Basics Relating To Spinal Decompression Conroe Back Pain Patients Will Find Useful

By Joyce Murray


Back pain that follows a heavy lifting event or blunt force trauma along the region of the spinal cord is most probably due to a displaced intervertebral disc. When they are displaced from their anatomical position, the discs are likely to impinge on the nerve roots nearby or the spinal cord itself leading to back and limb pain. Decompression is the mainstay of this problem. There are a number of basics on spinal decompression Conroe back pain patients will find useful.

When you visit your doctor for a diagnosis, you will be asked to give a history and then you will be taken through a physical examination with a bias of the back and spine. Apart from a displaced disc, the symptoms may also be caused by bony growths or any disorders affecting the connective tissue structures within the spine. Radiographic images in the form of MRIs, CT scans and plain X-rays are some of the most important investigations here.

The methods that are used in relieving pressure on the spine or nerve roots are broadly categorized into two. The first category includes the non-invasive methods (mainly traction) and the second is made up of the surgical options. The general recommendation is that all persons should first be subject to traction before the surgical methods are considered. Traction involves the use of sustained force applied in the direction of the spine.

The force that is exerted on the spine leads to an increase in the size of the intervertebral disc. There is also an accompanying reduction in pressure. As a result, any structure that may have been displaced, falls back into its original position. The compression on nerves is relieved and so are the symptoms. A single session lasts between thirty minutes and an hour. Twenty to twenty five sessions are needed.

You need to know that are a number of conditions for which traction is contraindicated. One of them is fractures in the lower limb bones and the pelvis. Subjecting these bones to traction is likely to aggravate the injuries. Similar injuries may be in persons who have metallic implants. The other contraindications include pregnancy, severe osteoporosis, pelvic tumors and aortic abdominal aneurysms among others.

There are various types of surgeries that are performed depending on the problem that has been identified. The surgeries are named depending on the component that is cut or removed. Examples include laminectomy, corpectomy, removal of osteophytes, discectomy and foraminectomy. In discectomy, the affected disc is removed in its entirety but everything else is left intact. Corpectomy involves surgical removal of the vertebral body and its associated disc.

There are some complications which may be encountered when one undergoes these surgeries. The good news is that their incidence is fairly low. The immediate ones include bleeding from vessels within the spinal region, infections and injury to the nerve roots. In the long term, the main complication associated with spine operations is instability especially if large bony parts have been removed. Fusion may be needed in some cases.

Traction is the mainstay of surgical decompression especially if the cause is a displaced intervertebral disc. Surgery is often regarded as a last resort due to the high success rates of traction and the possible complications that come with surgery. Talking to your doctor every step of the way helps in making informed decisions.




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