Back Pain & Post-Laminectomy Syndrome | Advanced Relief in NYC

Understanding Back Pain

Your spine is like a flexible tower built of vertebrae, discs, ligaments, and muscles. When these structures are strained or misaligned, pain can develop.
Back pain can involve:

General back pain from posture issues, muscle strain, or injury
Lower back pain (lumbar spine) often due to disc problems, arthritis, or muscle tension
Upper back pain (thoracic spine) linked to poor posture, repetitive stress, or fractures
Post-laminectomy syndrome (failed back surgery syndrome) when pain persists or worsens after spinal surgery

Causes of Back Pain

General Back Pain

Muscle or ligament strain from heavy lifting or awkward movement
Poor posture or long periods of sitting
Arthritis or degenerative disc disease

Lower Back Pain

Herniated or bulging discs compressing nerves
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Facet joint degeneration
Radiculopathy (sciatica) causing pain that radiates to hips or legs

Upper Back Pain

Muscle tension and overuse
Spinal fractures (such as those related to osteoporosis)
Thoracic disc herniation or nerve compression

Post-Laminectomy Syndrome / Failed Back Surgery

Scar tissue formation around spinal nerves
Recurrent or adjacent-level disc herniation
Persistent nerve irritation or incorrect pre-surgery diagnosis

Signs and Symptoms

Pain Characteristics

Dull, aching, or sharp stabbing pain in the lower, mid, or upper back
Radiating pain down the legs or arms when nerves are involved

Stiffness & Limited Motion

Difficulty bending, twisting, or standing upright
Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing

Muscle Spasms & Tension

Tightness or knots around the spine

Neurological Signs

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in legs or arms (sciatica or nerve involvement)

Seek immediate medical care for sudden, severe back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or new neurological symptoms.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Our team performs:

Comprehensive medical history and neurological exam
MRI or CT scans to identify disc problems, stenosis, or scar tissue
X-rays to detect bone changes or arthritis
Diagnostic blocks or other targeted procedures when needed

Diagnosis follows the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) and spine-pain guidelines.

Procedure Videos

Endoscopic Anterior Cervical Discectomy

Treatment Options at Maywell Health

Conservative Care

Rest and activity modification to allow healing
Heat and cold therapy to ease inflammation
Physical therapy to improve posture, core strength, and flexibility
Gentle stretching and low-impact exercise

Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Muscle relaxants for spasms
Prescription medications for persistent or severe pain

Interventional Pain Management

Our back pain specialists use advanced procedures to target pain precisely:

Epidural steroid injections to calm inflamed nerves
Facet joint injections for arthritis-related pain
Nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to disrupt pain signals
Spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome

Surgical Options

When nonsurgical care is not enough:

Discectomy to remove herniated disc material
Spinal fusion to stabilize vertebrae
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for compression fractures
Revision surgery for structural issues after laminectomy or prior surgery

Prevention & Lifestyle Strategies

Maintain good posture and ergonomics at home and work
Exercise regularly to strengthen the core and support the spine
Practice proper lifting techniques
Keep a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress
Get sufficient sleep and manage stress to reduce muscle tension

For at-home strategies, explore
Top 10 Tips for Managing Back Pain
and read our detailed guide
Effective Lower Back and Knee Pain Treatment.

Why Choose Maywell Health

Board-certified physicians specializing in interventional pain medicine
Advanced imaging and minimally invasive treatment technologies
Personalized plans that combine medical, interventional, and holistic approaches
Convenient locations in NYC and Long Island with telehealth options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is post-laminectomy syndrome?
It is ongoing or recurrent back pain after spinal surgery, often caused by scar tissue, recurrent disc herniation, or persistent nerve irritation.

Can failed back surgery be treated without additional surgery?
Yes. Options like nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and advanced interventional pain therapies can provide significant relief.

How do I know if my back pain is serious?
Seek urgent care if pain is sudden and severe, causes leg weakness or numbness, or is accompanied by bowel/bladder issues.

Does posture really matter?
Absolutely. Poor posture is a leading contributor to chronic upper and lower back pain.

Is physical therapy always required?
Not always, but it often speeds recovery and helps prevent future episodes of back pain.