Back pain occurring after heavy lifting or after blunt trauma to the spine is most likely the result of a displaced intervertebral disc. A displaced disc causes nerve impingement and may even exert pressure on the spinal cord. The resultant pain affects both the back and either the lower or the upper limbs. The solution to this problem is decompression. There are a number of methods of spinal decompression Conroe patients will be happy to know.
When you visit your doctor for a diagnosis, you will be asked to give a history and then you will be taken through a physical examination with a bias of the back and spine. Apart from a displaced disc, the symptoms may also be caused by bony growths or any disorders affecting the connective tissue structures within the spine. Radiographic images in the form of MRIs, CT scans and plain X-rays are some of the most important investigations here.
The methods that are used in relieving pressure on the spine or nerve roots are broadly categorized into two. The first category includes the non-invasive methods (mainly traction) and the second is made up of the surgical options. The general recommendation is that all persons should first be subject to traction before the surgical methods are considered. Traction involves the use of sustained force applied in the direction of the spine.
In the case of displaced discs, when the right amount of force is applied, the intervertebral space is increased and the pressure within this space decreases. The disc slips back into its position and the pressure on the adjacent structures is relieved. A single session takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Since it is performed on an outpatient basis, one can go home on the same day. An average, twenty to twenty five sessions are required over several weeks.
It is important to note that there are a number of contraindications to traction that exist. One of them is a person that has suffered a fracture to a major bone of the limb. There is a huge risk of worsening this injury due to the pulling. The same applies for persons that have metallic implants within the bones. Other conditions for which it is deemed inappropriate include pregnancy, pelvic tumors and advanced osteoporosis.
There are various types of surgeries that are performed depending on the problem that has been identified. The surgeries are named depending on the component that is cut or removed. Examples include laminectomy, corpectomy, removal of osteophytes, discectomy and foraminectomy. In discectomy, the affected disc is removed in its entirety but everything else is left intact. Corpectomy involves surgical removal of the vertebral body and its associated disc.
There are some complications which may be encountered when one undergoes these surgeries. The good news is that their incidence is fairly low. The immediate ones include bleeding from vessels within the spinal region, infections and injury to the nerve roots. In the long term, the main complication associated with spine operations is instability especially if large bony parts have been removed. Fusion may be needed in some cases.
The main method used in relieving pressure from the spine is traction. Surgery is only considered when traction and other conservative methods fail to yield positive results. It is important that both the doctor and the patient consider the options available and explore both the merits and demerits.
When you visit your doctor for a diagnosis, you will be asked to give a history and then you will be taken through a physical examination with a bias of the back and spine. Apart from a displaced disc, the symptoms may also be caused by bony growths or any disorders affecting the connective tissue structures within the spine. Radiographic images in the form of MRIs, CT scans and plain X-rays are some of the most important investigations here.
The methods that are used in relieving pressure on the spine or nerve roots are broadly categorized into two. The first category includes the non-invasive methods (mainly traction) and the second is made up of the surgical options. The general recommendation is that all persons should first be subject to traction before the surgical methods are considered. Traction involves the use of sustained force applied in the direction of the spine.
In the case of displaced discs, when the right amount of force is applied, the intervertebral space is increased and the pressure within this space decreases. The disc slips back into its position and the pressure on the adjacent structures is relieved. A single session takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Since it is performed on an outpatient basis, one can go home on the same day. An average, twenty to twenty five sessions are required over several weeks.
It is important to note that there are a number of contraindications to traction that exist. One of them is a person that has suffered a fracture to a major bone of the limb. There is a huge risk of worsening this injury due to the pulling. The same applies for persons that have metallic implants within the bones. Other conditions for which it is deemed inappropriate include pregnancy, pelvic tumors and advanced osteoporosis.
There are various types of surgeries that are performed depending on the problem that has been identified. The surgeries are named depending on the component that is cut or removed. Examples include laminectomy, corpectomy, removal of osteophytes, discectomy and foraminectomy. In discectomy, the affected disc is removed in its entirety but everything else is left intact. Corpectomy involves surgical removal of the vertebral body and its associated disc.
There are some complications which may be encountered when one undergoes these surgeries. The good news is that their incidence is fairly low. The immediate ones include bleeding from vessels within the spinal region, infections and injury to the nerve roots. In the long term, the main complication associated with spine operations is instability especially if large bony parts have been removed. Fusion may be needed in some cases.
The main method used in relieving pressure from the spine is traction. Surgery is only considered when traction and other conservative methods fail to yield positive results. It is important that both the doctor and the patient consider the options available and explore both the merits and demerits.
About the Author:
When there is a need for info on spinal decompression Conroe customers should visit our official website to get the full details. Take a look at this homepage at http://www.lordexspineinstituteofconroe.com right away!
No comments:
Post a Comment