As most people are very aware, back pain is an extremely common condition that can have a tremendous impact on a patients physical and emotional well-being. With Americans spending about 450 billion in back pain health costs each year, it is no surprise that patients are rushed in to surgery to eliminate pain symptoms.
While surgery is common, it is not always successful and can actually lead to more problems than before the surgery. If you are being led towards surgery and want to get a second opinion before the procedure, or if you have had surgery and still having issues, its time to stop living in pain.
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What is Post-Laminectomy Syndrome?
Post-laminectomy syndrome is a condition in which a patient suffers from persistent pain after receiving back surgery, specifically a laminectomy. A laminectomy is a spinal procedure that removes a piece of the vertebra that protects the spinal cord and forms the spinal column. The piece of vertebra removed is called the lamina, and it is the back part of the bone which covers the spinal canal.
Typically, this procedure is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord from a protruding disc or bony overgrowths in the spinal canal. For this reason, a laminectomy is commonly known as decompression surgery. While some patients recover without any complications, others experience continuous back and leg pain. This persistent pain after the procedure is referred to as post-laminectomy syndrome. However, it can also be classified as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, or FBSS.
Symptoms to Recognize a Failed Laminectomy
Following a laminectomy procedure, a variety of red flags can arise that will let a patient know that the surgery was not successful. The most common symptom that patients experience is back pain at the site of surgery, along with leg pain. When a surgeon conducts a follow-up examination, patients suffering from post-laminectomy syndrome will still complain of tenderness at the site of surgery.
Muscles spasms
Restricted mobility
Altered posture or gait
Depression and anxiety
Limited flexibility in the spine
Difficulty performing daily activities
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Aching pain in the neck, back, or legs
Pain above or below the treated level of the spine
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome Treatment
Chiropractic treatment is used to manage post-surgical pain and relies on a multiple of factors. Including the original diagnosis along with the reasoning behind the surgery. Therapies may vary depending on the condition of the spine post-surgery. As long as there is no surgical metal left behind, chiropractic treatment will begin by decreasing deep-tissue inflammation. Once this has been reduced, Dr. Blakely will perform spinal manipulations to restore mobility to the spine through gentle and controlled pressure.
For a free consultation, please call today!