What it can mean
Pain that persists or appears after spine surgery deserves a fresh evaluation. Potential contributors include nerve-related pain, adjacent-level changes, facet or sacroiliac joint pain, muscle dysfunction, or a structural problem.
How it is evaluated
Review of the original operation, previous response to treatment, examination, and updated imaging helps separate contributors. More than one can coexist.
How care is planned
Care is tailored to the identified problem. Selected patients may benefit from targeted interventions or neuromodulation; some need further surgical evaluation.
Your diagnosis depends on an individual evaluation. Several pain sources can overlap.
Related treatment guideFurther reading: Johns Hopkins Spine Center