Spinal problems are a leading cause of hospital visits all over the world. The conditions are many, variable in severity and may be acute or chronic. One of the commonest causes of this problem is a displacement of one or more inter-vertebral discs. A blunt force to the back or a heavy lifting event are the most common preceding events. In this article, we explore the techniques of spinal decompression Conroe residents will benefit from.
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.
The procedure undertaken during traction is quite straightforward. In most centers, traction is offered to outpatients. A special computerized table is needed to help with positioning. Once the patient has been fitted with harnesses at the pelvis and around the trunk a gentle pulling force is applied. The exercise typically lasts for about 30 minutes. The average number of sessions required to produce positive results is between twenty and twenty five.
Traction is deemed inappropriate for a number of clients. In pregnancy, there is a risk of harming the unborn fetus. Alternatives should be sought or the procedure postponed until after delivery. Another condition that would make traction a contraindicated procedure is the presence of a fracture in one or both lower limbs. Due to the force applied, the injuries are at a great risk of being aggravated.
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.
If a decision to have surgery is made, you have to be taken through post-operative work up to determine whether you are fit enough. Depending on the spinal level that is affected that operation will be performed under general or regional anesthesia. For instance, is the problem is in the cervical region, you will be subjected to general anesthesia but if it is much lower in the spine (lower lumbar region) spinal anesthesia may be administered.
Complications are rare but one should anticipate them nonetheless. Immediate concerns usually include infections, injury to blood vessels and subsequent bleeding and injury to nerve fibers. The commonest long term complication is spinal instability when one or more adjacent vertebra are removed. This is rectified by spinal fusion surgery.
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.
The procedure undertaken during traction is quite straightforward. In most centers, traction is offered to outpatients. A special computerized table is needed to help with positioning. Once the patient has been fitted with harnesses at the pelvis and around the trunk a gentle pulling force is applied. The exercise typically lasts for about 30 minutes. The average number of sessions required to produce positive results is between twenty and twenty five.
Traction is deemed inappropriate for a number of clients. In pregnancy, there is a risk of harming the unborn fetus. Alternatives should be sought or the procedure postponed until after delivery. Another condition that would make traction a contraindicated procedure is the presence of a fracture in one or both lower limbs. Due to the force applied, the injuries are at a great risk of being aggravated.
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.
If a decision to have surgery is made, you have to be taken through post-operative work up to determine whether you are fit enough. Depending on the spinal level that is affected that operation will be performed under general or regional anesthesia. For instance, is the problem is in the cervical region, you will be subjected to general anesthesia but if it is much lower in the spine (lower lumbar region) spinal anesthesia may be administered.
Complications are rare but one should anticipate them nonetheless. Immediate concerns usually include infections, injury to blood vessels and subsequent bleeding and injury to nerve fibers. The commonest long term complication is spinal instability when one or more adjacent vertebra are removed. This is rectified by spinal fusion surgery.
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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