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5 Facts About Post Laminectomy Syndrome in the Lumbar Region. One of the leading causes of chronic back pain is post-laminectomy syndrome, which can be very painful and lead to decreased quality of life, psychological disorders, and disability. More than 500,000 spine surgeries are performed annually in the United States, but 20% of these patients still experience chronic back pain months or even years after the surgery. The symptoms of post-laminectomy syndrome are similar to those of a debilitating condition, and they may even be the result of sleep disorders, smoking, or ongoing release of inflammatory mediators.
Symptoms
If you have recently had a spinal surgery, you may be experiencing symptoms of post laminectomy syndrome in the lumbar region. While there is no known cause of post-laminectomy syndrome, there are plausible explanations. Listed below are 5 facts about post-laminectomy syndrome. You may be at risk of developing the syndrome if you have a history of back pain or are a smoker.
During the surgery, the patient may be told not to eat or drink for a day or two. Afterward, a sterile bandage will be placed over the area. Then, a surgeon will make an incision on the affected vertebrae and move the muscles away from the spine. The lamina is removed using small instruments. The surgeon’s incision is different for every patient, depending on the condition and body size. Minimal-invasive surgery will have a smaller incision compared to open procedures.
5 Facts About Post Laminectomy Syndrome in the Lumbar Region
Treatment options
Post laminectomy syndrome occurs when patients continue to experience pain after the spine surgery. This major surgery removes a section of vertebral bone and can leave patients with scar tissue buildup and fibrosis. This scar tissue can be painful and may interfere with overall healing. Patients can experience pain following a discectomy when scar tissue attaches to the lumbar nerve root. To determine if post laminectomy syndrome is your only problem, consult with your doctor.
This back pain condition is often treated with surgery. A laminectomy involves removing a segment of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Because of this, it puts additional stress on the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and discs. This causes even more pain and instability. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for post laminectomy syndrome. If you’ve suffered from the pain caused by a laminectomy, your doctor can prescribe some of these.
Radiology
Often, post-laminectomy syndrome occurs after a patient has undergone spinal surgery. A complication develops after the surgery, including infection or damage to the nerves. Fortunately, the majority of these patients do recover and go on with their lives. Neurologic symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, however. Neurologic pain may mimic other physical sensations, such as numbness and weakness.
In addition to a poorly-planned procedure, other causes include improper patient selection, improper diagnosis, inadequate technique, and failure to achieve the surgical goal. These factors, as well as recurrences, can all contribute to FBSS. To effectively treat post-laminectomy syndrome, a detailed history is required to determine the underlying cause of the syndrome. This is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
5 Facts About Post Laminectomy Syndrome in the Lumbar Region
Scar tissue
After a spinal surgery, all patients will develop some form of scar tissue, including in the lumbar region. It is a necessary part of healing, but it may not be a major cause of pain. Keeping the nerve moving will help reduce the effects of postoperative scarring. The following are some common reasons why scar tissue may be present after a laminectomy. A specialized team of doctors can perform these procedures.
Surgery to remove the disc or spinal fusion can also leave scar tissue. These scars may compress a nerve root, resulting in pain. In severe cases, these scars can cause recurrent pain in the lumbar or thigh. Fibrous adhesions may form in the lumbar region after the surgery and can also impede movement. Depending on the type of adhesion, it may take up to two months for scar tissue to form.
Radiofrequency neurotomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a treatment for pain in the lumbar region. This procedure uses radiofrequency to destroy the nerves in the facet joints. Patients who suffer from recurrent pain can undergo the treatment. The procedure is an outpatient procedure. After the procedure, the patient is required to rest for 30 minutes. Some patients report results lasting for more than two years.
A medical procedure called radiofrequency neurotomy (RFA) is an effective treatment for nerve pain in the lumbar region. During the procedure, radio waves heat the nerve tissue, blocking the pain signals that travel from the spine to the brain. A needle is inserted into the spine. The needles are positioned in the appropriate location based on imaging scans. Radiofrequency neurotomy is a non-surgical procedure that can provide relief from pain for six to 12 months. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and can take up to an hour.
