Most people never expect to be in the group of patients whose back surgery does not help. But the truth is hard to ignore. Up to 75 percent of all back surgeries either fail to relieve pain or lead to new complications.
This condition is known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. If you have been told surgery is your only option, or if you are still in pain after already having one, you are not alone.
There is hope. Thanks to advanced non-surgical technologies like VAX-D spinal decompression, many people in Pittsburgh are now finding lasting relief without cutting, drugs, or risky procedures.
What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, or FBSS, is a condition where a person continues to experience pain after a spinal surgery. Sometimes, the pain never goes away. In other cases, new pain develops that was not there before surgery.
Even after following medical advice, some patients feel worse than they did before. It can be emotionally and physically devastating.
Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome may include:
- Ongoing or worsening low back pain
- Pain that radiates into the hips or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Limited range of motion
- Continued use of pain medications
- Mental and emotional stress related to the condition
Why So Many Spinal Surgeries Fail
Most patients assume surgery will fix their back problems. But spinal conditions are complex. If the wrong issue is treated, or if healing does not occur as expected, pain continues.
Here are the most common reasons spinal surgeries fail.
The Source of the Pain Was Misdiagnosed
Imaging scans may show disc bulges, degeneration, or narrowing. But just because something shows up on an image does not mean it is the true source of the pain. If the surgeon operates on the wrong level or structure, the pain will remain.
Surgery Creates Scar Tissue and Instability
Surgical procedures often result in scar tissue around nerves. This can create new pain or nerve sensitivity. Additionally, spine fusion surgeries often lead to extra stress on the surrounding discs and joints, which can cause degeneration in nearby levels.
Spinal Mechanics Are Altered
Surgery changes the way the spine moves. If movement is limited or joints are removed or fused, it can affect posture, balance, and load distribution. These changes can contribute to long-term dysfunction.
Degeneration Continues After Surgery
Surgery does not stop the aging process or degeneration. It may remove damaged tissue, but if the spine’s core structure is not restored or supported, degeneration and disc collapse can continue.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Many people delay treatment or avoid follow-up care because they are afraid of hearing bad news or going through another procedure. But waiting can lead to more severe nerve compression, reduced mobility, and long-term damage.
As back pain becomes chronic, patients may rely on medications, lose independence, and feel stuck.
Taking action early is key. The longer pain is ignored, the harder it can be to treat.
A Better Option: VAX-D Spinal Decompression
For patients who want to avoid surgery or who have already had a failed procedure, VAX-D spinal decompression may be the solution.
VAX-D stands for Vertebral Axial Decompression. It is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that gently stretches and decompresses the spine.
This decompression creates negative pressure inside spinal discs, which helps to:
- Relieve pressure on nerves
- Reduce bulging and herniated discs
- Restore lost disc height
- Increase hydration and nutrient flow
- Support the spine’s natural healing process
VAX-D is performed under medical supervision and does not involve medications, injections, or surgery.
What the Latest Research Says
In 2025, updated clinical studies reinforced the success of VAX-D therapy. Research shows it can:
- Retract herniated and bulging discs
- Improve spinal disc height
- Reduce nerve compression
- Relieve pain caused by Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Provide lasting relief without surgical complications
These results are significant, especially for patients who have not found success with physical therapy, injections, or prior surgeries.
Who Is a Candidate for VAX-D?
VAX-D is not for every patient, but it may be appropriate for people diagnosed with:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatic nerve pain
- Spinal stenosis
- Chronic low back pain
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Disc compression without surgical correction
A proper examination and consultation are required to determine if a person qualifies for this treatment.
What to Expect with VAX-D Treatment
At American Back Centers in Pittsburgh, every treatment plan begins with a one-on-one consultation and spinal evaluation.
If VAX-D is recommended, your treatment plan may include:
- Multiple sessions of spinal decompression over several weeks
- Supportive therapies to assist in healing and mobility
- At-home strategies for spine health and recovery
- No medications, surgery, or recovery time
Most patients begin to see improvements within a few weeks and continue to progress over time.
Why Choose American Back Centers?
For over two decades, American Back Centers has helped thousands of Pittsburgh-area patients overcome chronic back pain without surgery.
We provide:
- FDA-cleared VAX-D spinal decompression therapy
- Comprehensive, natural care plans
- A focus on functional recovery, not just symptom relief
- Patient-centered care without pressure, drugs, or unnecessary procedures
We believe every patient should be informed, empowered, and supported.
Real Stories. Real Relief.
Many of our patients come to us as a last resort. Some were told they had no other options. Others were still in pain after years of surgery, injections, or therapy.
They often tell us:
- "I wish I had known about this before my surgery."
- "I feel like I got my life back."
- "This is the first thing that has really worked for me."
While every case is unique, we are proud of the consistent outcomes and lasting results VAX-D provides.
Do Not Wait Until You Are Out of Options
If you are living with pain, or facing a recommendation for back surgery, do not rush into a permanent decision. You deserve to know your options.
VAX-D spinal decompression is helping patients avoid unnecessary procedures and get back to life with less pain and more function.
Your first consultation is free and only takes a few minutes to schedule.
Schedule now:
https://americanbackcenters.com/contact/
Final Thoughts
Back surgery is a major decision. And with failure rates as high as 75 percent, you owe it to yourself to consider a safer path.
If you are dealing with chronic back pain, disc problems, or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, VAX-D may be the natural, non-invasive solution you have been searching for.
Take the first step. Explore your options before choosing surgery. You might be surprised by what is possible.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

