Post Laminectomy Syndrom

The Spine is a very complicated machine with many mobile working parts. It allows us to move, twist, bend, and support our weight. Our spine protects the spinal cord from which come all the nerves to our body. The complexity of the spine also allows for different parts to be damaged, which may cause pain of very similar type thus confusing the diagnosis of your pain complaint. Sometimes the diagnosis and the conservative treatment is relatively straight forward but sometimes Spine Surgery is necessary.

Examples of disease requiring Surgery include Degenerative Disc Disease, Disc Protrusion-Extrusion, Facet Joint Arthropathy, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Spondylolisthesis, Vertebral Compression Fractures, Spinal Stenosis, and Nerve Root Compression. You may have more than one of these. Many patients who have been treated with Spine Surgery have excellent Post-Operative results.

Unfortunately, some patients have unrelieved or worsened pain, despite a well-performed surgery. Some patients may develop additional pain problems, such as Epidural Scarring - Adhesions, Spinal Arachnoiditis, Bone Spurs or new Disc Bulges which may result in Nerve Compression or damage. In addition, many patients develop secondary Mechanical Back and Extremity pain, as a result of strain, weakness or numbness.

These patients continue with severe pain that requires the care of a Spine Surgeon and a Pain Specialist.

Your Pain Management Physician and Surgeon may order additional tests. The Diagnosis is made based upon the type, location of pain, Xray and MRI studies and on response to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injections upon the exact site of the suspected origin of the pain!

Your doctor will recommend the most logical Diagnostic Injections to find the source of the pain and thus relieve your pain. Then a Therapeutic treatment program is offered.

Therapy is usually a combination of Oral medications, Physical Therapy, and appropriately spaced Booster Pain Injections. In some cases Advanced Pain Management Techniques or Surgery are indicated. Remember
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome of the spine is a chronic lifelong disease, which will need care along the course of your life!

Our pain doctors are highly trained and experienced to assure the greatest safety. Your Pain Doctor and his staff will do their best for you!