Cervical Post Laminectomy Syndrome overview

Post Laminectomy Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome refers to persistent, residual pain following spinal surgery. Most often individuals recover from spinal surgery with no complications, but for a small number of individuals back pain persists.

Facts

Individuals who smoke are more likely to develop Post Laminectomy Syndrome following back surgery

Types

  • Cervical Post Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Thoracic Post Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Lumbar Post Laminectomy Syndrome

Cervical Post Laminectomy Syndrome symptoms

Common symptoms associated with Post Laminectomy Syndrome include:

  • Dull or achy back or leg pain following lower back surgery
  • Dull or achy neck or arm pain following neck surgery
  • Sharp pain in extremities

Cervical Post Laminectomy Syndrome diagnosis/tests

An accurate diagnosis by a physician is beneficial in the creation of a treatment plan. To do so, a physical examination will be completed followed by imaging tests such as an X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Electromyogram (EMG) to. These tests are done to pinpoint the cause of your back pain and help with treatment planning.

Cervical Post Laminectomy Syndrome causes

Post Laminectomy Syndrome most commonly occurs following a spinal fusion or laminectomy, but may occur following discectomy. Possible causes include:

  • Epidural fibrosis (scarring)
  • Recurrent disc herniation
  • Structural spinal column changes
  • Infection in disc space or epidural space
  • Progressive degeneration of the spine
  • Arachnoiditia (inflammation of the arachnoid)

Cervical Post Laminectomy Syndrome treatment options and care