POST LAMINECTOMY SYNDROME PASADENA

• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the back or legs that continues even after the initial recovery period.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the extremities can occur if nerves are affected.
• Weakness: Weakness in the legs or back muscles can be present if nerve roots or the spinal cord are compromised.
• Pain Radiation: Pain may radiate from the lower back to the legs or buttocks, similar to the symptoms experienced before the surgery.
• Localized Tenderness: Pain and tenderness around the surgical site or along the spine.
• Difficulty Moving: Limited range of motion or difficulty performing daily activities due to pain and discomfort.

• Scar Tissue Formation: After surgery, scar tissue can form around the nerves or spinal cord, leading to irritation or compression, which can cause pain.
• Failed Back Surgery (FBS): This is a term used when the surgery doesn’t completely relieve symptoms or results in new pain. It may be due to incomplete decompression or the development of new issues in the spine.
• Adjacent Segment Disease: The segments of the spine adjacent to the surgery site may experience increased stress and degeneration, leading to pain in those areas.
• Recurrent Herniation: Sometimes, a herniated disc may recur or new herniations may develop, contributing to ongoing or new pain.
• Instability: Removing part of the vertebra can lead to spinal instability, which may cause pain due to abnormal movement or stress on surrounding structures.
• Infection or Inflammation: Post-surgical infections or inflammatory responses can also be a source of pain.
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When you experience symptoms of Failed Back Syndrome and come to see our specialists at Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms and medical history. Our first step is to listen carefully as you describe the pain you’re experiencing after your surgery, including its location, intensity, and how it affects your daily life. We’ll review your previous surgery to gather as much information as possible about your laminectomy.

Next, our team may conduct a physical examination to assess any limitations in movement, nerve sensitivity, and muscle strength. Advanced imaging tests like MRI or CT scans may be ordered to get a clearer picture of what's happening internally. These tests help us identify any structural issues, such as scar tissue formation or nerve compression, that could be contributing to your ongoing pain. In some cases, nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate nerve function. Our goal is to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan that helps you regain control of your quality of life.

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition and needs. Our goal is to alleviate pain and restore function through personalized care plans, which may include:

• Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen the back and improve mobility.
• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.
• Injections: Nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and facet joint injections.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Implantable devices that send electrical impulses to the spinal cord to reduce pain.

You should call a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions after a laminectomy:

• Severe or Worsening Pain: If your pain becomes significantly worse or is more intense than what you were advised to expect, it's important to consult with your doctor.

• Persistent or New Symptoms: If you continue to experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain radiating down your legs, especially if these symptoms were not present before the surgery or are worsening.

• Signs of Infection: Any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgical site, should be addressed immediately.

• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: If you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, which could indicate a serious complication like cauda equina syndrome, seek medical attention urgently.

• Difficulty Moving: Significant difficulty in moving or performing daily activities that was not expected should be evaluated by a doctor.

• Unusual Symptoms: If you have any new or unusual symptoms that concern you, such as changes in sensation, balance issues, or severe discomfort.