Experiencing Neck Pain After Surgery? It Could be Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome
If you’ve undergone neck or back surgery to relieve pain, it’s understandable to expect the pain to go away after surgery. However, it’s important to understand that surgery always carries some risk. In the case of back or neck surgery, the delicate nature of the nerves and small spaces involved make it particularly challenging. As a result, it’s not uncommon for people to experience post-laminectomy pain syndrome, also known as failed neck surgery syndrome, in which they continue to experience pain after the surgery.
While this may be frustrating and disheartening, it’s important to remember that there is hope and that you don’t have to live with this pain forever. At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, our team of experts is here to help you better understand your symptoms and find ways to manage your pain so that you can get back to living your life to the fullest.
What Is Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome?
Failed neck surgery syndrome is when a patient continues to experience pain or other symptoms following the procedure. Various factors, including unforeseen consequences of the surgery, changes in behavior or activity levels, or surgical errors, can cause this.
It’s important to note that failed neck syndrome is not necessarily a failure of the surgery itself, but rather a consequence of the inherent risks associated with any surgical procedure. However, you are not alone in your struggles, and there are other treatment options available to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. If you are struggling with failed back or neck syndrome, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional for help.
Conditions That Can Cause Persistent Neck Pain Following Surgery
There are several different types of failed neck surgeries that can cause this condition, including:
- Laminectomy: A failed laminectomy may be caused by scar tissue formation or inflamed joints at the surgical site.
- Spinal fusion: Failed spinal fusion may be caused by adjacent segment disease, which can result in radiating pain and neurological symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and pain while walking.
- Artificial disc neck surgery: Failed artificial disc neck surgery may be caused by bone fractures or erosion, which can result in misalignment of the vertebrae.
- Laminoplasty: A failed laminoplasty may be caused by the implant not working or degenerative changes progressing.
In some cases, failed neck surgery syndrome may be caused by an incorrect diagnosis, poor patient selection by the center, incomplete decompression, inadequate surgical skill, surgeon experience, or adjacent segment disease.
What Are the Warning Signs of Failed Neck Surgery?
Failed neck surgery syndrome is a complex condition with various causes. Some people may present with failed neck surgery syndrome because they did not fully recover from a previous surgery, while others may experience new or worsening pain after their procedure. Several warning signs may indicate that you’re dealing with failed neck surgery syndrome, including:
- Persistent neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in the neck, arms, or hands
- Weakness in the neck, arms, or hands
- Difficulty moving your neck
In some cases, it may not be possible to identify a specific cause for your symptoms, or additional correction may not be an option. However, it’s still important to understand your situation and what options are available to you so that you can make informed decisions about your care.
How to Diagnose Failed Neck Surgery
Diagnosing failed neck and back surgery syndrome can be a complex process. To diagnose failed neck and back surgery syndrome, your healthcare provider may perform a variety of tests and evaluations, including:
- Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will assess your neck or back pain and other symptoms, as well as your overall health and medical history.
- Imaging tests: These may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to visualize the structure and function of your neck or back.
- Nerve function tests: These tests, such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies, can help determine if there is damage to your neck or back nerves.
- Pain management evaluation: Your healthcare provider may refer you to a pain management specialist to help determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan.
It’s important to be honest with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any previous treatments you have tried. This can help them make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Can Help You Manage Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome
At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, our goal is to help you find relief from your pain and educate you on all available treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical.
Our team of specialists is experienced in treating failed neck surgery syndrome with a wide range of interventional and conservative therapies. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to use our online contact form or call us at (855) 853-6542 today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled spine surgeons. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.