Recovery & Support for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

After treatment for failed back surgery syndrome, NYU Langone orthopedists, physiatrists, physical therapists, pain management specialists, psychologists, social workers, and wellness experts support you throughout recovery. These experts from NYU Langone Orthopedic Center and Rusk Rehabilitation provide ongoing care for as long as necessary.

Physical Therapy 

If you’ve had surgery, doctors and specialists at Rusk Rehabilitation provide inpatient physical therapy until you’re ready to go home.

A physical therapist can help you recuperate by teaching you exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that support your spine and improve flexibility. Strong muscles act as shock absorbers, protecting spinal bones and joints during movement.

Our physical therapists may use heat, ice, or massage to reduce swelling and relieve pain. You also learn which habits can help to improve your posture, which can relieve pressure on the spine.

Our experts can refer you to physical therapists to continue treatment at home or at an outpatient location that’s convenient for you.

Pain Management

Our specialists use medications and procedures, such as spinal injections, to help manage the pain that is part of the recovery process. NYU Langone has a team of specially trained doctors who focus exclusively on pain relief during your recovery in the hospital and at home.

Counseling

Our doctors understand that chronic pain can cause depression and anxiety, which can aggravate symptoms. To help reduce the psychological effects of failed back surgery syndrome, our doctors sometimes refer people to therapists or social workers for individual or group therapy.

Mind–Body Wellness

NYU Langone offers a variety of wellness programs that can help reduce stress and ease pain. They include acupuncture, massage, meditation, and tai chi, an ancient form of exercise that involves simple movements held for varying amounts of time.