Postlumbar Laminectomy Syndrome

Postlumbar laminectomy syndrome is a painful condition that occurs as a result of a laminectomy procedure. A laminectomy is a back operation to relieve the painful symptoms of disk herniation, the narrowing of the spinal canal and root compression in the back and spine. If the symptoms are not relieved by the laminectomy procedure, the continuing disorder is called postlumbar laminectomy syndrome, which is also known as post-laminectomy syndrome, or lumbar post-laminectomy syndrome.

Diagnosis

• In most cases, any patient who has previously had back surgery and is still experiencing back pain, leg pain and knee pain due to the prior disorder is diagnosed with postlumbar laminectomy syndrome, regardless of whether or not the patient had an actual laminectomy procedure or some other type of back surgery. Two tests are given by a doctor to determine if the patient is suffering from postlumbar laminectomy syndrome. First, the doctor will have the patient lie on his or her back as the posture and alignment of the spine are examined. Next, the doctor will perform an X-ray or an MRI to determine the placement of the spine and to see if nerve compression still exists.

Treatment

• The treatment of postlumbar laminectomy syndrome is generally a combination of physical therapy and physical rehabilitation exercises in conjunction with NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to aid in pain management. Patients may also opt to have spinal cord stimulation if the doctor feels it would be beneficial. Spinal cord stimulation is a surgical operation in which a small battery-powered device is installed in the spine to provide constant stimulation to the nerves in the spinal cord.

Is It Curable?

• Postlumbar laminectomy syndrome is curable through the above treatments, and a lifetime without any back pain whatsoever is entirely possible. It is also likely, however, that back pain will remain or even get worse after the laminectomy. Although it is possible to get additional back surgery, the success rates minimize with each procedure. Older individuals who receive back surgery also have a lower success rate than younger individuals.

Rehabilitation

• A rehabilitation schedule will be organized by you and your doctor. Your doctor will probably recommend that you see a physical therapist and an occupational therapist regularly for at least six weeks following your laminectomy. If your pain is unbearable during this time, your doctor may give you narcotics either orally or injected into the spinal cord. Your doctor will determine whether you are able to return to work, and a counselor may be incorporated into your treatment to help you determine which jobs would be suitable for you to perform in your condition, or whether going on disability is an option.

Warnings

• After laminectomy surgery, you may experience bleeding and infections. You and your doctor should work together to determine whether your laminectomy has healed properly and to see if your pain problems are the result of an infection or another serious complication. If you experience a high fever, bleeding around the site of surgery or any other disturbing side effect, contact your doctor as soon as possible.