M96.1: Postlaminectomy syndrome, not elsewhere classified

The spine is made up of the individual vertebrae. Between every 2 vertebrae there is a vertebral disc. Most vertebrae consist of a vertebral body and a vertebral arch. The vertebral body bears the weight of the body. The vertebral arches lie on top of one another to form the spinal canal. The spinal cord lies in the vertebral canal. Intervertebral discs consist of cartilage and connective tissue. Intervertebral discs connect neighboring vertebrae to one another and absorb pressure and shocks.

Surgery of this type may involve removing vertebral arches or intervertebral discs. This is done, for example, if there are problems caused by changes to the discs or the vertebral canal.

There may be pain after the operation, for different reasons. Nerves might be damaged, or scar tissue might be pressing on the nerves. The vertebrae form the vertebral canal on the rear of the spinal column. The spinal cord runs in the vertebral canal. Nerve fibers run from the brain into the body via the spinal cord and form nerves there. Every nerve is responsible for a particular part of the skin and for certain muscles. These nerves are important for instance in enabling you to feel and move the muscles. It may also be that the relevant section of the spine is less stable than normal after the operation.