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 techniques that are used for decompression are broadly classified into non-surgical and surgical. The non-surgical decompression is most effective if the cause is a displaced intervertebral disc. In this method, you will be put on motorized traction. Your spinal column will be gently stretched to restore its natural shape and intrinsic force. When this happens, the pressure in the intervertebral space is reduced and the disc slips back into 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.
There are a number of situations in which traction is contraindicated or deemed inappropriate. If it is performed on pregnant women, for example, there is a risk of harming the fetus hence alternative techniques should be used. It should also not be used in persons with fractures due to the risk of worsening the injury. Other contraindications include abdominal tumors, some bone conditions such as osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.
Surgical intervention is considered if the problem cannot be solved by the non-invasive options. Indications of surgery include conditions such as soft tissue swellings, bony growths and ruptured intervertebral discs. The operation, when successful can help relieve pressure exerted on the spinal cord as well as the adjacent nerve roots. There are many types of operations that can be performed depending on the nature of the problem.
The type of surgery to be done is named depending on the anatomical part that is to be removed. For example, if the whole vertebra is removed, the operation will be referred to as corpectomy. If only the disc is to be extracted, the surgery is termed discectomy. Removal of a vertebral arch (lamina is termed laminectomy) and that of a foramen, foraminectomy. These procedures may be done through an open procedure or through endoscopy.
You should understand that the surgery carries with it a risk for complications both in the short term and long term. Intraoperative complications may include excessive blood loss and nerve damage. Infections may set in a few days after the operation but these tend to be rare if antibiotics are administered. The most significant long term complication is spinal instability.
The two main methods of decompressing the spine are traction (a non-invasive approach) and surgery (an invasive option). The former is preferred due to a lower incidence of complications. A patient should be educated on both the merits and demerits of each approach and allowed to make an independent decision on what they think is most suitable.
The techniques that are used for decompression are broadly classified into non-surgical and surgical. The non-surgical decompression is most effective if the cause is a displaced intervertebral disc. In this method, you will be put on motorized traction. Your spinal column will be gently stretched to restore its natural shape and intrinsic force. When this happens, the pressure in the intervertebral space is reduced and the disc slips back into 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.
There are a number of situations in which traction is contraindicated or deemed inappropriate. If it is performed on pregnant women, for example, there is a risk of harming the fetus hence alternative techniques should be used. It should also not be used in persons with fractures due to the risk of worsening the injury. Other contraindications include abdominal tumors, some bone conditions such as osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.
Surgical intervention is considered if the problem cannot be solved by the non-invasive options. Indications of surgery include conditions such as soft tissue swellings, bony growths and ruptured intervertebral discs. The operation, when successful can help relieve pressure exerted on the spinal cord as well as the adjacent nerve roots. There are many types of operations that can be performed depending on the nature of the problem.
The type of surgery to be done is named depending on the anatomical part that is to be removed. For example, if the whole vertebra is removed, the operation will be referred to as corpectomy. If only the disc is to be extracted, the surgery is termed discectomy. Removal of a vertebral arch (lamina is termed laminectomy) and that of a foramen, foraminectomy. These procedures may be done through an open procedure or through endoscopy.
You should understand that the surgery carries with it a risk for complications both in the short term and long term. Intraoperative complications may include excessive blood loss and nerve damage. Infections may set in a few days after the operation but these tend to be rare if antibiotics are administered. The most significant long term complication is spinal instability.
The two main methods of decompressing the spine are traction (a non-invasive approach) and surgery (an invasive option). The former is preferred due to a lower incidence of complications. A patient should be educated on both the merits and demerits of each approach and allowed to make an independent decision on what they think is most suitable.
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