06 Apr Do you Have Post-Laminectomy Syndrome? Stem Cells Treatments May Help

If you are experiencing back pain following laminectomy surgery, you must seek medical help to ascertain what may have happened. Of course, it can take time for the body to heal after surgery and so, in these cases, it may just be discomfort as the body is healing. But, some do develop further pain following surgery which may be because the surgery was unnecessary, or, the desired result was not achieved. Most people do not have post laminectomy syndrome but, it is worth asking the question. So that the doctor can give you the best advice, do keep a note of where the pain is experienced. For example, are you experiencing pain in the back still or, do you now have leg pain?

Potential Causes

It may be that small fragments of the disc are still in place and this may be the cause of any irritation.

There may be a build of scar tissue, the nerve root could be compressed or even, disc herniation. Other causes include joint hypermobility or even, facet joint issues. There could even be systemic reasons, and these include autoimmune disorders or even diabetes.

Most commonly, people tend to experience back and leg pain afterward. This can be sufficient enough to limit or restrict you on a day to day basis and is likely to impact sleep patterns too. If the pain is considerable, then it can affect all areas of life and impact on an emotional level too.

Visit your doctor to see whether the tenderness at the site of the surgery is apparent. The doctor will provide an examination and, notice how you are walking and check your posture generally. There may even be increased pain following surgery due to sleep problems, or where there are feelings of anxiousness, depression and, even smoking could even be a trigger. There is certainly a known link between back pain and cigarette smoking.

Axial spinal pain is not uncommon, this may be attributed to abnormalities around the spinal column, perhaps the infection or bleeding through surgical complications. There could also be a neurologic pain, expressed by cold or heat because of injuries to the nerves.

Pain relief

Every person experiences pain differently following this type of surgery and so, pain relief will be treated on an individual level. Pain medication will be prescribed depending on the level of pain, but, you may be prescribed morphine-based medication. Due to the addictive nature of such pain relief, you will be monitored to ensure no dependency on them.

Treatment

Following observation and diagnosis, you may be prescribed physical therapy as this will help with core strength and movement too. A TENS unit electrical stimulation treatment may be offered, and this works well for pain relief. There are many options for consideration, but your doctor will guide you. Epidural nerve blocks, radiofrequency treatments, and even platelet-rich plasma therapy might be perfect for you. Your doctor will also look at the potential for stem cell therapy as this can be useful if you have Post-Laminectomy Syndrome. Stem cells help to regenerate and boost healing for cells at the damaged site and this means, your back can be restored to good health.