Back pain that follows a heavy lifting event or blunt force trauma along the region of the spinal cord is most probably due to a displaced intervertebral disc. When they are displaced from their anatomical position, the discs are likely to impinge on the nerve roots nearby or the spinal cord itself leading to back and limb pain. Decompression is the mainstay of this problem. There are a number of basics on spinal decompression Conroe back pain patients will find useful.
You will need to undergo evaluation by your doctor (or orthopedic specialist) to confirm that indeed it is the disc that has slipped and the symptoms are not due to anything else. Apart from giving a clinical history about the onset and progression of your condition, you will be subjected to a number of radiological images. These include a CT scan, an MRI or a plain radiograph (X-ray image).
The options that are employed in decompressing the spine fall under two major categories. These are the conservative option (traction) and surgical intervention. There is a general recommendation that all patients who require decompression undergo traction first and should only consider surgery if this conservative approach fails to yield results. In this technique, a gentle but steady pulling force is applied onto the spine with the aim of restoring its natural shape.
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.
You need to know that are a number of conditions for which traction is contraindicated. One of them is fractures in the lower limb bones and the pelvis. Subjecting these bones to traction is likely to aggravate the injuries. Similar injuries may be in persons who have metallic implants. The other contraindications include pregnancy, severe osteoporosis, pelvic tumors and aortic abdominal aneurysms among others.
There are several types of surgeries that are performed in decompression operations. The type that is performed depends on the underlying cause. The surgeries are named depending on the part of the spine that is removed. They include, laminectomy, corpectomy, discectomy, foraminectomy and osteophyte removal among others. Discectomy, for instance, is the removal of the intervertebral disc while corpectomy involves removing the vertebral body (usually with the disc as well).
You need to be aware of the possible complications which may be encountered even if the incidence is low. Possible immediate complications include injury to spinal nerves, bleeding and surgical site infection. In the remote period, the main worry is that the patient may get spinal instability particularly if the operation has involved the removal of large bony parts. Spinal fusion surgery may be required 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.
You will need to undergo evaluation by your doctor (or orthopedic specialist) to confirm that indeed it is the disc that has slipped and the symptoms are not due to anything else. Apart from giving a clinical history about the onset and progression of your condition, you will be subjected to a number of radiological images. These include a CT scan, an MRI or a plain radiograph (X-ray image).
The options that are employed in decompressing the spine fall under two major categories. These are the conservative option (traction) and surgical intervention. There is a general recommendation that all patients who require decompression undergo traction first and should only consider surgery if this conservative approach fails to yield results. In this technique, a gentle but steady pulling force is applied onto the spine with the aim of restoring its natural shape.
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.
You need to know that are a number of conditions for which traction is contraindicated. One of them is fractures in the lower limb bones and the pelvis. Subjecting these bones to traction is likely to aggravate the injuries. Similar injuries may be in persons who have metallic implants. The other contraindications include pregnancy, severe osteoporosis, pelvic tumors and aortic abdominal aneurysms among others.
There are several types of surgeries that are performed in decompression operations. The type that is performed depends on the underlying cause. The surgeries are named depending on the part of the spine that is removed. They include, laminectomy, corpectomy, discectomy, foraminectomy and osteophyte removal among others. Discectomy, for instance, is the removal of the intervertebral disc while corpectomy involves removing the vertebral body (usually with the disc as well).
You need to be aware of the possible complications which may be encountered even if the incidence is low. Possible immediate complications include injury to spinal nerves, bleeding and surgical site infection. In the remote period, the main worry is that the patient may get spinal instability particularly if the operation has involved the removal of large bony parts. Spinal fusion surgery may be required 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.
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