Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
Post-laminectomy syndrome, sometimes also called as failed back syndrome (FBS), is a medical condition that is typified by persistent or chronic back pain, even leg pain, usually manifesting after a back (spinal) surgery and usually after a laminectomy surgery. Failed back syndrome (FBS), is also called “failed back surgery syndrome” (FBSS) referring to post laminectomy chronic back or leg pain after a spinal cord surgery.
Symptoms
There are various symptoms associated with post-laminectomy syndrome. The most common symptom is pain, which is often described as diffuse, dull and aching. The pain may affect the back and even the buttocks and legs. It is often compared to sciatic pain. If the laminectomy affected the neck, the pain may radiate from the neck to the shoulders down to the arms. In this case, the pain and symptoms are compared with cervical radiculopathy. Aside from the pain, symptoms like tingling sensation and numbness are also present.
Causes
This pain condition is often caused by a failed post laminectomy procedure or a spinal cord surgery, which refers to the displacement or removal of bone behind the vertebrae. The surgical procedure performed on the spine is accomplished to remove the harmful pressure on the spinal cord nerve or nerve roots. However, in some cases, after the laminectomy procedure, the bone / bones or soft tissues remains to press or push harmful pressure on the spinal nerve or nerve roots. As scar tissues develop, the spinal joints start to get irritated by the constant pressing and get inflamed. Hence, the name "post-laminectomy syndrome.” The name came about due to the pain or chronic pain generated after a laminectomy or back surgery.
The following are the possible causes why the failed surgery resulted to the pain condition:
- Joint instability or hypermobility.
- Scar tissue formation or otherwise known as fibrosis.
- Recurrent disc herniation.
- Permanent damage to the spinal nerves.
- Increased strain on the nearby joints
Treatment
Laminectomy itself is a treatment. However, due certain circumstances, it may lead to another pain condition, which is post-laminectomy syndrome. Luckily, this syndrome is treatable. Treatments include injections, surgical options and other advanced treatments.
Corrective surgery is the best option if the cause of the pain is identified. For instance, if the pain is due to scar tissue formation, recurrent disc herniation or residual disc herniation, then a surgery may be able to reversed the problem and treat the condition. Injection therapy is also another great option to treat post-laminectomy syndrome. Injections include epidural steroid injections and trigger point injections. Moreover, if there is a permanent spinal nerve damage and surgery is not an option, then spinal cord stimulation may help.
Here in AZ Pain and Spine, we provide various treatment options for our patients. We treat post-laminectomy syndrome using our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, not to mention our highly skilled specialists.
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AZ Pain and Spine is the place to go when you want to seek medical attention for your post-laminectomy syndrome, or any pain condition for that matter. We specialized in treating and providing management solutions for pain conditions. We are well-equipped and highly trained. Our procedures are safe, efficient, and proven and tested.
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