Back pain is one of the commonest reasons for hospital visits all over the world. This complaint is of great significance bearing in mind that it is a leading cause of absenteeism from work. The pain is caused by disorders affecting spine components such as the vertebral bodies, the muscles and ligaments. When these elements compress on nerves in the region there is resultant pain that may extend to the lower limbs. There are several options of spinal decompression Conroe residents may want to try out.
The modalities are broadly classified into conservative and surgical. The conservative or non-surgical option is also known as traction. It entails applying a gentle force along the spine so as to restore its natural position. If this position is successfully achieved, the pressure on the nerve elements is relieved and so is the pain. It is most useful if the cause of symptoms is a herniated intervertebral disc.
Traction is simple and fairly straightforward. It is usually done in the outpatient clinic and one allowed to go home. For the procedure to be conducted, a special computer-controlled table is needed. The patient is fitted with tow harnesses; one at the pelvis and the other around the trunk. The computer is used to generate the required amount of force to reposition the spine. The entire process takes about 30 minutes. Between 20 and 25 sessions are needed for the therapy.
There are a number of contraindications to this procedure that exist. One of them is the presence of fractures of the pelvis and the lower limbs. The traction force applied has the potential to exacerbate the injury and delay healing. Persons with huge abdominal tumors should also not be subjected to the procedure due to the risk of spreading and bleeding. Other contraindications include abdominal aortic aneurysms, advanced osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.
Surgical spinal decompression is considered when the non-surgical option has failed to yield positive results. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the exact cause of the problem, patient preference and the surgical skill of the doctor. They include discectomy, laminectomy, foraminectomy, osteophyte removal and corpectomy. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Discectomy is the surgical removal of the intervertebral disc to free compressed structures. This can be achieved as an open procedure or by use of endoscopy. Laminectomy entails removal of varying sizes of the lamina (forms part of the arch of a vertebral body). This helps to relieve any pressure that may exist. Corpectomy is removal of a vertebral body and an intervertebral disc while foraminectomy is the expansion of the opening used by exiting nerves.
You need to be aware of a number of complications that may be encountered during or after the surgery. In the immediate post-operative period, they include bleeding, infection and damage to nerve roots. In the intermediate and remote post-operative period the commonest complication is spinal instability. Spinal fusion may be needed in severe cases.
Non-surgical (conservative) decompression of the spine is preferred over surgery. Apart from having fewer complications the results are remarkable for the majority of patients. If a decision to have surgery is made, the patient should be informed of the attendant risks and benefits and allowed to give their own opinion as well.
The modalities are broadly classified into conservative and surgical. The conservative or non-surgical option is also known as traction. It entails applying a gentle force along the spine so as to restore its natural position. If this position is successfully achieved, the pressure on the nerve elements is relieved and so is the pain. It is most useful if the cause of symptoms is a herniated intervertebral disc.
Traction is simple and fairly straightforward. It is usually done in the outpatient clinic and one allowed to go home. For the procedure to be conducted, a special computer-controlled table is needed. The patient is fitted with tow harnesses; one at the pelvis and the other around the trunk. The computer is used to generate the required amount of force to reposition the spine. The entire process takes about 30 minutes. Between 20 and 25 sessions are needed for the therapy.
There are a number of contraindications to this procedure that exist. One of them is the presence of fractures of the pelvis and the lower limbs. The traction force applied has the potential to exacerbate the injury and delay healing. Persons with huge abdominal tumors should also not be subjected to the procedure due to the risk of spreading and bleeding. Other contraindications include abdominal aortic aneurysms, advanced osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.
Surgical spinal decompression is considered when the non-surgical option has failed to yield positive results. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the exact cause of the problem, patient preference and the surgical skill of the doctor. They include discectomy, laminectomy, foraminectomy, osteophyte removal and corpectomy. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Discectomy is the surgical removal of the intervertebral disc to free compressed structures. This can be achieved as an open procedure or by use of endoscopy. Laminectomy entails removal of varying sizes of the lamina (forms part of the arch of a vertebral body). This helps to relieve any pressure that may exist. Corpectomy is removal of a vertebral body and an intervertebral disc while foraminectomy is the expansion of the opening used by exiting nerves.
You need to be aware of a number of complications that may be encountered during or after the surgery. In the immediate post-operative period, they include bleeding, infection and damage to nerve roots. In the intermediate and remote post-operative period the commonest complication is spinal instability. Spinal fusion may be needed in severe cases.
Non-surgical (conservative) decompression of the spine is preferred over surgery. Apart from having fewer complications the results are remarkable for the majority of patients. If a decision to have surgery is made, the patient should be informed of the attendant risks and benefits and allowed to give their own opinion as well.
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