Picking Up Where We Left Off
In our last post, we explored the most common reasons why some people continue to struggle with pain after spine surgery, what’s often called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) or Persistent Spine Pain Syndrome. These conditions can leave patients feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or even dismissed. But there’s good news:
Once we know why you’re still in pain, there’s a clear path forward.
At Vertrae®, we offer a full spectrum of post-surgical treatment options, from diagnostic clarity to targeted therapies, all designed to address your unique pain generators and help you reclaim your life.
Whether you’re struggling with nerve pain, hardware issues, or inflammation that just won’t go away, you’re not alone and you do have options.
Let’s walk through them together.
Step 1: Start With Conservative Care
For many patients, the next best step isn’t another surgery. It’s getting the right conservative treatment: focused, evidence-backed, and led by spine experts.
Spine-Focused Physical Therapy
At Vertrae®, our in-house physical therapy team specializes in post-surgical recovery. We focus on:
- Reactivating the multifidus and deep core stabilizers
- Improving spine mechanics and reducing compensatory pain
- Targeted exercises tailored to your surgical history
Why it matters: Many people don’t realize their muscles “shut down” after injury or surgery. PT is often the missing piece in long-term recovery.
Step 2: Interventional & Regenerative Treatments
When conservative care isn’t enough, Vertrae® offers a range of outpatient procedures to help reduce inflammation, repair tissue, and calm irritated nerves, without major surgery.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
- Reduces inflammation around spinal nerves
- Fast, targeted relief for radiating pain, numbness, or weakness
Best for: Re-herniated discs, scar tissue irritation, or nerve inflammation
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
- Uses your own blood’s healing properties to support recovery
- Can be injected into discs, joints, or muscles
Best for: Early disc degeneration, joint-related pain, and patients seeking natural, non-steroidal healing
- Minimally invasive procedure that targets nerve endings inside the vertebra
- Treats chronic low back pain from Modic changes or vertebrogenic pain
Best for: Patients with ongoing axial back pain and MRI findings of vertebral endplate changes
Step 3: Neuromodulation (The Breakthrough Option)
When pain is persistent, especially after back surgery, and clearly nerve-related (burning, tingling, shooting sensations, or numbness), neuromodulation may be the answer.
One of the most effective options is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). This treatment doesn’t just mask pain. It changes the way your nervous system processes it.
How It Works
SCS involves a small device (similar to a pacemaker) that is implanted under the skin. It sends gentle electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
For many patients, this means dramatic reduction in pain, better sleep, improved function, and a path back to daily life.
It Starts With a Trial
Before any permanent device is implanted, we start with a temporary trial, a key reason so many patients feel confident moving forward.
- A thin wire is placed near the spinal cord during a short outpatient procedure.
- The wire connects to an external stimulator that you wear for 5–7 days.
- You “test drive” the therapy at home to see how much pain relief you get.
If the trial is successful (which is for most patients), we proceed with permanent implantation using a small, battery-powered device hidden under the skin.
Why Vertrae® Patients Succeed
We don’t just offer SCS, we specialize in it:
- Careful Selection: We make sure you’re a good candidate before you ever start.
- Education First: You’ll understand every step before you commit.
- Team Support: Our surgical and therapy teams walk with you the whole way.
- Latest Technology: We offer the most advanced stimulators from leading brands—with features like Bluetooth control and MRI compatibility.
Who Benefits Most?
SCS is especially effective for:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
- Neuropathic leg pain or sciatica
- Nerve root damage or chronic nerve inflammation
- Pain unresponsive to injections, medications, or therapy
Step 4: Advanced Surgical Solutions (Only When Truly Needed)
Sometimes, despite best efforts, surgery is still part of the answer—but at Vertrae®, it’s never the first option. When it is needed, we make it:
- Minimally invasive
- Outpatient when possible
- Guided by your unique anatomy, not a one-size-fits-all approach
Hardware Revision or Removal
If screws or rods are causing pain, we evaluate if removal is safe and helpful.
Fusion Revision or Pseudoarthrosis Repair
If a prior fusion didn’t fully heal, we use advanced imaging and techniques to stabilize the spine and promote healing.
Treating Adjacent Segment Disease
When stress causes breakdown above or below a fusion, we manage it with:
- Injections, PT, PRP, or
- Minimally invasive extension procedures (when appropriate)
We also evaluate newer technologies such as:
- Motion-preserving solutions
- Lateral and endoscopic access options
- Augmented imaging for precision and safety
What Sets Vertrae® Apart
You don’t just get a surgeon. You get a dedicated spine team under one roof.
- Board-Certified, Dual-Fellowship Trained Surgeon
Dr. Kamal Woods brings deep experience in both neurosurgery and orthopedic spine care. - In-House PT, Imaging, and Supportive Services
Our physical therapists, PAs, nurses, and staff all specialize in the spine. No generalists—just spine experts. - Spine-Only Outpatient Surgery Center
Designed from the ground up for same-day spine procedures. - Advanced Tools Like ReActiv8®, PRP, and Ablation
Not every patient needs surgery. We offer a wide range of leading-edge treatments that many hospitals don’t. - Compassionate, Human-Centered Care
We know this journey is hard. We meet you with expertise—and empathy.
You’re Not Alone. You’re Just Not Done Yet.
Still in pain after spine surgery? Don’t settle for temporary fixes or repeat surgeries without answers. At Vertrae®, we specialize in second opinions, advanced diagnostics, and breakthrough treatments like spinal cord stimulation.
You’re not without options; you just need the right next step.
Call our spine specialists at (844) 255-2225
Explore more treatment options at www.vertrae.com/treatments
Vertrae® proudly serves patients from Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and across Southwest Ohio, including those traveling from Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion or ready to explore new solutions, we’re here to help you get back on track.
