Treatment Options for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, aka Post-Laminectomy Syndrome

A laminectomy is one of the many types of back operations performed to relieve pain. It is a type of spine surgery in which the lamina is removed to make space for and reduce compression on the spinal nerves. Unfortunately, laminectomies, and all other types of spinal surgeries, are not always successful.

One in five people experience persistent postoperative pain within two years of surgery. There is even a name for ineffective back operations: failed back surgery syndrome, or post-laminectomy syndrome.

You know you have failed back surgery syndrome if you feel a dull, sharp, aching or burning pain radiating from your back, perhaps even extending to your legs or neck. The pain can worsen over time if scar tissue builds up in the spinal nerve roots.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Causes

Several factors contribute to the development of failed back surgery syndrome, ranging from smoking to scar tissue adding pressure to the nerves to additional underlying medical conditions like degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.

Also, depression, anxiety and sleeplessness could lead to failed back surgery syndrome. You may even be predisposed to the onset of failed back surgery syndrome due to systemic disorders like autoimmune disease, diabetes and vascular disease. With so many potential hindrances, you can see why the odds of a successful surgery are at 80%.

Nevertheless, if you have failed back surgery syndrome, you probably feel like you are right back where you started before your surgery. But do not lose hope yet! At Hanowell Spine Clinic, we have treatment options for when a previous back surgery has proven ineffective.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treatment

Our post-laminectomy syndrome pain treatment involves minimally-invasive options to manage pain, which is relieving since you may be hesitant to attempt another risky procedure. The treatment may include exercises, massage, physical therapy, injection therapy to reduce inflammation and spinal cord stimulation in some cases. The last option is slightly more invasive, but effective.

Although this situation may be difficult for you, rest assured that you are not out of options. Contact us at Hanowell Spine Clinic. We can determine which treatment method will be most effective for you. The specialists at Hanowell Spine Clinic utilize the latest medical technology and techniques and offer you minimally invasive treatment options to relieve pain and improve your quality of life.