Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Situation 5: Pain Persists After Surgery

Understanding Your Situation

• What is causing the pain?
• Was the surgery successful?
• Does this mean the imaging shows improvement, but pain continues?
• Is this post-surgical spinal pain syndrome (also called FBSS)?
• How long might nerve recovery take?

About Future Treatment

• Will this pain improve over time?
• Is additional treatment needed?
• Is reoperation necessary? What is the success rate of reoperation?
• Is SCS (spinal cord stimulation) an option?
• What is the success rate of SCS for post-surgical pain? (Around 60-80%?)
• Which is better for me -- reoperation or SCS?
• Can you refer me to a pain clinic or SCS specialist?

About post-surgical pain: Even when surgery resolves structural problems, neuropathic pain may remain. This is called "post-surgical spinal pain syndrome" (also known as failed back surgery syndrome, or FBSS), and it is one of the best indications for SCS (success rate 60-80%). If your pain continues 3 to 6 months after surgery, we recommend considering SCS.