Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, also known as “failed back surgery syndrome,” is a type of chronic pain that can develop in some people after they have had spine surgery.
Causes:
This pain most often develops after a laminectomy procedure, which is the removal of bone at the rear of your vertebrae. The procedure is done to relieve pressure on your spinal nerves. But after a laminectomy, bone or soft tissue may still press on these nerves, scar tissue may form and spinal joints may be irritated and inflamed causing pain.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of post-laminectomy syndrome are variable, but often include low back or neck pain, or pain at the site of the surgery. The pain may radiate down to your buttocks or legs and may feel sharp or dull and achy. Some patients can also experience neurologic symptoms which cause pain radiating down the arms.
Treatment:
If you are having the above symptoms, you should be evaluated by one of the excellent providers at Spine & Nerve Diagnostic Center who are very familiar with treating this condition. Your provider may order an x-ray or MRI of the surgical area. Treatment depends on the cause and the severity of your pain, but may include physical therapy, core stabilizing exercises, stretching, injections or medications. You may also benefit from electrical nerve stimulation, a brace or other treatments