Back pain has been identified as one of the commonest causes of hospital visits. As a result, this complaint leads to reduced productivity and absenteeism from work and school. A large number of cases of back pain is due to prolapsed discs compressing on nerve fibers. Persons with this problem need to undergo decompression procedures to relive their symptoms. Before they undergo spinal decompression Conroe residents need to understand a number of things about the procedure.
The most common conservative option is traction. As the name suggests, this treatment entails the application of a pulling force to the spine so as to relive any pressure existing within its various components. If your symptoms are due to a displaced inter-vertebral disc, the pull creates negative pressure between the adjacent vertebral bodies and the disc slips back to its position.
The procedure is usually conducted in just under one hour. Since you do not need to prepare, the procedure may be conducted on the same day that it is prescribed by your doctor. Typically, you are fitted with a piece of equipment (a hammock) around your waist and on the lower limbs. The hammock serves the purpose of transmitting the forces to the spine. One session lasts less than one hour and the average person would require about twenty sessions.
While there are no strict criteria to be met by prospective candidates of this procedure, it is important that one exercises caution in a number of situations. An example is persons that have fractures or have metallic implants for any other reason. When the force is applied in these cases, there is a risk of worsening the underlying problems. Pregnancy is also a challenging situation due to the risk of harming the unborn fetus. Others include weak bones due to osteoporosis and abdominal tumors.
There are a number of other non-surgical interventions that exist. Physical therapy plays an important role either on its own or when offered alongside other interventions. There are two main forms of physical therapy that can be offered: active and passive. Other interventions include acupressure and chiropractic.
Surgery is generally a last resort option. Its aim is to either re-position the anatomical structure that is causing the symptoms or to remove it in its entirety. Vertebral bodies may be removed in whole or in part. The surgery is named depending on the part that is removed. For instance, in the case of the lamina (the arched part of the vertebra) it will be called laminectomy and if it is the foramen (canal) that is widened it will be referred to as foraminectomy and so on.
The surgical operation has a risk of complications that you need to be aware of. Some of the immediate complications that may be encountered include bleeding, injury to nerve fibers and other vital structures and infections. The most significant long term complication is spinal instability caused by the removal of one or more vertebral bodies. Spinal fusion surgery may be needed to correct this problem.
Before the decision to have the surgery is made, you will be evaluated by your doctor. Imaging studies such as the MRI, CT scans, and X-rays will be used to locate the lesion and to determine whether surgery is really needed. Some blood tests may be needed as well. You will be asked to stop smoking and taking blood thinners for a few weeks so as to increase the chances of having a speedy recovery.
The most common conservative option is traction. As the name suggests, this treatment entails the application of a pulling force to the spine so as to relive any pressure existing within its various components. If your symptoms are due to a displaced inter-vertebral disc, the pull creates negative pressure between the adjacent vertebral bodies and the disc slips back to its position.
The procedure is usually conducted in just under one hour. Since you do not need to prepare, the procedure may be conducted on the same day that it is prescribed by your doctor. Typically, you are fitted with a piece of equipment (a hammock) around your waist and on the lower limbs. The hammock serves the purpose of transmitting the forces to the spine. One session lasts less than one hour and the average person would require about twenty sessions.
While there are no strict criteria to be met by prospective candidates of this procedure, it is important that one exercises caution in a number of situations. An example is persons that have fractures or have metallic implants for any other reason. When the force is applied in these cases, there is a risk of worsening the underlying problems. Pregnancy is also a challenging situation due to the risk of harming the unborn fetus. Others include weak bones due to osteoporosis and abdominal tumors.
There are a number of other non-surgical interventions that exist. Physical therapy plays an important role either on its own or when offered alongside other interventions. There are two main forms of physical therapy that can be offered: active and passive. Other interventions include acupressure and chiropractic.
Surgery is generally a last resort option. Its aim is to either re-position the anatomical structure that is causing the symptoms or to remove it in its entirety. Vertebral bodies may be removed in whole or in part. The surgery is named depending on the part that is removed. For instance, in the case of the lamina (the arched part of the vertebra) it will be called laminectomy and if it is the foramen (canal) that is widened it will be referred to as foraminectomy and so on.
The surgical operation has a risk of complications that you need to be aware of. Some of the immediate complications that may be encountered include bleeding, injury to nerve fibers and other vital structures and infections. The most significant long term complication is spinal instability caused by the removal of one or more vertebral bodies. Spinal fusion surgery may be needed to correct this problem.
Before the decision to have the surgery is made, you will be evaluated by your doctor. Imaging studies such as the MRI, CT scans, and X-rays will be used to locate the lesion and to determine whether surgery is really needed. Some blood tests may be needed as well. You will be asked to stop smoking and taking blood thinners for a few weeks so as to increase the chances of having a speedy recovery.
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