If you've had spinal surgery, you're likely expecting less pain—not more. But for some patients, pain continues—or even worsens—after a procedure like a laminectomy or discectomy. This lingering or returning discomfort is often diagnosed as Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS), sometimes referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). And while the name may sound discouraging, the truth is this: you still have options.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in helping patients throughout Georgia find lasting relief after back surgery through non-opioid, minimally invasive treatments designed to target the real source of post-surgical pain.
Post-laminectomy syndrome refers to chronic pain that persists after spinal surgery—typically following procedures meant to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, such as:
Rather than resolving pain entirely, some patients experience:
This condition doesn’t mean the surgery was unnecessary—it simply means additional care is needed to complete your recovery.
Studies suggest that up to 40% of patients who undergo back surgery may experience some form of persistent post-operative pain. While many improve over time, some are left feeling discouraged, confused, or told there’s “nothing more to be done.”
That’s where Medici steps in—with a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain and developing a custom, whole-person care plan.
There are several reasons why spinal surgery may not fully resolve your pain:
In many cases, these causes are treatable—without the need for additional surgery.
Every spine is unique, and so is every recovery. A “one-size-fits-all” plan won’t work for complex post-operative pain. At Medici, our team of orthopedic spine surgeons, interventional pain specialists, and physical therapists works together to:
We believe your first surgery doesn’t have to be your final outcome.
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for spine surgery patients: you went through surgery expecting relief, but the pain is still there—or it’s come back with a vengeance. This is the reality for many individuals living with Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS), also known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS).
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we understand the complex symptoms of PLS and offer targeted solutions to address both the physical and emotional toll this condition can take.
The hallmark symptom of post-laminectomy syndrome is persistent pain in the same area that was operated on—typically the lower back or legs. This may feel:
Pain may also shift to new areas, indicating a nerve irritation or compensation issue that needs attention.
Beyond pain, many patients report neurological symptoms such as:
These symptoms often point to residual nerve compression or scarring and should be assessed through specialized imaging and nerve conduction studies.
Some patients feel great right after surgery—only to have symptoms return weeks or months later. This delayed pain can be caused by:
Pain that returns after an initial period of relief should never be ignored. At Medici, we help identify and treat the cause before it becomes chronic.
When pain persists after surgery, it’s not just your back that suffers. Post-laminectomy syndrome often leads to:
That’s why we treat more than just the physical symptoms. Medici’s approach includes whole-person support to help you regain confidence and clarity alongside physical recovery.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we understand that recovering from back surgery doesn’t always mean the pain is over. That’s why we take a targeted, patient-specific approach to treating Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS), combining diagnostics, interventional therapies, and non-surgical innovation to help you finally find relief.
Before treatment begins, we perform comprehensive testing to uncover the exact cause of your post-surgical pain. This may include:
With this information, our team can pinpoint the source of pain—whether it’s structural, neurological, or scar-related—and design a precise treatment strategy.
One of the most effective ways to manage post-laminectomy pain—especially when nerves are involved—is through precisely guided injections that reduce inflammation and interrupt pain signals.
Common options include:
These procedures are minimally invasive, performed in-office under fluoroscopic guidance, and often provide rapid relief that helps patients re-engage in physical therapy and daily activity.
For patients with severe, long-term nerve pain who haven’t responded to conservative measures, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers a powerful solution.
This treatment involves placing a small device near the spine that sends gentle electrical pulses to intercept pain signals before they reach the brain. It’s especially effective for:
SCS is reversible, customizable, and comes with a trial phase so you can see if it works before committing to implantation.
Pain after spine surgery often isn’t just about what happened during the procedure—it’s also about how your body moves afterward. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, our physical therapy team designs individualized programs to help you:
Our therapists are specially trained in post-surgical rehabilitation and use a combination of manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and low-impact conditioning to safely restore function—without flaring your pain.
For patients with lingering inflammation, scar tissue, or soft tissue damage, regenerative therapies can offer relief by stimulating the body’s own healing process.
We use:
These treatments are non-surgical, safe, and particularly effective when combined with physical therapy or interventional pain procedures.
At Medici, we believe in targeted, responsible medication use that supports healing—not dependency. That’s why our pain specialists use a non-opioid approach whenever possible, including:
Each medication plan is tailored to your unique condition, adjusted regularly, and used in combination with physical and regenerative therapies to achieve lasting results.
Still in pain after spine surgery? Medici can help you heal.
Living with Post-Laminectomy Syndrome doesn’t mean you’ve run out of options—it means it’s time for a smarter, more personalized approach. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in helping patients who feel stuck after surgery finally move forward with non-surgical, non-opioid, and medically advanced solutions.
📞 Call today: +1-844-328-4624
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✅ We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans
📍 Visit Medici at our convenient Georgia locations: Marietta, Buckhead, Snellville, and Kennesaw
At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
Our team delivers specialist care at convenient locations across Metro Atlanta:
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