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spineadvisor: Neck & Back Pain eNewsletter from SpineUniverse.com
spineuniverse.com July 9, 2008
Ask The Experts
Back Pain After Surgery—What Can I Do?
Ask the Experts Question

Question:
A few years ago, I had a spinal fusion from L4 to S1.  Unfortunately, I still have unbearable pain, and I’m considering a spinal cord stimulator.  Do you think that’s a good option for me since surgery didn’t work?  Can I have one put in, even if I have hardware (screws and rods) from the fusion?
—Brooklyn, NY
Ask the Experts Answer

Answer:
Persistent pain following lumbar fusion is referred to as either Post Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS) or Failed Back Syndrome (FBS), and I know how disappointing it is for patients to still have pain after surgery.  In evaluating whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for an FBS patient, I look at a couple of factors:

  1. What was the original diagnosis and reason for surgery?
  2. Is there epidural scar tissue or arachnoiditis?
  3. How much leg pain does the patient have—pain that travels from the back and into the leg?
  4. Read Complete Answer

Photo: Edward J. Kowlowitz, MD This Week's Expert:
Edward J. Kowlowitz, MD
Medical Director
Center for Pain Management Indianapolis, IN 		Ask the Experts a Question
Back and Neck Pain
Exercise: No Pain, All Gain?

Exercise can help control back pain—if you’re doing the right kind of exercise. 

Are you doing what’s best for your back?...Read More

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 Swimming is Great Exercise for Back Pain

Swimming is just one of the many aerobic exercises recommended for back pain.
Find a Spine Professional in your Area
Spine Care Tips
Neck Pain Tip
Woke up with a crick in your neck? Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach because that can put more pressure on your shoulders and neck.

What else can you do to relieve neck pain?...Read More

View Article 		Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach can put more pressure on your neck.
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Spine Surgery Basics
Laminotomy

Think of the lamina as the roof of your spine.  It covers your spinal cord, but to treat some severe spinal conditions, it may need to be removed.  Click here to learn why.

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Common Conditions:

Back Pain
Neck Pain
Degenerative Disc Disease
Herniated Discs
Kyphosis
Low Back Pain
Osteoporosis/Spinal Fracture
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Spondylosis
Spondylolisthesis
Whiplash
Other Back Problems A-Z
Back Pain Videos
Important Spine Information
The Internet & the Spine

You’re already Internet savvy if you get our eNewsletter.

But what should you know about using the Internet to research your spinal condition?  Can you trust everything out there?  (And no, we’re not saying SpineUniverse is the only website you can trust…) ...Read More

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 Internet and the Spine

Use the Internet to research your spinal condition—but be sure your information comes from trustworthy sites.
Featured Clinical Trial
Gene Mapping for Spinal Disorders

By understanding the molecular causes for scoliosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD), Axial Biotech hopes to be able to develop diagnostic/prognostic tests and potentially improved treatment options. Individuals who will be considered for eligibility include: men, women, and children who have a diagnosis of scoliosis or DDD...Read More

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