Facts About Spinal Decompression Conroe Residents May Find Beneficial

By Douglas Gray


Spinal decompression refers to release of pressure on nerves that have been impinged within the spinal cord. This form of therapy is used to treat diseases that have back pain as a major long term symptom. Some of these conditions include disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and sciatica among others. These are some of the important facts on spinal decompression Conroe residents may find beneficial.

The approach to this form of medical intervention can be either surgical or non surgical. For surgical procedures, different techniques can be used depending on the condition in question. Microdecompression (microdiscectomy) is a minimally invasive approach where surgical instruments are used under the guidance of a microscope.

In laminectomy (also called open decompression), a part of the arch of the vertebrae is removed to reduce pressure on the compressed nerve. Microdecompression is preferred to laminectomy since it is less invasive. Open surgical decompression may only be used as a last resort after failed attempts at using conservative approaches.

In the non-surgical procedure, straps are used to attach the patient to a firm surface. The patient can be made to lie either horizontally or vertically. When using the vertical approach, one is made to assume an upside down position. This is the reason as to why this method is also known as inversion therapy. In the horizontal approach, you simply lie on a flat surface for a certain period of time. Mechanical traction is applied to cause distraction of the intervertebral disc thus reducing pressure. A computer is connected to the system to control angle and force of distraction.

During the non surgical procedure, the patient lies on the table with all the clothes on. The harnesses are placed strategically at affected sites along the spine. This may be the neck, lower chest, back or waist. One therapy lasts for about thirty to forty five minutes. The whole treatment last for about seven weeks after an average of twenty treatments have been performed. Other modes of treatment can be incorporated to compliment. This may include ultrasound, electric stimulation and cold and heat therapy.

Apart from being non surgical, the method is less invasive and no medicine is needed unlike the invasive surgical method. The non surgical procedure can be effective in many conditions including herniated discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease among others. Patient with broken vertebrae are however advised against use of this therapy. Additionally, patients who have had a failed spinal surgery should not take part in this form of treatment.

The recovery from the operation is a process and not an event. There is need for close cooperation between the patient and the caregiver. The exact time that is required for full recovery depends on individual factors such as the nature of the initial problem, type of operation performed and their healing power. On average, between two and six weeks are required for one to regain their original state of health.

Physical activity plays a vital role in the healing process and should be highly encouraged. The plan should be to start with lighter routines and to increase the intensity progressively with time depending on how much one can tolerate. Exercise helps by increasing blood flow to the healing tissues and expedites the process. At the same time, it ensures that the connective tissue elements remain active and functional.




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