When Fusion, Decompression, or Disc Surgery Didn’t Solve the Problem
Spine surgery is a big decision. Most patients hope it will be the final answer to years of pain.
But for some, symptoms persist or even change after surgery, leading to what’s often called
“failed back surgery syndrome” or persistent pain after cervical procedures.
At DMX Miami, we work with post-surgical patients from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade,
Broward, the Florida Keys, and from Florida, the USA, Central and South America
(Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico), and the Caribbean, using Digital Motion X-Ray to
better understand how the spine moves after surgery.
Why Pain Can Persist After Spine Surgery
Persistent or new pain after surgery may result from:
● Incomplete relief of the original problem.
● Development of adjacent segment instability (levels above or below the surgery).
● Scar tissue and altered mechanics.
● Muscle and ligament changes from altered motion patterns.
Standard imaging may show:
● A “successful” fusion.
● Decompression with adequate space around nerves.
● Minimal structural findings at other levels.
Yet patients still hurt.
The Limitations of Static Post-Surgical Imaging
Post-surgical MRI and CT are excellent for:
● Confirming hardware position.
● Evaluating fusion status and decompression.
● Ruling out major complications.
However, they do not always show:
● How adjacent segments actually move under load.
● Whether certain levels have become hypermobile.
● The dynamic behavior of the spine when you bend, extend, or rotate.
That’s where Digital Motion X-Ray can help.
How Digital Motion X-Ray Evaluates the Post-Surgical Spine
At DMX Miami, Digital Motion X-Ray:
● Uses fluoroscopic video to record the spine in real time during gentle movement.
● Measures abnormal translation and angulation between vertebrae, especially near
surgical sites.
● Helps identify adjacent segment instability or persistent motion at partially treated
levels.
● Provides a dynamic picture that complements your MRI and CT scans.
We always recommend coordinating with your surgeon to ensure DMX is appropriate and safe
for your specific case.
How DMX Findings Guide Next Steps
DMX results can help:
● Surgeons determine whether instability near the surgical area might be contributing to
symptoms.
● Chiropractors, physical therapists, and rehab specialists refine post-surgical
stabilization programs.
● Pain and regenerative doctors target non-surgical treatments more effectively.
● You understand why you may still hurt, instead of being told, “Everything looks fine.”
In some cases, DMX may support a decision to continue non-surgical care; in others, it may
help clarify whether and where further intervention is appropriate.
International Patients Seeking Second Opinions in Miami
Many post-surgical patients from Latin America and the Caribbean travel to Miami for:
● Surgical second opinions.
● Advanced imaging.
● Combined rehab and diagnostic visits.
Digital Motion X-Ray can be a key component of that second look at your case, helping local
and international teams coordinate care.
DMX Miami’s Role: Clarifying, Not Criticizing
Our goal at DMX Miami is not to criticize any prior surgery; it’s to:
● Provide the best possible motion-based information about your spine.
● Give your health team more data to work with.
● Help you move forward with realistic options, whether surgical or non-surgical.
Better imaging can be the difference between staying stuck and finding a clearer path.
If Surgery Wasn’t the Final Answer, Better Information Might Be
Still having neck or back pain after surgery doesn’t mean you’re hopeless it may simply mean
no one has closely evaluated how your spine functions in motion.
Learn more: Treatment
Schedule your appointment today: Appointments
Call 305-275-7475 or book your appointment online
Dr. Rodolfo Alfonso, D.C.
Dr. Mark N. Berry, D.C.
Sunset Chiropractic and Wellness
8585 Sunset Dr. STE 102
Miami, Florida 33143