What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Failed Back Surgery Syndrom (FBSS) is a condition that occurs in patients who have had one or more lower back surgeries without long-term relief of symptoms, and they have persistent or recurring pain in their lower back and legs. The condition is extremely frustrating to the patient who must deal with an array of problems including intractable back pain, disability, dysfunction and psychological disturbances that develop due to the decline in their quality of life. It is not unusual for an FBSS patient to require the services of disability advocates, psychologists, therapists, and marriage counselors.

What causes Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Frustratingly, there is no single cause for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. These patients are often the most challenging cases for neurosurgeons. Their poor surgical outcomes are puzzling, and their failure to respond to long-term conservative treatments are disappointing. One common thread is that neuropathic pain is common to all sufferers. Unfortunately, the conventional treatments for this type of pain do not seem to work for FBSS patients who may be viewed by their medical teams as “hopeless.”

What are the treatments for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

One approach is to view the patient as more than a collection of failed diagnoses. As Wilkinson notes in his book “The Failed Back Syndrome” just as there are a variety of causes of the failed back syndrome, there are also a variety of therapies.(1)

Dr. Nourian’s takes a holistic approach to assessing the needs of patients suffering from FBSS. He will work with the patient’s counselors and therapists to develop a 360-degree understanding of the patient’s symptoms, challenges and lifestyle. To this team, Dr. Nourian can bring a holistic mindset and a proven, conservative, non-surgical treatment plan that may include alternative non-surgical treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, physical therapy, diet and non-opioid pain relief. By providing more alternatives for care, Dr. Nourian is providing more opportunity for recovery for the FBSS patient.

Where there was a hopeless diagnosis, there is hope for recovery. If the nonsurgical treatments are not successful in reducing the patient’s neuropathic pain, Doctor Nourian will review all appropriate surgical options and potential risks and work closely with the patient and his support team before pursuing a surgical option.

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What Patients Think About Dr. Nourian

Awesome awesome doctor!!!very nice to all his patient! Dr. Nourian is very kind and caring. A very pleasant man and easy to communicate with. He saw my son when he injured his hip and He took extra good care of him. After 2 wks he was able to resume sports. He’s not only a very good orthopedic surgeon but also an amazing Spine doctor. He always make sure he always gets the job done. 2 Thumbs up to this Doctor!!!??

Regz Ramos

Patient

Dr. Nourian was fantastic! He was able to alleviate my back pain. I would recommend him to anyone

Nikesh Patel

Patient

Dr. Nourian is the best. His bedside manner is friendly and professional and his staff is excellent. I went to see him after a terrible whiplash injury when I rear-ended while driving. After receiving my MRI results, the doctor was quick to reach out and went over my options with me. He really cares about his patients.

Michelle Sadighpour Shophet

Patient

Dr. Nourian is an outstanding physician. I injured my back while exercising recently. I went to see him, and he explained my injury to me in detail. He told me that my injury would most likely heal without surgery, but if I needed surgery in the future he would get me through it. He is honest, intelligent, and forthcoming. I am thankful for him as my spine physician.

Michael Broukhim

Patient

Dr. Nourian was absolutely fantastic. I was struggling with intense lower back pain. He took his time 40 minutes to be exact to see me and review everything with me after another follow up we decided to do surgery. Thank god!!! I’m back to working out, picking up my child, and living my best life. I was so hesitant to do surgery but he was a true god send. He would call me weekly to see how I’m doing.

Sara Sadig

Patient

Dr. Nourian is smart, caring, attentive and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend him as an orthopedic surgeon!

Sharon Darouvar Greiner

Patient

Great with patients and consciences of patient’s time as well as needs. He will spend time to assure the patients with respect to treatment plan and follow-up was amazing with my auntie’s back issues.

Connie Esparza

Patient

An extremely knowledgeable doctor with wonderful bedside manner. He clearly explained every step of the procedure and eased all my worries. My back is feeling great thanks to Doctor Nourian

Ashley Sadig

Patient

After seeing three doctors and all of them saying I should operate Dr Nourian was able to address and issue without and surgery. I got an epidural and did physical therapy and I’m able to run around with my grand child. He’s truly a gem. Everyone at the office was friendly and supportive.

Katrin Sadighpour

Patient

Dr. Nurian explained everything very well and preformed the surgery exactly as planned. I woke up pain free and the surgery pain was gone in five days. Could not give him enough praise.

Wade Savage

Patient