provide short-term relief for radicular (nerve) pain in some patients; long-term benefit is limited. We set expectations accordingly and pair injections with rehab.
What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and when is it used?
If your pain tracks to arthritic facet joints, we do medial branch blocks first; with good relief, we may offer RFA/rhizotomy for longer-lasting benefit. Coverage policies and guidelines outline selection steps (e.g., two positive blocks).
When do you consider spinal cord stimulation (SCS)?
For persistent neuropathic back/leg pain after surgery despite conservative care, SCS is an evidence-supported option; modern analyses and UK NICE guidance support its use in appropriate candidates after a successful trial.