Causes
There are a number of reasons why patients have pain following spine surgery:
- Correct treatment of original pain generator and subsequent development of new pain generator
- Surgery without change of initial pain
- Surgery with complications like nerve injury, infection, or failure to heal
- Patient factors like smoking have been associated with increased risk of development of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome.
Diagnosis
The Interventional Pain Doctors team of spine pain management specialists can diagnose Post-Laminectomy Syndrome during a comprehensive history and physical examination. In addition, we may also request diagnostic tests such as an MRI, X-ray, CT, or blood tests.
Treatment
Medications may be used in the initial treatment of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, however they are not always effective and have unwanted side effects. The Interventional Pain Doctors team of spine pain management specialists offer cutting edge treatments that relieve pain without medication, including:
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): uses your own blood’s healing capabilities. Growth factors within your own platelets have regenerative capabilities to stimulate nerve growth and recovery
- Stem Cell Therapy: Concentrated samples of your own stem cells can be placed at the site of damage to help regenerate damaged nerve tissue and to stimulate growth.
- Nerve blocks: Image guided nerve blocks can deliver local anesthestic and anti-inflammatory medication to the site of nerve injury for diagnostic and theurapeutic benefit.
- Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS): Once an injured nerve is identified it can be blocked electrically using a small lead, like a pacemaker wire. The Interventional Pain Doctors team of orthopedic/spine and pain management specialists offer this cutting edge, FDA approved therapy.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): After a diagnostic block confirms the source of pain, heat in the form of FM radiowaves is used to desensitize the nerve causing the pain. Relief typically lasts 9-12 months and can be repeated as necessary.
- Neuormodulation (SCS): an FDA approved therapy that can block pain at the level of the spinal cord using a small lead like a pacemaker wire and a battery.
