Chronic back pain causes varying degrees of discomfort depending on the cause. It has been shown to be a leading cause of reduced productivity and absenteeism in the workplace. The source of this pain may be any anatomical structure of the spine that impinges on adjacent nerves. Spinal decompression is one of the effective treatments for this problem. There is some important information on Spinal Decompression Therapy Santa Monica residents will find helpful.
There are two main categories of methods that are used in this exercise: conservative (non-surgical and surgical). The conservative method employs the use of traction forces that are applied in the spine axis. A computerized traction table is usually used for this. The force helps to restore the intrinsic force within the spinal column and to readjust its shape back to normal. If any disc has slipped from its natural position, it will fall back into its usual space.
One session usually lasts between 30 minutes and forty five minutes. The time taken depends on the severity of the problem initially and the kind of response that is shown over time. 20 t0 28 sessions are usually given in a span of 5 to 8 weeks. There are several other treatments that may also be offered before or after to enhance the response. They include heat and cold therapies, electrical stimulation and the use of ultrasound.
There are a number of situations in which traction is contraindicated or deemed inappropriate. If it is performed on pregnant women, for example, there is a risk of harming the fetus hence alternative techniques should be used. It should also not be used in persons with fractures due to the risk of worsening the injury. Other contraindications include abdominal tumors, some bone conditions such as osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.
The surgical option is used when all the conservative techniques have proved ineffective. Indications include conditions such as bony growths, soft tissue swellings and ruptured intervertebral discs. When successful, surgery helps release pressure exerted on both the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots. Many types of operations that can be performed to intervene. The choice mainly depends on the nature of the underlying problem.
The type of surgery that is performed is named as per the part of the spine that is removed either in part or entirely. When the vertebral body is removed, the operation will be called corpectomy. Disc removal, on the other hand, is known as discectomy. If the lamina or foramen are involved then the terms that apply are laminectomy and foraminectomy respectively. These procedures can be done by open technique or through endoscopy.
Complications may be encountered after surgery. Some occur in the immediate and intermediate post-operative period while others are seen much later. The common short term complications include excessive bleeding, nerve fiber damage and surgical site infection. In the remote post-operative period, spinal instability is a possibility.
The two main methods of decompressing the spine are traction (a non-invasive approach) and surgery (an invasive option). The former is preferred due to a lower incidence of complications. A patient should be educated on both the merits and demerits of each approach and allowed to make an independent decision on what they think is most suitable.
There are two main categories of methods that are used in this exercise: conservative (non-surgical and surgical). The conservative method employs the use of traction forces that are applied in the spine axis. A computerized traction table is usually used for this. The force helps to restore the intrinsic force within the spinal column and to readjust its shape back to normal. If any disc has slipped from its natural position, it will fall back into its usual space.
One session usually lasts between 30 minutes and forty five minutes. The time taken depends on the severity of the problem initially and the kind of response that is shown over time. 20 t0 28 sessions are usually given in a span of 5 to 8 weeks. There are several other treatments that may also be offered before or after to enhance the response. They include heat and cold therapies, electrical stimulation and the use of ultrasound.
There are a number of situations in which traction is contraindicated or deemed inappropriate. If it is performed on pregnant women, for example, there is a risk of harming the fetus hence alternative techniques should be used. It should also not be used in persons with fractures due to the risk of worsening the injury. Other contraindications include abdominal tumors, some bone conditions such as osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.
The surgical option is used when all the conservative techniques have proved ineffective. Indications include conditions such as bony growths, soft tissue swellings and ruptured intervertebral discs. When successful, surgery helps release pressure exerted on both the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots. Many types of operations that can be performed to intervene. The choice mainly depends on the nature of the underlying problem.
The type of surgery that is performed is named as per the part of the spine that is removed either in part or entirely. When the vertebral body is removed, the operation will be called corpectomy. Disc removal, on the other hand, is known as discectomy. If the lamina or foramen are involved then the terms that apply are laminectomy and foraminectomy respectively. These procedures can be done by open technique or through endoscopy.
Complications may be encountered after surgery. Some occur in the immediate and intermediate post-operative period while others are seen much later. The common short term complications include excessive bleeding, nerve fiber damage and surgical site infection. In the remote post-operative period, spinal instability is a possibility.
The two main methods of decompressing the spine are traction (a non-invasive approach) and surgery (an invasive option). The former is preferred due to a lower incidence of complications. A patient should be educated on both the merits and demerits of each approach and allowed to make an independent decision on what they think is most suitable.
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