Understanding Post-Laminectomy Pain

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we understand how frustrating it can be to continue experiencing back or leg pain after spine surgery. Post-laminectomy pain, also referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), is a complex condition where discomfort persists after a laminectomy—a surgery performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care using the most advanced treatment options available.

Post-laminectomy pain describes chronic back pain, leg pain, or nerve symptoms that remain or return after spinal decompression surgery.

This condition does not mean the surgery "failed"; it often results from how the spine and nerves heal and adapt after surgery.

Several factors can contribute to ongoing symptoms, including:

• Scar tissue formation (epidural fibrosis) around nerve roots
• Residual or recurrent disc herniation
• Spinal instability following bone removal
• Adjacent segment degeneration, where nearby vertebrae deteriorate
• Persistent nerve damage that existed before or during surgery

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing post-laminectomy pain:

• Pre-existing chronic nerve compression
• Multiple spine surgeries
• Poor spine alignment or instability
• Smoking or other health conditions affecting healing
• Infections or excessive scar tissue growth

Symptoms of post-laminectomy syndrome vary, but often include:

• Persistent lower back pain
• Radiating leg pain (sciatica-like symptoms)
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced mobility or stiffness
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we use a thorough, multi-step diagnostic process:

• Detailed medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination focusing on neurological function
• Advanced imaging (MRI, CT scans) to detect scar tissue, recurrent disc problems, or instability
• Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) to assess nerve damage

Our goal is to accurately identify the underlying cause of your pain to design the best treatment plan.

Many patients find relief through comprehensive non-surgical treatments, including:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy: Strengthening core muscles and improving spinal mechanics
• Chiropractic care: Gentle, targeted adjustments to support spinal alignment
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Managing the mental impact of chronic pain

We offer cutting-edge injection options to reduce inflammation and nerve pain:

• Epidural steroid injections: Directly target nerve root inflammation
• Facet joint injections: Relieve pain stemming from irritated joints
• Medial branch blocks: Diagnose and treat facet joint-related pain
• Spinal cord stimulation: A minimally invasive solution using electrical pulses to block and modulate pain signals

While many patients respond well to non-surgical approaches, some may benefit from surgical revision. Surgical options could include:

• Removal of scar tissue compressing nerves
• Fusion surgery to stabilize the spine
• Correction of hardware placement if instability or irritation exists

Any surgical decision is made only after careful evaluation and conservative measures have been exhausted.

• Board-certified specialists in spine and pain management
• Personalized care plans designed around your specific diagnosis
• State-of-the-art treatments including minimally invasive procedures
• Patient education and support to empower you in your recovery
• Collaborative team approach involving physical therapists, surgeons, and pain management experts

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we focus not just on treating your pain but on helping you regain mobility, function, and quality of life.