Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Spinal Decompression for Failed Back Surgery | Sunbury & Melton
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome refers to ongoing pain or symptoms that continue after spinal surgery. Spinal decompression therapy may be suitable for some patients experiencing persistent disc-related pain, nerve irritation, or spinal pressure following surgery.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, spinal decompression is combined with detailed assessment and personalised care planning. Treatment suitability depends on factors such as the type of surgery performed, current symptoms, imaging findings, and overall health. Patients from Sunbury, Melton and surrounding areas can book an assessment to discuss whether spinal decompression may be an appropriate option.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), also known as persistent spinal pain syndrome, describes ongoing or recurring pain after one or more spinal surgeries. Spinal decompression therapy may help some people with persistent back or leg symptoms after surgery by reducing mechanical stress on spinal structures, improving movement, and supporting a personalised rehabilitation approach. However, suitability depends on the cause of symptoms and an individual assessment.
Spinal surgery can be successful for many people, but some patients continue to experience pain, stiffness, nerve-related symptoms, or reduced function despite technically successful procedures. These symptoms may occur due to ongoing disc problems, scar tissue, altered biomechanics, nerve irritation, muscle weakness, or changes in spinal movement patterns.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, patients in Sunbury, Melton and surrounding areas can receive a comprehensive assessment to understand contributing factors behind ongoing symptoms after back surgery. Spinal decompression may be considered as part of a broader management plan that can include exercise rehabilitation, lifestyle advice, and other conservative care strategies.
Early assessment is important because persistent spinal symptoms can become more difficult to manage over time. Understanding the underlying cause of pain helps determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate or whether referral to a GP, spinal specialist, or other healthcare provider is required.
Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe persistent or recurring spinal pain following one or more back surgeries. The name can be misleading because it does not necessarily mean that the surgery was unsuccessful. In many cases, surgery may have corrected the original problem, but other factors can contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Modern clinical literature increasingly uses the term Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome (PSPS) because it better reflects the complexity of these cases. Persistent pain after surgery is often caused by multiple interacting factors involving the spine, nerves, muscles, joints, nervous system sensitivity, and physical function.
The spine is a complex structure made up of:
Vertebrae (bones that provide support and protection)
Intervertebral discs that act as cushions between spinal bones
Facet joints that guide spinal movement
Ligaments that provide stability
Muscles and tendons that control movement
Spinal nerves that transmit signals between the brain and body
Surgery may involve procedures such as:
Discectomy or microdiscectomy to remove part of a damaged disc
Spinal fusion to stabilise movement between vertebrae
Laminectomy to create more space around spinal nerves
Disc replacement procedures
Although these procedures can be effective for carefully selected patients, some individuals continue to experience symptoms afterwards.
How Treatment May Help
How Spinal Decompression Therapy May Help Failed Back Surgery Symptoms
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment approach designed to apply controlled, gentle traction forces to the spine. The goal is to reduce mechanical stress on spinal structures and encourage improved movement patterns in carefully selected patients.
For people experiencing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) or persistent spinal pain after surgery, spinal decompression may be considered as part of a broader conservative care plan. However, it is important to understand that spinal decompression is not a replacement for surgery, specialist care, or rehabilitation. It is one possible tool that may assist certain patients depending on the cause of their symptoms.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, spinal decompression assessment involves understanding the reason for previous surgery, current symptoms, physical function, medical history, and any available imaging or specialist reports before determining whether treatment may be appropriate.
What Happens During Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression uses a specialised treatment table that allows controlled movement and unloading of specific areas of the spine.
During treatment:
The patient lies comfortably on a specialised decompression table
The practitioner applies carefully measured traction forces
The spine is gently unloaded through controlled cycles
Treatment parameters are adjusted according to the individual
The patient remains relaxed throughout the procedure
Unlike traditional stretching, spinal decompression is designed to provide controlled mechanical forces that target specific spinal regions.
The aim is not to force the spine into position but to create conditions that may reduce excessive loading and improve tolerance to movement.
How Spinal Decompression May Influence the Spine
Several proposed mechanisms explain how spinal decompression may help some patients.
1. Reducing Mechanical Pressure
After back surgery, some individuals continue experiencing symptoms related to loading of spinal discs, joints, or surrounding tissues.
Controlled decompression forces may temporarily reduce compressive forces within spinal structures, which may help some patients tolerate movement more comfortably.
This may be particularly relevant for people experiencing symptoms associated with:
Disc degeneration
Disc bulging
Mechanical back pain
Certain forms of nerve irritation
However, decompression does not physically "pull a disc back into place" in every case, and outcomes depend on the underlying condition.
2. Supporting Disc Health and Fluid Movement
Intervertebral discs have limited blood supply and rely partly on movement and pressure changes to assist nutrient exchange.
Research suggests spinal unloading may influence fluid movement within discs. This has led to theories that decompression may support a healthier disc environment.
However, evidence remains mixed, and more research is needed to determine which patients benefit most.
3. Improving Movement Tolerance
Persistent pain after surgery can lead to:
Reduced activity
Fear of movement
Muscle weakness
Stiffness
Reduced confidence
Spinal decompression may be used alongside rehabilitation strategies to help patients gradually return to comfortable movement.
The goal is not simply reducing pain but improving function, strength, and confidence.
4. Reducing Irritation Around Sensitive Structures
Some post-surgical patients experience nerve-related symptoms caused by ongoing irritation rather than a single obvious compression point.
By altering spinal loading patterns, decompression may help reduce sensitivity in some cases.
However, symptoms involving:
Progressive weakness
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Significant neurological changes
require urgent medical assessment rather than conservative treatment alone.
Treatment Goals for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
The goals of spinal decompression for suitable patients may include:
Reducing mechanical stress on spinal tissues
Improving comfort during movement
Supporting mobility
Improving tolerance to daily activities
Complementing rehabilitation exercises
Reducing reliance on passive care alone
Helping patients regain confidence with movement
A successful outcome is not always complete pain elimination. For many chronic spinal conditions, meaningful improvement may involve improved function, better quality of life, and greater ability to participate in normal activities.
Types of Pain Associated With Failed Back Surgery
Understanding the type of pain is important because different tissues require different management approaches.
Muscular Pain
Muscular pain may occur due to:
Reduced activity after surgery
Muscle weakness
Protective tension around painful areas
Changes in movement patterns
Muscle-related pain is often described as aching, tightness, fatigue, or soreness.
Joint-Related Pain
The small joints at the back of the spine, known as facet joints, can become overloaded after changes in spinal movement. This may contribute to local back pain and stiffness.
Nerve Pain
Nerve-related pain occurs when spinal nerves become irritated or compressed. Symptoms may include:
Shooting pain
Burning sensations
Electric shock-like pain
Tingling
Numbness
This may occur due to recurrent disc problems, narrowing around nerves, inflammation, scar tissue, or altered spinal mechanics.
Referred Pain
Referred pain occurs when pain is felt away from its source. For example, irritation from structures in the lower back may contribute to discomfort in the buttock or upper leg without direct nerve damage.
Why Can Pain Continue After Back Surgery?
There are several possible reasons symptoms may persist after surgery.
Recurrent or Ongoing Disc Problems
Although surgery may remove damaged disc material, the remaining disc tissue can still undergo degenerative changes. In some cases, another disc bulge or irritation may develop.
Scar Tissue Formation
Surgery naturally creates healing tissue. In some individuals, scar tissue around nerves may contribute to ongoing irritation or sensitivity.
Changes in Spinal Mechanics
Fusion procedures or changes in movement patterns can alter how forces are distributed through the spine. Nearby joints and tissues may experience increased stress.
Nerve Sensitivity
Sometimes nerves remain sensitive after the original compression has been treated. The nervous system can become more reactive, causing symptoms to continue even when structural problems have improved.
Muscle Weakness and Reduced Function
After surgery, reduced movement can lead to:
Lower muscle strength
Reduced spinal stability
Poor movement coordination
Reduced confidence with activity
A rehabilitation-focused approach is often important for restoring function.
Common Symptoms After Back Surgery
Symptoms associated with failed back surgery syndrome can vary significantly between individuals. Some people experience mainly local back pain, while others have nerve-related symptoms affecting the legs.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent lower back pain
Recurring pain after an initial improvement
Pain travelling into the buttock, hip, or leg
Tingling or pins and needles sensations
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Reduced spinal movement
Difficulty standing or walking for longer periods
Increased pain with sitting
Muscle tightness or protective guarding
Symptoms may be constant or may come and go depending on activity levels, posture, stress, sleep quality, and physical demands.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Your Spinal Decompression Assessment at Health Wise Chiropractic
A spinal decompression appointment begins with a detailed assessment to understand your symptoms, previous treatment history, and whether decompression is appropriate for your condition.
Because Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can have many different causes, a careful evaluation is important before beginning treatment.
1. Health History and Consultation
Your practitioner will discuss:
Your previous spinal surgery or surgeries
The original reason for surgery
Current symptoms and their location
How symptoms affect daily activities
Previous treatments and their outcomes
Current medications or medical conditions
Any imaging reports such as MRI or X-ray findings
Important questions may include:
When did your symptoms return after surgery?
Is your pain mainly in your back, legs, or both?
Do you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness?
What activities improve or worsen your symptoms?
This information helps identify whether symptoms appear mechanical, muscular, joint-related, nerve-related, or require further medical investigation.
2. Physical Examination
A physical examination may include:
Posture Assessment
Your practitioner may assess:
Spinal alignment
Weight distribution
Movement patterns
Areas of increased tension
Range of Motion Testing
This may evaluate:
Bending movements
Extension movements
Rotation
Functional movement limitations
Neurological Assessment
Where appropriate, assessment may include:
Muscle strength testing
Reflex testing
Sensation testing
Nerve-related symptoms
Functional Assessment
This may look at:
Walking patterns
Sitting tolerance
Daily movement challenges
Exercise capacity
3. Treatment Suitability Assessment
Following the examination, your practitioner will discuss whether spinal decompression may be suitable.
Factors considered include:
The type of spinal surgery performed
Current symptoms
Duration of symptoms
Presence of neurological signs
Available imaging
Overall health status
Not every person with persistent pain after surgery is suitable for spinal decompression.
If symptoms suggest a condition requiring medical investigation, referral to a GP or specialist may be recommended.
4. Spinal Decompression Treatment
If appropriate, treatment involves positioning comfortably on a specialised decompression table.
During treatment:
The spine is placed in a supported position
Controlled traction forces are applied
The intensity is adjusted to individual tolerance
The patient remains relaxed during the session
Many patients describe decompression as a gentle pulling or stretching sensation rather than a painful procedure.
Treatment duration and frequency vary depending on individual needs.
5. Aftercare and Rehabilitation Advice
Following treatment, your practitioner may provide guidance regarding:
Safe movement strategies
Activity modification
Home exercises
Posture and ergonomics
Strengthening progressions
Lifestyle factors affecting recovery
Active rehabilitation is an important part of long-term spinal health because improving strength, mobility, and confidence with movement can support better outcomes.
Home Care & Exercises
The following beginner-friendly exercises may support people recovering from persistent back pain after surgery. Exercises should be individualised, particularly for people with a history of spinal surgery.
Stop and seek professional advice if exercises significantly increase pain, numbness, weakness, or nerve symptoms.
1. Walking Program
Purpose:
Walking promotes gentle spinal movement, circulation, and general conditioning.
Instructions:
Start with a comfortable walking pace
Keep your posture relaxed
Avoid pushing through increasing pain
Gradually increase distance over time
Frequency:
5–7 days per week
Starting goal:
5–10 minutes initially
Progression:
Increase by a few minutes every several days as tolerated
Aim towards 20–30 minutes of comfortable walking
2. Pelvic Tilts
Purpose:
Helps improve awareness of lower back movement and gentle spinal mobility.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with knees bent
Gently flatten your lower back towards the floor
Hold for 3–5 seconds
Relax and repeat
Repetitions:
10 repetitions
Frequency:
Once daily
Progression:
Increase repetitions gradually if comfortable
3. Cat-Camel Mobility Exercise
Purpose:
Encourages gentle spinal movement and reduces stiffness.
Instructions:
Begin on hands and knees
Slowly round your back upwards
Gently move into a comfortable arch
Move slowly without forcing range
Repetitions:
10 slow repetitions
Frequency:
Daily or as recommended
Progression:
Increase movement range gradually
4. Glute Bridge Exercise
Purpose:
Strengthens the muscles supporting the pelvis and lower back.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with knees bent
Tighten abdominal muscles gently
Lift your hips slowly
Hold briefly
Lower with control
Repetitions:
8–10 repetitions
Frequency:
3 times per week
Progression:
Increase repetitions or holding time as strength improves
5. Abdominal Bracing
Purpose:
Improves deep core muscle activation and spinal support.
Instructions:
Lie comfortably or sit upright
Gently tighten abdominal muscles as if preparing for movement
Continue breathing normally
Hold the contraction
Repetitions:
Hold for 5–10 seconds
Repeat 10 times
Frequency:
Daily
Progression:
Perform during functional activities such as lifting or standing tasks
Prevention Tips
Although not all cases of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can be prevented, maintaining good spinal health and supporting recovery after surgery may reduce the likelihood of ongoing problems.
Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture does not directly cause all back problems, but prolonged positions may increase stress on spinal structures.
Helpful strategies include:
Avoid staying in one position for long periods
Change posture regularly throughout the day
Keep shoulders relaxed and avoid prolonged slouching
Maintain a neutral spine position during activities
Use supportive seating when working or travelling
Optimise Your Workstation Setup
Many people spend significant time sitting at work, which can contribute to stiffness and reduced movement.
Consider:
Adjusting your chair height so your feet are supported
Keeping your computer screen at eye level
Supporting your lower back if required
Keeping frequently used items within easy reach
Taking movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
For patients returning to work after spinal surgery, gradual increases in activity are usually more beneficial than sudden increases in workload.
Use Safe Lifting Techniques
Incorrect lifting may aggravate spinal symptoms.
Helpful lifting strategies include:
Plan the lift before starting
Keep the load close to your body
Bend through the hips and knees rather than rounding the lower back excessively
Avoid twisting while lifting
Ask for assistance with heavy or awkward objects
Building strength through rehabilitation can improve confidence with lifting and daily activities.
Prioritise Sleep Quality
Sleep plays an important role in recovery and pain management.
Helpful strategies include:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow setup
Avoid prolonged uncomfortable positions
Create a relaxing bedtime routine
Manage stress before sleep
Poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain and may make recovery more challenging.
Stay Physically Active
Regular movement is one of the most important aspects of long-term spinal health.
Suitable activities may include:
Walking
Swimming
Strength training
Mobility exercises
Individualised rehabilitation exercises
Exercise should be progressed gradually and according to your symptoms, especially after spinal surgery.
Include Mobility and Stretching
Gentle mobility exercises may help maintain movement and reduce stiffness.
Examples include:
Gentle spinal mobility exercises
Hip mobility exercises
Hamstring flexibility exercises
Regular movement breaks throughout the day
Stretching should feel comfortable and should not reproduce significant nerve symptoms.
Manage Stress and Muscle Tension
Persistent pain can affect stress levels, mood, and muscle tension.
Helpful approaches include:
Relaxation exercises
Breathing techniques
Maintaining social connections
Returning gradually to enjoyable activities
Seeking support when pain affects daily life
A comprehensive approach often produces better long-term outcomes than focusing only on the painful area.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome varies significantly between individuals. The timeline depends on factors such as the type of surgery performed, the underlying cause of symptoms, duration of pain, physical condition, and response to treatment.
Spinal decompression is not a guaranteed solution and recovery should be viewed as a gradual process involving assessment, appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes.
Mild Cases
People with milder persistent symptoms may experience improvements over a shorter timeframe.
This may include:
Reduced stiffness
Improved movement tolerance
Better comfort with daily activities
Increased confidence with exercise
Some patients may notice changes within several weeks, although individual responses vary.
Moderate Cases
Moderate cases may involve:
Longer-standing pain
Reduced activity levels
Muscle weakness
Intermittent nerve symptoms
Recovery may require a combination of:
Spinal decompression where appropriate
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Lifestyle modifications
Activity changes
Improvement may occur gradually over several months.
Persistent or Complex Cases
People with long-term symptoms after multiple surgeries or significant nerve involvement may require a more comprehensive approach.
Management may involve:
Ongoing rehabilitation
Medical review
Specialist input
Pain management strategies
Functional goals rather than focusing only on pain reduction
Recovery is often measured by improvements such as:
Walking further
Returning to work
Sleeping better
Increasing activity levels
Improving quality of life
Factors That May Influence Recovery
Recovery may be affected by:
The original cause of surgery
Number and type of surgeries
Duration of symptoms
Age and general health
Physical activity levels
Strength and conditioning
Sleep quality
Stress levels
Consistency with rehabilitation
A personalised assessment helps determine realistic goals and appropriate treatment options.
What Does the Evidence Say About Spinal Decompression for Failed Back Surgery?
Scientific evidence regarding spinal decompression therapy is developing, but evidence specifically for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome remains limited.
Most research on spinal decompression has focused on conditions such as:
Chronic low back pain
Disc-related pain
Lumbar disc herniation
Sciatica-like symptoms
Some studies report improvements in pain levels and function for selected patients receiving spinal decompression. However, researchers note limitations including:
Small participant numbers
Different treatment methods between studies
Limited long-term follow-up
Difficulty comparing decompression with other conservative treatments
Evidence Strength
Current evidence can be considered:
More supportive for:
Selected patients with mechanical low back pain
Some disc-related conditions
Short-term symptom improvement in certain groups
Less established for:
Persistent pain specifically following spinal surgery
Reversal of structural spinal changes
Long-term prevention of future spinal problems
Back pain is one of the most common health conditions affecting Australians and represents a significant cause of disability and healthcare use.
Reliable Australian data indicates:
Around 4 million Australians live with back problems, making it one of the most common chronic health conditions in Australia.
Low back pain is among the leading contributors to years lived with disability worldwide and in Australia.
Many Australians experience episodes of low back pain during their lifetime.
Spinal surgery rates vary depending on condition, healthcare access, and clinical indications.
A proportion of patients continue to experience persistent pain or functional limitations following spinal surgery.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is considered a complex clinical condition rather than a single diagnosis. The exact prevalence varies because definitions differ between studies, surgical procedures, and patient groups.
Research suggests that persistent pain after spinal surgery may occur in a meaningful minority of patients, particularly after procedures involving complex spinal conditions.
Because persistent spinal pain can have multiple causes, Australian and international clinical approaches increasingly emphasise:
Individual assessment
Active rehabilitation
Education
Appropriate medical review
Multidisciplinary care when required
Sources of Australian health information include the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and Australian clinical research literature
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), also called Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome, describes ongoing or recurring pain and symptoms after spinal surgery. It does not necessarily mean that surgery was unsuccessful. Some people continue experiencing symptoms due to factors such as nerve irritation, scar tissue, changes in spinal mechanics, disc problems, muscle weakness, or nervous system sensitivity.
2. Can spinal decompression help after back surgery?
Spinal decompression may help some people experiencing persistent spinal symptoms after surgery, particularly when symptoms have a mechanical component such as disc-related pain or discomfort associated with spinal loading.
However, it is not suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment is required to determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate based on the type of surgery, current symptoms, medical history, and examination findings.
3. Is spinal decompression safe after spinal surgery?
Spinal decompression may be suitable for some people after spinal surgery, but timing and suitability depend on the individual case.
Patients who have recently undergone surgery, have spinal instability, significant neurological symptoms, or other medical concerns may require clearance from their surgeon or medical specialist before beginning treatment.
4. How does spinal decompression work?
Spinal decompression uses controlled traction forces to gently unload targeted areas of the spine.
The goal is to reduce mechanical stress, improve movement tolerance, and support rehabilitation. The treatment does not force the spine into position and does not guarantee that discs or spinal structures will return to their original state.
5. How many spinal decompression sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies between individuals.
Factors that influence treatment plans include:
Duration of symptoms
Previous spinal surgery
Current level of pain
Functional limitations
Response to treatment
Your practitioner will discuss a personalised approach after completing an assessment.
6. Can spinal decompression fix a failed back surgery?
Spinal decompression is not considered a cure for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.
Persistent pain after surgery is often complex and may involve several contributing factors. Treatment aims to improve symptoms, function, and quality of life where appropriate rather than guarantee complete resolution.
Some patients may benefit from conservative care, while others may require additional medical or specialist management.
7. What symptoms after back surgery require urgent medical attention?
Seek urgent medical assessment if you experience:
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around the groin or saddle area
Rapidly worsening leg weakness
Severe sudden changes in symptoms
Fever or signs of infection
Significant trauma or injury
These symptoms may require immediate medical evaluation.
8. Can I have spinal decompression if I have metal implants or a spinal fusion?
Having spinal hardware or a spinal fusion does not automatically mean spinal decompression is unsuitable.
However, assessment is essential because treatment suitability depends on:
The location of the fusion
The reason for surgery
Healing status
Current symptoms
Overall spinal stability
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional medical review if required.
9. Is spinal decompression better than surgery?
Spinal decompression and surgery serve different purposes.
Surgery may be required for certain structural problems, severe nerve compression, instability, or emergency situations.
Spinal decompression is a conservative treatment option that may be considered for selected patients who do not require surgical intervention or who are seeking non-surgical management options.
10. Can exercise help Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Yes. Exercise rehabilitation is commonly considered an important part of managing persistent spinal pain.
Appropriate exercise may help improve:
Strength
Mobility
Confidence with movement
Functional ability
Exercises should be tailored to the individual, particularly after spinal surgery.
Persistent pain after spinal surgery can be frustrating, especially when symptoms continue despite previous treatment. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is an important first step towards choosing appropriate care.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our experienced practitioners provide personalised assessments to determine whether spinal decompression therapy or other conservative treatment options may be suitable for your condition.
Every patient is different, and recommendations depend on your surgical history, symptoms, examination findings, and individual goals.
If you are experiencing ongoing back pain, leg symptoms, stiffness, or reduced movement after surgery, contact Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury or Melton to discuss your options.
Book an appointment online today or speak with our team to arrange an assessment and receive personalised advice about your next steps.