What is Post Laminectomy/Failed Back Syndrome?

Post laminectomy syndrome, also known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), refers to persistent pain or the recurrence of pain after undergoing spinal surgery, typically a laminectomy. To understand this, imagine your spine as a tower of blocks, and laminectomy involves removing a piece (lamina) of one of these blocks to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. However, sometimes the relief is not as expected, and pain continues or returns.

Think of your spine like a tower of blocks. Sometimes, to ease pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, a piece of one block (lamina) is removed in a surgery called laminectomy. However, even after this surgery, some people still experience pain, or the pain comes back, and that's what we call post laminectomy syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome.

Symptoms of Post Laminectomy Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome:

Persistent Pain: Pain continues after the surgery, and it might not be the expected relief.
Recurrence of Original Pain: If the surgery was for back or leg pain, that pain might return.
New Pain or Symptoms: Some people might experience different or new pain in areas adjacent to the surgery site.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving as freely as expected, which can affect daily activities.
Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of pins and needles or a lack of feeling in the affected area.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in the muscles, which can impact mobility.
Difficulty Sleeping: Pain or discomfort can make it challenging to get a good night's sleep.
Depression or Anxiety: Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety.

Post laminectomy syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome is a complex condition, and managing it may require a multidisciplinary approach involving pain management specialists, physical therapists, and sometimes additional surgical interventions. Individuals experiencing persistent or recurrent pain after spinal surgery should consult with healthcare professionals for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.

Post Laminectomy Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome after a Slip and Fall or MVA:

Picture your spine as a tower of blocks. If you have a slip and fall or car accident, it can cause damage to your spine. Sometimes, to fix this, doctors perform a surgery called laminectomy, taking away a piece of a block to help with pain. But even after this surgery, if you have a slip and fall or car accident, the pain might not go away, or it could come back, and that's what we call post laminectomy syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome.

Symptoms of Post Laminectomy Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome after a Slip and Fall or MVA:

Continued or Returning Pain: Pain persists or comes back, even after the surgery that was supposed to help.
Increased Pain with Movement: Pain may intensify when moving, especially after a slip and fall or MVA.
New or Different Pain: Pain in areas adjacent to the surgery site or in different parts of the body.
Numbness or Tingling: Feelings of pins and needles or a lack of sensation.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in the muscles, affecting mobility.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving as freely as before.
Sleep Disturbances: Pain or discomfort impacting the ability to sleep well.
Emotional Impact: Feelings of depression or anxiety due to chronic pain.

It's essential to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent or recurrent pain after a slip and fall or MVA.