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Failed Back & Neck Surgery

Conditions

About Failed Back and Neck Surgery

Failed back and neck surgery, also known as failed back syndrome or post-laminectomy syndrome, refers to persistent or recurrent pain following spinal surgery. Despite surgical intervention, some patients continue to experience pain or develop new symptoms, leading to dissatisfaction with their surgical outcomes.

Possible Causes of Failed Back and Neck Surgery (with descriptions)

Failed back and neck surgery can have various causes, including:

  • Scar Tissue Formation: Excessive scar tissue formation around the surgical site can compress nerves or restrict spinal movement, leading to pain.
  • Recurrent Disc Herniation: In some cases, a previously treated disc herniation may recur due to inadequate surgical decompression or disc re-injury.
  • Hardware Failure: Implanted hardware (e.g., screws, rods) may fail or become displaced, compromising spinal stability and causing pain.
  • Adjacent Segment Disease: Degenerative changes in spinal segments adjacent to the surgical site can occur over time, leading to new symptoms or exacerbation of existing pain.
  • Nerve Damage: Surgical procedures carry inherent risks of nerve injury, which can result in persistent pain, numbness, or weakness.

Symptoms Linked to Failed Back and Neck Surgery

Common symptoms associated with failed back and neck surgery include:

  • Persistent or recurrent pain in the back, neck, or extremities
  • Worsening of symptoms compared to pre-surgical condition
  • New or different types of pain, such as sharp or shooting sensations
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Difficulty with mobility or performing daily activities

Diagnosing Failed Back and Neck Surgery

Diagnosing failed back and neck surgery typically involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider and may include:

  • Review of Surgical History
  • Physical Examination
  • Diagnostic Imaging Studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI, CT scan)
  • Nerve Conduction Studies or Electromyography (EMG)

Treating Failed Back and Neck Surgery

Treatment for failed back and neck surgery aims to address underlying causes of persistent pain and improve patient outcomes. It may include:

  • Medications (e.g., pain relievers, muscle relaxants, neuropathic agents)
  • Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Epidural Steroid Injections or Nerve Blocks
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation
  • Revision Surgery (e.g., decompression, fusion revision)
  • Regenerative Therapies (e.g., Platelet-Rich Plasma, Stem Cell Therapy)

Possible Treatments

Treatments for failed back and neck surgery offered by interventional pain management physicians and orthopedic surgeons may include: