Back pain is a leading cause of hospital visits and absenteeism from work all over the world. The cause of this condition are mainly related to the connective tissues that make up the spine including the vertebral bodies, the ligaments and the muscles. Impingement of spinal nerves by any of these elements is one of the commonest causes. In this article we review some of the options of spinal decompression Conroe residents will find helpful is struggling with the condition.
The methods that are used are broadly categorized into non-surgical (conservative) and surgical options. The technique that is used in the non-surgical option is traction. It entails the use of a gentle traction force along the spinal column with the aim of restoring the anatomical position. If done right, pressure on the affected nerves is relieved and the pain subsides. This technique has been found to produce the best results if the cause of the problem is a displaced intervertebral disc.
Traction is a simple procedure that is usually done in the office without the need for admission. A special, computer-controlled table is required for this exercise. With your clothes on, one harness is fitted onto your pelvis and another around the trunk. These harnesses are what are used to transmit the required traction force onto the spinal column. The computer is used to generate the force required for each specific case. The entire exercise takes 30 to 45 minutes and one needs 20 to 25 sessions.
There are a number of situations for which traction is not appropriate or is contraindicated. If one has a fracture of the spine, pelvis or lower limbs then this procedure will be more harmful than it would be beneficial and should be avoided. Other conditions in which it should be avoided include the presence of abdominal or pelvic tumors, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, metallic implants in the spine and advanced osteoporosis.
Surgical spinal decompression is considered when the non-surgical option has failed to yield positive results. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the exact cause of the problem, patient preference and the surgical skill of the doctor. They include discectomy, laminectomy, foraminectomy, osteophyte removal and corpectomy. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Discectomy involves the removal of a portion of the intervertebral disc to as to relieve the pressure on the compressed nerves. This may be done as an open procedure or by use of endoscopic techniques. In laminectomy, the arch of a vertebral body (lamina) is cut and removed to create room. Corpectomy involves the removal of a vertebral body together with the disc. Foraminectomy is used when there is a need to expand the nerve root openings.
There are a number of complications that are associated with the surgical option. In the short term, the main causes for concern usually include infection at the surgical site, excessive bleeding and nerve damage. In the long term, the biggest fear is resultant spinal instability. In many cases, adjacent vertebra have to be fused (spinal fusion surgery) to prevent this complication.
Non-surgical management is by far the main modality of achieving decompression. If the conservative methods fail to relieve the symptoms then surgery can be considered. The doctor and the patient should collectively arrive at this decision after going through the benefits and the risks involved.
The methods that are used are broadly categorized into non-surgical (conservative) and surgical options. The technique that is used in the non-surgical option is traction. It entails the use of a gentle traction force along the spinal column with the aim of restoring the anatomical position. If done right, pressure on the affected nerves is relieved and the pain subsides. This technique has been found to produce the best results if the cause of the problem is a displaced intervertebral disc.
Traction is a simple procedure that is usually done in the office without the need for admission. A special, computer-controlled table is required for this exercise. With your clothes on, one harness is fitted onto your pelvis and another around the trunk. These harnesses are what are used to transmit the required traction force onto the spinal column. The computer is used to generate the force required for each specific case. The entire exercise takes 30 to 45 minutes and one needs 20 to 25 sessions.
There are a number of situations for which traction is not appropriate or is contraindicated. If one has a fracture of the spine, pelvis or lower limbs then this procedure will be more harmful than it would be beneficial and should be avoided. Other conditions in which it should be avoided include the presence of abdominal or pelvic tumors, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, metallic implants in the spine and advanced osteoporosis.
Surgical spinal decompression is considered when the non-surgical option has failed to yield positive results. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the exact cause of the problem, patient preference and the surgical skill of the doctor. They include discectomy, laminectomy, foraminectomy, osteophyte removal and corpectomy. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Discectomy involves the removal of a portion of the intervertebral disc to as to relieve the pressure on the compressed nerves. This may be done as an open procedure or by use of endoscopic techniques. In laminectomy, the arch of a vertebral body (lamina) is cut and removed to create room. Corpectomy involves the removal of a vertebral body together with the disc. Foraminectomy is used when there is a need to expand the nerve root openings.
There are a number of complications that are associated with the surgical option. In the short term, the main causes for concern usually include infection at the surgical site, excessive bleeding and nerve damage. In the long term, the biggest fear is resultant spinal instability. In many cases, adjacent vertebra have to be fused (spinal fusion surgery) to prevent this complication.
Non-surgical management is by far the main modality of achieving decompression. If the conservative methods fail to relieve the symptoms then surgery can be considered. The doctor and the patient should collectively arrive at this decision after going through the benefits and the risks involved.
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