Available at Apex, Holly Springs, Knightdale and Wakefield
At ECPC Pain Specialists, our board-certified interventional pain medicine physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) understand the frustration and discouragement that can come with persistent pain following spinal surgery. With multiple locations across Wake County, our team has extensive experience helping patients find relief from failed back surgery syndrome through evidence-based, compassionate care. We combine advanced diagnostic techniques with personalized treatment plans to help you get back to the activities and moments that matter most.
What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Failed back surgery syndrome, also called post-laminectomy syndrome, refers to chronic pain that persists or develops after a laminectomy procedure. A laminectomy is a type of spinal surgery in which part of the lamina (the bony layer covering the spinal cord) is removed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. While this surgery can be effective for many patients, some individuals continue to experience significant pain and disability afterward. This ongoing discomfort may affect the back, neck, arms, or legs, depending on where the original surgery was performed.
Common Causes
Post-laminectomy syndrome can develop for several reasons. Excessive scar tissue formation around the surgical site may compress nerves and cause pain. A herniated disc may recur in the same location, or bone fragments may remain at the surgical site. Some patients develop spinal stenosis again, or bone spurs may form that irritate nearby nerve structures. In other cases, nerve damage from the initial surgery or improper surgical technique can contribute to ongoing symptoms. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of failed back surgery syndrome vary from person to person but typically include chronic back or neck pain that may be sharp, burning, or aching in nature. Many patients experience radicular pain that radiates down the arms or legs, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected extremities. Muscle spasms, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities are also common. Some individuals report that their pain is worse than before surgery, which can be particularly distressing and impact quality of life.
Treatment Options at ECPC Pain Specialists
Our physicians offer comprehensive, non-surgical treatment options tailored to your specific condition. These may include epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around affected nerves, nerve block procedures to interrupt pain signals, and radiofrequency ablation to provide longer-lasting relief. We also utilize advanced therapies such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and medication management. Physical therapy and rehabilitation play important roles in restoring function and improving strength. Our goal is to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve meaningful pain relief.
Why Choose ECPC Pain Specialists?
Our team brings specialized expertise in interventional pain management, with board-certified physicians who focus on complex pain conditions such as post-laminectomy syndrome. We take a patient-centered approach, listening carefully to your concerns and developing treatment plans based on the latest evidence-based practices. With four convenient locations throughout Wake County, we make it easier for you to access the expert care you need close to home. Our commitment to compassionate, personalized treatment has earned us a strong reputation in the community, and we’re dedicated to helping you find relief and restore your quality of life.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let post-laminectomy syndrome keep you from living your life. Contact ECPC Pain Specialists today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Wake County locations:
- Holly Springs: 984-777-8787
- Knightdale: 919-222-5280
- Apex: 919-439-7867
- Wakefield: 919-341-9317