Post-Operative Back Pain

Post Laminectomy / Fusion Syndrome

A small percentage of patients may experience pain following surgery of the cervical or lumbar spine. This pain can be related to many factors including:

• Post-surgical scar tissue
• Instrumentation (Screws & Hardware)
• Muscle weakening
• Alterations of spinal anatomy
• Increased stress above or below the surgical site

What are the Symptoms of Post-Surgical Pain?

Pain may occur in the same area or location and feel the same as your pre-surgical pain. Your symptoms may also feel different of occur in a different location. Symptoms can occur several weeks or even several months following surgery.

How is Post-Surgical Pain Diagnosed?

Pain that continues or recurs weeks to months after surgery is usually the first clue. An MRI or CAT scan will help confirm if post-surgical scar tissue has formed or if a residual disc herniation is present. In addition, flexion and extension films may be needed for evaluation following spinal fusion. Selective nerve root blocks may be recommended to help confirm the source of the pain.

How is Post-Surgical Pain Treated?

The initial treatment options are similar to pre-surgical treatments including:

• Medication Management
• Physical Therapy/TENS
• Epidural Steroid(Cortisone) Injections
• Epidural Lysis of Adhesions
• Spinal Cord Stimulation
• Pain Pump Insertion