Post Laminectomy Syndrome

Overview
Post Laminectomy syndrome, also called failed back syndrome, is a continuous and chronic pain that can develop after certain types of back surgery.

Causes
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure where one or more lamina (a section of bone on the rear of the vertebra) are removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Painful scar tissue can form at the surgery site or joints in the back may become irritated and inflamed.

Symptoms
Symptoms can include dull and achy pain in the back, pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, and thighs, or sharp pain in the back and legs.

Treatment
Post laminectomy syndrome can be treated with medications, physical therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, spinal injections, or in severe cases, another surgery.