Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
What is failed back surgery syndrome or post-laminectomy syndrome?
Failed back surgery syndrome, also known post-laminectomy syndrome, is a generalized term to describe the condition of patients who continue to suffer from chronic back or leg pain symptoms despite spine surgery.
What are the contributing factors of failed back surgery?
There are many reasons patients develop failed back surgery syndrome. Some possibilities include:
- Residual or recurrent disc herniation
- Post-operative pressure on a spinal nerve
- Altered joint mobility
- Scar tissue
- Depression
- Anxiety
The following are not causes of failed back surgery syndrome but can contribute to poor recovery.
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Smoking
What are the symptoms of failed back surgery (post-laminectomy syndrome)?
Common symptoms of failed back surgery or post-laminectomy syndrome include:
- Dull and aching pain in the legs and or back
- Sharp, pricking, and stabbing pain in the extremities
What are the treatment options for failed back surgery syndrome?
Treatment options for failed back surgery syndrome include:
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (low-voltage currents to tissues to help decrease pain)
- NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Antidepressants
- Trigger point injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve block injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
How can I avoid failed back surgery?
The only guaranteed way to avoid failed back surgery syndrome is to avoid surgery altogether. You can meet with a pain medicine specialist to discuss alternative option to surgery. If you have determined that surgery is your best option, research the surgery and make sure the successful outcome statistics are high. You should also discuss this with your surgeon prior to surgery.
For additional information on failed back surgery or post-laminectomy syndrome, please call 704-862-4700 to request an appointment with one of our Southeast Pain and Spine Care pain management providers or click to Request an Appointment.
