Slipped intervertebral discs are a common cause of back pain and limb pain. Herniation is often a result of trauma sustained during a heavy lifting event, a road traffic accident or sporting injury. Symptoms are due to the impingement of nerves in the vicinity of the disc. There are a number of ways through which this can be dealt with. In this article, we will look at some of the modes of managing herniated disc pain relief Conroe patients will find beneficial.
Generally, the options are divided into two broad categories: conservative and surgical. Factors that will influence the choice of method to be used in each case include severity of the condition, risks involved and the response to initial interventions. Analgesic medications are usually the starting point for most people. NSAIDS such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen will help buy time as the condition is given time to resolve by itself.
Pain that is unresponsive to over the counter pain relievers should alert you on the need to see a specialist. Traction is one of the most commonly used conservative treatments. In this technique, a gentle pulling force is applied along the spine with the aim of restoring its shape and length. If successful, the intervertebral space expands to accommodate the disc and this in turn helps relieve the pressure on the structures that were compressed.
Several other passive techniques similar to traction are also available. They include deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies and hydrotherapy among others. All are designed to not only restore the anatomical structure of the spine but to also prevent further injury. In most cases, several of them are used together so as to increase the chances of success.
Active treatments are mainly focused on the restoration and maintenance of joint movement, core stability, flexibility, strength and posture. To achieve this, your physiotherapist prepares an exercise program to be followed for a couple of months. The exercises help in strengthening abdominal muscles so as to relieve pressure on the back muscles. In many settings, both the passive and the active techniques are used alongside each other.
Traction is successful in a majority of patients. However, it is not considered suitable in some groups of patients. Those who have preexisting pelvic or limb fractures should not be given this treatment (until the injuries have healed). This is because the maneuvers involved tend to aggravate such injuries. It should also be avoided in persons that have aortic aneurysms (abdominal), metallic implants and those with huge abdominal tumors.
Surgery is a last resort. Different types of operations can be performed depending on the extent of the problem. Each is named depending on the skeletal element that is removed. In discectomy, only the intervertebral disc is removed. In corpectomy, on the other hand, the vertebral body and the disc are removed at the same time. Other surgeries include laminectomy, osteophyte removal and foraminectomy.
Surgery has a number of risks and possible complications that one should be aware of. Bleeding and infections are the commonest just as applies to any other form of surgery. Nerve injuries of varying degrees have been reported and these tend to even worsen the symptoms at times. In the remote postoperative period, the most feared complication is spine instability that is caused by removal of some skeletal elements. Corrective surgery is often required in this case.
Generally, the options are divided into two broad categories: conservative and surgical. Factors that will influence the choice of method to be used in each case include severity of the condition, risks involved and the response to initial interventions. Analgesic medications are usually the starting point for most people. NSAIDS such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen will help buy time as the condition is given time to resolve by itself.
Pain that is unresponsive to over the counter pain relievers should alert you on the need to see a specialist. Traction is one of the most commonly used conservative treatments. In this technique, a gentle pulling force is applied along the spine with the aim of restoring its shape and length. If successful, the intervertebral space expands to accommodate the disc and this in turn helps relieve the pressure on the structures that were compressed.
Several other passive techniques similar to traction are also available. They include deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies and hydrotherapy among others. All are designed to not only restore the anatomical structure of the spine but to also prevent further injury. In most cases, several of them are used together so as to increase the chances of success.
Active treatments are mainly focused on the restoration and maintenance of joint movement, core stability, flexibility, strength and posture. To achieve this, your physiotherapist prepares an exercise program to be followed for a couple of months. The exercises help in strengthening abdominal muscles so as to relieve pressure on the back muscles. In many settings, both the passive and the active techniques are used alongside each other.
Traction is successful in a majority of patients. However, it is not considered suitable in some groups of patients. Those who have preexisting pelvic or limb fractures should not be given this treatment (until the injuries have healed). This is because the maneuvers involved tend to aggravate such injuries. It should also be avoided in persons that have aortic aneurysms (abdominal), metallic implants and those with huge abdominal tumors.
Surgery is a last resort. Different types of operations can be performed depending on the extent of the problem. Each is named depending on the skeletal element that is removed. In discectomy, only the intervertebral disc is removed. In corpectomy, on the other hand, the vertebral body and the disc are removed at the same time. Other surgeries include laminectomy, osteophyte removal and foraminectomy.
Surgery has a number of risks and possible complications that one should be aware of. Bleeding and infections are the commonest just as applies to any other form of surgery. Nerve injuries of varying degrees have been reported and these tend to even worsen the symptoms at times. In the remote postoperative period, the most feared complication is spine instability that is caused by removal of some skeletal elements. Corrective surgery is often required in this case.
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If you're seeking herniated disc pain relief Conroe chiropractor is the right person to turn to. Make an appointment for a therapy session today through http://www.lordexspineinstituteofconroe.com.
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