Overview
Post-laminectomy syndrome describes persistent back or leg pain after a laminectomy or other spinal decompression surgery. It falls under the broader term persistent spinal pain syndrome.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include physical therapy, medication, injections and neuromodulation such as spinal cord stimulation.
Watch: Post-Laminectomy Syndrome explained
Video: “What is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)?” from MedtronicChronicPain on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Common symptoms
- Back pain after surgery
- Leg pain, burning or numbness
- Stiffness
- Pain that returns after initial improvement
Causes and risk factors
- Scar tissue around nerves
- Recurrent stenosis or disc herniation
- Spinal instability
- Nerve damage
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical exam. Depending on what we find, your clinician may order X-rays, an MRI or CT scan, or nerve tests. Imaging findings are interpreted together with your exam, because many people have changes on an MRI that do not cause pain. Previous surgical records and imaging are reviewed.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Walking, pacing, sleep and stress skills may help when pain continues after a laminectomy.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy and a medicine review are common next steps.
Injections and nerve blocks
Epidural injections or nerve blocks may help nerve-related pain.
Minimally invasive procedures
Spinal cord stimulation, DRG stimulation or an intrathecal pump may be considered.
Surgical evaluation
A surgeon may look for instability, recurrent stenosis or adjacent segment problems.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain after a significant fall or accident, or pain with fever or unexplained weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is post-laminectomy syndrome common?
Some degree of ongoing pain after spine surgery is not unusual. A specialist can evaluate the cause.
Is spinal cord stimulation an option?
SCS is commonly considered for persistent leg and back pain after spine surgery. A temporary trial comes first.
Will I need more surgery?
Only if a specific correctable cause is found. Many patients are treated without additional surgery.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.