Inter-vertebral discs are the main shock absorbers of the spinal column. The discs are surrounded by a synovial fluid. When the back is injured by blunt trauma the disc may be displaced from its position. This will more often than not cause impingement of nerves found next to the area of trauma. The patients will experience chronic back pain that also affects the lower limbs. There are a number of things on herniated disc pain relief Conroe patients need to know if suffering from the condition.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first have to take your clinical history. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you have suffered from trauma or have been involved in strenuous physical activity. The next thing is for the doctor to examine you to establish the extent of the problem. Affected individuals typically complain of low back pain that radiates to the limbs and is exacerbated by walking.
There are several investigations that are needed to aid in making the diagnosis. They include both radiological images and blood tests. The exact combination required is dictated by the findings of the history and the physical examination. Among those used frequently are the CT scan and magnetic resonance images, MRI. Apart from ruling out other conditions, these images also help in assessing the disc that has been displaced and its effects.
Treatment comprises two main approaches; a conservative and surgical approach. The former is the most widely used especially for the mild to moderate cases. Traction and the use of pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide relief in a large number of the persons affected with the problem. Other treatments that may be include as well include chiropractic, acupressure and acupuncture. However, these options lack scientific backing.
Traction is a procedure that involves the application of a steady pulling force to the spine. This is achieved by fixing a harness around the lower limbs and pelvis. With the patient lying on their side on a couch, a predetermined force is applied to the spine through the harness. The average individual will need about 20 sessions to experience relief. Over time, the prolapsed disc falls back into its original position.
Traction is generally safe. To minimize the risk of injuring the spinal cord, the force needed for the traction has to be carefully calculated. There are some patients in whom the procedure is considered inappropriate or dangerous and should be postponed to a later date or alternatives should be used. Such situations include, for instance, pregnancy, a history of a fracture to one or both limbs and bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.
Surgical intervention will be considered when the conservative techniques fail to relive the pain. The surgical options are many and depend on the part of the vertebral body that is involved in the compression. Corpectomy, osteophyte removal and laminectomy are just but a few examples. Several risks are associated with the operations. They include nerve injury, spinal injury, blood loss and infections among others.
Disc herniation pain continues to be a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Early diagnosis is important for interventions to be undertaken. It is important that one discusses the available options with their doctor before the final decision is arrived at.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first have to take your clinical history. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you have suffered from trauma or have been involved in strenuous physical activity. The next thing is for the doctor to examine you to establish the extent of the problem. Affected individuals typically complain of low back pain that radiates to the limbs and is exacerbated by walking.
There are several investigations that are needed to aid in making the diagnosis. They include both radiological images and blood tests. The exact combination required is dictated by the findings of the history and the physical examination. Among those used frequently are the CT scan and magnetic resonance images, MRI. Apart from ruling out other conditions, these images also help in assessing the disc that has been displaced and its effects.
Treatment comprises two main approaches; a conservative and surgical approach. The former is the most widely used especially for the mild to moderate cases. Traction and the use of pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide relief in a large number of the persons affected with the problem. Other treatments that may be include as well include chiropractic, acupressure and acupuncture. However, these options lack scientific backing.
Traction is a procedure that involves the application of a steady pulling force to the spine. This is achieved by fixing a harness around the lower limbs and pelvis. With the patient lying on their side on a couch, a predetermined force is applied to the spine through the harness. The average individual will need about 20 sessions to experience relief. Over time, the prolapsed disc falls back into its original position.
Traction is generally safe. To minimize the risk of injuring the spinal cord, the force needed for the traction has to be carefully calculated. There are some patients in whom the procedure is considered inappropriate or dangerous and should be postponed to a later date or alternatives should be used. Such situations include, for instance, pregnancy, a history of a fracture to one or both limbs and bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.
Surgical intervention will be considered when the conservative techniques fail to relive the pain. The surgical options are many and depend on the part of the vertebral body that is involved in the compression. Corpectomy, osteophyte removal and laminectomy are just but a few examples. Several risks are associated with the operations. They include nerve injury, spinal injury, blood loss and infections among others.
Disc herniation pain continues to be a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Early diagnosis is important for interventions to be undertaken. It is important that one discusses the available options with their doctor before the final decision is arrived at.
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