Back surgery is often considered a last resort for chronic back pain when other treatments have failed. While many patients experience relief, some may continue to suffer from pain even after surgery. This persistent pain is commonly referred to as Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome (PLPS) or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS).
What is Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome?
Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome, also known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), is a condition in which a patient continues to experience pain despite undergoing back surgery. This syndrome is not necessarily a sign of a failed surgery but rather an indication that the surgery didn’t completely alleviate the original pain or introduce new pain issues.
Causes of Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome
Several factors can contribute to the development of PLPS or FBSS, including:
- Scar tissue formation: The development of scar tissue around nerve roots can lead to nerve irritation and chronic pain.
- Recurrent or residual disc herniation: Sometimes, the original issue (such as a herniated disc) may recur or may not have been fully addressed during surgery.
- Spinal instability: In some cases, surgery may result in instability in the spinal column, leading to persistent pain.
- Nerve damage: Surgical procedures, while intended to relieve pressure on nerves, can sometimes result in nerve damage, causing ongoing pain.
- Incorrect diagnosis: In some cases, the original source of the pain may not have been correctly identified, leading to an ineffective surgical outcome.
Treatment Options for Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome
If you’re suffering from PLPS or FBSS, there are several treatment options available to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life. At Southern Interventional Pain Center, we specialize in advanced pain management techniques, including epidurals and spinal cord stimulation (SCS).
1. Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for PLPS. These injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory steroid combined with a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. This can help reduce inflammation and pain.
How Epidural Steroid Injections Work:
- The steroid reduces inflammation around the irritated nerve roots.
- The local anesthetic provides immediate but temporary pain relief.
- This treatment can be especially effective for reducing nerve pain caused by scar tissue or inflammation.
Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections:
- Minimally invasive
- Quick relief for nerve-related pain
- Can delay or eliminate the need for additional surgery
- Performed on an outpatient basis
2. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation is another advanced treatment option for PLPS. This technique involves implanting a small device under the skin, which sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with the pain signals being sent to the brain, effectively reducing the sensation of pain.
How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works:
- The device is implanted near the spinal cord and connected to electrodes placed in the epidural space.
- The electrical impulses can be adjusted to target specific areas of pain.
- Patients can control the level of stimulation using a handheld remote.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation:
- Highly effective for chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
- Customizable to the patient’s specific pain pattern
- Reversible: the device can be removed if it’s not effective
- Can significantly reduce the need for pain medications
Comprehensive Q&A Section
Q1: What are the signs that I may be experiencing Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome?
- A1: Common signs include persistent pain in the back, legs, or buttocks following back surgery, as well as pain that worsens over time or pain that was not present before surgery.
Q2: How long after surgery should I wait before considering treatment for Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome?
- A2: It’s important to give yourself time to heal after surgery, which can take several months. However, if pain persists beyond 3-6 months, or if it worsens, it’s advisable to consult with a pain specialist.
Q3: Are epidural steroid injections safe?
- A3: Epidural steroid injections are generally considered safe when performed by a skilled specialist. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before treatment.
Q4: How do I know if I’m a candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
- A4: Candidates for spinal cord stimulation typically have chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. A trial period is usually conducted first to see if SCS effectively reduces your pain before a permanent device is implanted.
Q5: Can these treatments eliminate my pain completely?
- A5: While these treatments can significantly reduce pain, complete elimination of pain is not always possible. The goal is to improve your quality of life by reducing pain to a manageable level.
Q6: What should I expect during recovery from these treatments?
- A6: Recovery times vary depending on the treatment. Epidural steroid injections have a quick recovery, often allowing you to resume normal activities within a day. Spinal cord stimulation implantation requires a short recovery period, during which you’ll gradually resume normal activities under your doctor’s guidance.
Q7: Will insurance cover these treatments?
- A7: Most insurance plans cover both epidural steroid injections and spinal cord stimulation, but coverage can vary. It’s best to consult with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.
Contact Us
If you’re struggling with Post-Laminectomy Pain Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, the team at Southern Interventional Pain Center is here to help. Our experienced specialists offer personalized treatment plans to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
Don’t let pain control your life. Reach out to Southern Interventional Pain Center today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.