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.
The methods that are used for this procedure are divided into two major categories; nonsurgical (or conservative) and surgical options. The former is achieved through the process of traction. Under this technique, a force is applied in the axis of the spine using a motorized device. The force helps to restore the shape and the intrinsic forces within the spinal column which is often needed in the case of a displaced intervertebral disc. As a result, the disc assumes its usual position.
Each session of traction lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Depending on the severity of your pain and how you respond, you will receive between 20 and 28 sessions spread over 5 to 8 weeks. There are a number of other treatments that are usually offered alongside traction so as to increase the chances of success. They include electrical stimulation, the use of ultrasound and heat and cold therapies.
You need to be aware of the situations in which this condition is contraindicated. One of these situations is pregnancy. When traction is performed on pregnant women there is a significant risk of harming the fetus. Whenever possible, other alternatives should be sought. It should not be done to persons that have suffered fractures of lower limbs due to the possibility of worsening the fractures. Others include abdominal tumors, aneurysms and metallic implants in the spinal column.
The surgical technique is considered when all other options have failed to relieve the symptoms. It is used for conditions such as ruptured intervertebral discs, bony growths and other masses related to soft tissues. It helps to release pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. There are different types of surgical operations that can be performed depending on 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.
Spinal decompression may be achieved either invasively or non-invasively. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. The non-invasive approach is the more preferred option since it has fewer complications. It is important that the doctor and the patient discuss all the available options before a decision on what route to take is made.
The methods that are used for this procedure are divided into two major categories; nonsurgical (or conservative) and surgical options. The former is achieved through the process of traction. Under this technique, a force is applied in the axis of the spine using a motorized device. The force helps to restore the shape and the intrinsic forces within the spinal column which is often needed in the case of a displaced intervertebral disc. As a result, the disc assumes its usual position.
Each session of traction lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Depending on the severity of your pain and how you respond, you will receive between 20 and 28 sessions spread over 5 to 8 weeks. There are a number of other treatments that are usually offered alongside traction so as to increase the chances of success. They include electrical stimulation, the use of ultrasound and heat and cold therapies.
You need to be aware of the situations in which this condition is contraindicated. One of these situations is pregnancy. When traction is performed on pregnant women there is a significant risk of harming the fetus. Whenever possible, other alternatives should be sought. It should not be done to persons that have suffered fractures of lower limbs due to the possibility of worsening the fractures. Others include abdominal tumors, aneurysms and metallic implants in the spinal column.
The surgical technique is considered when all other options have failed to relieve the symptoms. It is used for conditions such as ruptured intervertebral discs, bony growths and other masses related to soft tissues. It helps to release pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. There are different types of surgical operations that can be performed depending on 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.
Spinal decompression may be achieved either invasively or non-invasively. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. The non-invasive approach is the more preferred option since it has fewer complications. It is important that the doctor and the patient discuss all the available options before a decision on what route to take is made.
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