Educational Videos
Post Laminectomy Syndrome
What is Post-Laminectomy Syndrome?
Post-laminectomy syndrome is a continuous, chronic pain that develops after certain types of spine surgery. Post-laminectomy syndrome is otherwise known as “failed back syndrome”.
What are the causes?
After spinal surgery, painful scar tissue can form at the site of the procedure. Sometimes the scar tissue can impinge on the nerve roots causing pain shooting down the leg or arm. The joints in the back or neck may also become irritated and inflamed as well.
What are the symptoms?
Patients that have had back surgery can present with dull and achy back pain the can radiate into the buttocks and thighs. If scar tissue is pushing on the nerve roots, there may be a shooting, burning pain in the legs and feet. Dull neck pain can develop after surgery in the neck. It may radiate into the upper back. If scar tissue is pushing on the nerve roots, there may be a shooting pain down the arm and hand. Numbness in the hands or feet may persist after a surgery.
What treatments are available?
Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, facet injections, and spinal cord stimulation. In rare cases, another surgery may be recommended.