Failed Back Surgery (Post Lumbar Laminectomy Syndrome)

Choosing to undergo back surgery is not a decision to take lightly. Even minor operations require a good deal of discussion and careful consideration between the surgeon and patient beforehand. Why? Virtually any invasive procedure carries some risk for complications. Most surgeons will require their patients to exhaust conservative treatment options first–including medications, injections, and physical therapy–before deciding to go under the knife.

Of course, this is not to say that surgery is never indicated. Hundreds of thousands of people every year undergo spinal surgery as a “last resort” when conservative measures don’t work. However, it’s been estimated that as many as 20% of these people fail to achieve a significant improvement in their back pain. This failure of symptom relief following back surgery is often called post lumbar laminectomy syndrome.

Why Do Some Back Surgeries Fail to Relieve Symptoms or Improve Function?

If you’ve had back surgery and have failed to see any meaningful improvement in your pain and dysfunction, there could be several reasons why you’re dealing with this. Recurring or continued nerve root compression, for instance, may be present. Likewise, there could be ongoing inflammation and/or scar tissue formation. Mobility and stability issues within nearby spinal joints could also be to blame.

Lastly, persistent back pain–even after a back surgery intended to relieve a person’s suffering–may be related to, if not directly caused by, other underlying conditions including diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, depression, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, sleep disorders, and smoking.

How Our Ramsey Pain Management Team Can Help You After a Failed Back Surgery

Understandably, the emotional, physical, and even financial implications of post lumbar laminectomy syndrome can be quite serious. At Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine, our Ramsey pain management team, led by Dr. Steven Ferrer and Dr. Kevin McElroy can offer several comprehensive treatment options that can get you the relief you’ve been hoping for and give you some much needed peace of mind.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation technique that can reduce pain that is generated by an overly or abnormally firing nervous system (which may occur as a result of the stress and trauma associated with surgery or even a history of chronic back pain). Spinal cord stimulation requires the implantation of a small device (similar to a pacemaker) near the spine. This device emits tiny electrical impulses that effectively prevent pain signals from being sent to the brain.

Physical therapy is another common option for people recovering from back surgery (failed or otherwise). Our physical therapy team can provide specific exercises and manual techniques that promote tissue healing, reduce scar tissue formation and adhesions, normalize the alignment of the spine, improve spinal stability, and maximize the efficiency and motor control of key postural muscles with the trunk and pelvis.

Have you had back surgery and are not satisfied with your post-operative outcomes thus far? Are you looking for effective, affordable, and non-surgical ways to improve your back pain and related symptoms? If so, we invite you to call Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine, Northern New Jersey’s premier multidisciplinary pain management facility serving Ramsey and surrounding communities.

To schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about our comprehensive pain management services, call us today at 201 962 9199.