Post Laminectomy Syndrome (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)

Post Laminectomy Syndrome (FBBS), may develop following a laminectomy surgical procedure, causing persistent pain in the back or neck. 

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Cause 

The exact causes are complex and often multifactorial, but the most common contributing factors include scar tissue formation, nerve compression and damage, and structural changes in the spine. The formation of scar tissue around nerve roots often lead to chronic pain. Other known causes include, structural changes surrounding the spine, a new disc herniation, and postoperative spinal ligament instability can also lead to chronic pain problems. Underlying medical conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease can also contribute to the development or persistence of pain after surgery.

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Symptoms

Patients may report feeling a dull, aching pain at the spinal column, while others may describe a sharp, pricking and stabbing pain. Persistent pain can subsequently cause depression and anxiety. Patients with post-laminectomy syndrome may also complain of neurologic symptoms radiating to areas distant from the spine, most often the arms or legs. 

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Treatment

Spinal pain is often generated from inside the vertebral column itself and can often be diagnosed and treated by using fluoroscopically guided injections such as Epidural Steroid Injections to more specialized methods like Radiofrequency Ablation, and Spinal Cord Stimulation. 

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Orthopaedic Spine & Joint Center provides the most advanced and effective treatments available in the field of Interventional Pain Medicine and Musculoskeletal Medicine - Expert treatment for spinal disorders, and back and neck injuries.  For more information  or to schedule an appointment, please call (614) 318-0808.