Post-Laminectomy Syndrome Condition

What is Post-Laminectomy Syndrome?

If you have had back surgery that failed to relieve the pain, then you may be suffering from post-laminectomy syndrome. Technically, of course, this is not actually a recognized syndrome, but the term is used as a general descriptor for ongoing pain related to failed surgery of the back or spine. Unfortunately, about one in five back surgery patients end up reporting ongoing, continuing pain even after spinal surgery.

Far too many of these patients never get the help they need. Instead, many simply live their lives with pain, loss of mobility, and a diminished quality of life. Many of them suffer financial duress from lost wages and even an inability to maintain their employment. The good news is that a failed back surgery does not have to be followed by a life of pain. In many instances, chronic back pain can be successfully treated to help you live a more pain-free life.

What Causes this condition?

There are any number of reasons why a spinal surgery can leave you with recurring pain. Many cases are related to disc herniation, scar tissue, or compression of the nerve roots. In some instances, there may be post-surgical instability of the spine or facet joint issues. At other times, there may be more systemic causes like autoimmune diseases or diabetes. Pain can also be caused by post-surgery anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or lifestyle choices.

Often, the problem is even simpler: the surgery did not target the actual cause of your pain. Since spine surgery is designed to help stabilize the back or decompress pinched nerve roots, that surgery will be ineffective if your pain was being caused by something else.

What Are the Symptoms of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome?

While this type of painful back pain can create symptoms common to other conditions, there are some general signs that can help ensure a proper diagnosis. The most common symptoms include:

• Dull aches or pain in the area of the surgery.
• Lower back pain may also be accompanied by pain in the upper legs.
• Upper back pain is often accompanied by pain in the shoulders, neck, and arms.
• Sharp pain may be felt in the extremities.

An accurate diagnosis is vital for ensuring proper treatment. As a result, patients who experience post-surgery pain in their back should seek medical diagnosis and care as soon as possible.

How We Can Help

After any back surgery, medical providers recommend therapy and rehabilitation to help the body recover from the ordeal. If your pain persists in spite of that rehab effort, we can help discover the source of the discomfort and provide the osteopathic care you need to relieve that discomfort. In most instances, osteopathic treatment can reduce pain, alleviate post-surgical disability, and help you enjoy an improved quality of life.