Different Procedures Used For Spinal Decompression In Santa Monica

By Paul Adams


Those suffering from chronic backaches and other problems know how painful and disruptive they get. They affect the movement and resting of the victim leaving them agitated and in pain. This pain increases when left unattended or self diagnosed. Any problem with the back should warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. This can be a doctor or even a chiropractor. These professionals deal with Santa Monica Spinal Decompression to treat patients. Seeking assistance is not an option especially if pain persists or gets worse.

There are two ways of treating this condition. These are using surgery and other nonsurgical methods. These are used to repair disks located in the spine. Many patients like nonsurgical methods because they are seen to be safer and less invasive compared to surgery. This is because in the latter, anything can go wrong on the operating table. They are more likely to go to a chiropractor than go for surgery. Other alternatives are bracing, physical therapy, acupuncture, exercising, chiropractor services, steroid injections and use of drugs to stop inflammation.

The main method used in decompression therapy is stretching the spine using motorized traction. This aims to change the position as well as the force felt on the spine. The negative pressure created helps to take off the pressure from the disks. These cushion structures resemble gel. They are found between bones of the spinal cord. The treatment then makes the herniated disks retract taking pressure off these structures and nerves. Once there is free movement of nutrients and oxygen in the disk, healing begins.

The therapy is commonly used to treat many issues like neck and back pain that causes tingling down the legs. It reverses herniated disks, reverses degenerative disk disease, repairs worn joints and heals spinal root nerves that are injured. Health practitioners accept that there is need to do more research to ensure the safety and efficiency of this procedure.

This therapy lasts for about half an hour or more and is done by a doctor operating a computer. The treatments must be at least twenty for effective results to be seen and takes more than one month. There might be other accompanying treatments including electrical stimulation, ultrasounds and cold or heat therapy. Some people are not recommended to have this treatment including pregnant women and those with the following conditions fractures, tumors, advanced osteoporosis, abdominal aortic aneurism and those with metal implants.

Surgery usually comes after other therapies and options have been completely exhausted. Surgery is used to treat the ruptured disks found in the spine, straightens herniated disks, bony growth as well as any related back problem. Surgery relieves the pain of the patient, numbness, reduces tingling sensations and general weakness.

Many surgeries can be done to relieve pressure felt on the spine. These are dependent on the type and seriousness of the condition. Spinal fusion helps to stabilize the cord, diskectomy and laminotomy removes a part of the disk and bone respectively. Other procedures are foraminotomy, corpectomy and osteophyte removal.

Some risks that come with these treatment techniques include nerve damage, bleeding, blood clots, tissue damage, allergic reactions and infections. In a bid to avoid back problems, make sure to do enough exercise and take care of your health.




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