There are many spine conditions that may cause back pain. A displaced inter-vertebral disc is one of those that are most frequently encountered. Displacement is commonly caused by one of two events; a blunt force to the spinal region or a heavy lifting event. Spinal decompression is the treatment of choice for a significant number of cases of back pain including herniated discs. There are some important facts relating to spinal decompression Conroe residents need to know.
The methods that are used to treat spine problems are divided into two broad groups. The first comprises the non-invasive or conservative options. The most frequently used option here is traction. With traction, a gentle pull is applied on the spinal column with the aim of restoring its natural spaces and angulation. Consequently, if a disc was displaced, it falls back to its position. The pressure on the nerve roots is relieved and so are the symptoms.
Traction is usually offered on an outpatient basis over several weeks. A special computerized table is used. The force is applied to tow harnesses strapped to the pelvis (you do not have to remove your clothes for this). The force that is to be applied is fed onto the computer and the process is initiated. The entire exercise lasts 30 minutes to an hour. On average, about twenty sessions are needed for the full benefits to be realized.
It is important to mention that traction is unsuitable in a number of situations. It should be avoided as much as possible among pregnancy women. Apart from these women having abnormal spinal mechanics (an exaggerated curvature), the procedure also has a potential to harm the fetus. Other contraindications include, fractures and the presence of prosthetic implants in the limbs. In both cases, the underlying condition is likely to be worsened.
When traction has been tried over several sessions but no positive change has been witnessed, surgical intervention should be considered. Different types of surgical operations exist and depend on the exact underlying pathology, the skill of the surgeon and patient preference. They are usually named depending on the part that is removed. Examples include foraminectomy, laminectomy, corpectomy and osteophyte removal among others.
Once a decision to have the operation has been made, one has to be undertaken through workup to determine whether or not they are physically fit. The surgery may be done using endoscopic techniques or as an open procedures. The type of anesthesia to be used is determined by the level of spine that is affected. If the cervical spine is affected, spinal anesthesia is used but if the lower lumber region is affected region anesthesia is an option.
You need to be alive to the fact that there is a risk of complications. The immediate concerns include excessive bleeding, nerve injury and surgical site infection. Later on, there is a risk of ending up with spinal instability. This is more likely if large parts of vertebral bones are removed. Spinal fusion may be needed to restore stability if very severe.
The impingement of nerves that exit the spine at different levels is the main underlying mechanism in many cases of back pain. These nerves are in close proximity to the disc and other bony structures. A displaced disc or broken vertebral body exerts pressure on them leading to back pain that is often referred to the limbs. Understanding this cause and effect relationship is important for one to appreciate the types of treatments employed.
The methods that are used to treat spine problems are divided into two broad groups. The first comprises the non-invasive or conservative options. The most frequently used option here is traction. With traction, a gentle pull is applied on the spinal column with the aim of restoring its natural spaces and angulation. Consequently, if a disc was displaced, it falls back to its position. The pressure on the nerve roots is relieved and so are the symptoms.
Traction is usually offered on an outpatient basis over several weeks. A special computerized table is used. The force is applied to tow harnesses strapped to the pelvis (you do not have to remove your clothes for this). The force that is to be applied is fed onto the computer and the process is initiated. The entire exercise lasts 30 minutes to an hour. On average, about twenty sessions are needed for the full benefits to be realized.
It is important to mention that traction is unsuitable in a number of situations. It should be avoided as much as possible among pregnancy women. Apart from these women having abnormal spinal mechanics (an exaggerated curvature), the procedure also has a potential to harm the fetus. Other contraindications include, fractures and the presence of prosthetic implants in the limbs. In both cases, the underlying condition is likely to be worsened.
When traction has been tried over several sessions but no positive change has been witnessed, surgical intervention should be considered. Different types of surgical operations exist and depend on the exact underlying pathology, the skill of the surgeon and patient preference. They are usually named depending on the part that is removed. Examples include foraminectomy, laminectomy, corpectomy and osteophyte removal among others.
Once a decision to have the operation has been made, one has to be undertaken through workup to determine whether or not they are physically fit. The surgery may be done using endoscopic techniques or as an open procedures. The type of anesthesia to be used is determined by the level of spine that is affected. If the cervical spine is affected, spinal anesthesia is used but if the lower lumber region is affected region anesthesia is an option.
You need to be alive to the fact that there is a risk of complications. The immediate concerns include excessive bleeding, nerve injury and surgical site infection. Later on, there is a risk of ending up with spinal instability. This is more likely if large parts of vertebral bones are removed. Spinal fusion may be needed to restore stability if very severe.
The impingement of nerves that exit the spine at different levels is the main underlying mechanism in many cases of back pain. These nerves are in close proximity to the disc and other bony structures. A displaced disc or broken vertebral body exerts pressure on them leading to back pain that is often referred to the limbs. Understanding this cause and effect relationship is important for one to appreciate the types of treatments employed.
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