Herniation of intervertebral discs is often associated with pain that characteristically involves the back and the limbs. Discs tend to herniate when the spine is subjected to excessive stress or is traumatized. Events that are likely to cause this condition include motor vehicle accidents, sporting injuries and heavy lifting. When it occurs, there are a number of ways in which it can be corrected. In this article, we will look at modalities of managing herniated disc pain relief Conroe residents may consider.
In general the modalities are divided into non-surgical and surgical. The choice of which method to use is dependent on a number of factors that include the severity of the condition, response to initial management and the risks involved. The starting point is usually the used of analgesic agents. NSAIDs such as diclofenac, naproxen and ibuprofen may be prescribed for a couple of days to relieve the pain as one waits for the symptoms to resolve spontaneously.
Pain that is unresponsive to over the counter pain relievers should alert you on the need to see a specialist. Traction is one of the most commonly used conservative treatments. In this technique, a gentle pulling force is applied along the spine with the aim of restoring its shape and length. If successful, the intervertebral space expands to accommodate the disc and this in turn helps relieve the pressure on the structures that were compressed.
There are a number of other physical therapies that work in more or less the same way as traction. They include hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, deep tissue massage and hot and cold therapies. Apart from restoring the anatomical structure, these techniques also minimize the chances of progression of the condition. Each of these treatments may be used in isolation or may be offered alongside any of the others to optimize the response.
Active treatments are mainly focused on the restoration and maintenance of joint movement, core stability, flexibility, strength and posture. To achieve this, your physiotherapist prepares an exercise program to be followed for a couple of months. The exercises help in strengthening abdominal muscles so as to relieve pressure on the back muscles. In many settings, both the passive and the active techniques are used alongside each other.
Traction is said to have very high success rates. There are only a few cases in which it is deemed unsuitable. For instance, when offered to persons with pelvic fractures, it has the potential to aggravate the injuries and should therefore be avoided. It should also not be attempted in persons with large abdominal tumors or aneurysm affecting major arteries (such as the aorta), those with metallic implants and those with severe osteoporosis. In all these cases, there is a high risk of worsening the pathologies.
Surgery is considered when the conservative options fail to yield results. There are different types of surgeries that may be performed depending on the specific situation. Corpectomy is the surgical removal of the vertebral body together with the adjacent disc. Discectomy involves removal of the disc but leaving the vertebral body intact. Other types include laminectomy, foraminectomy and osteophyte removal.
The surgery is associated with a number of complications that include infection, bleeding and nerve injury. In the long term it may lead to spinal instability that requires corrective operations. It is for these reasons that many surgeons would rather stick with the conservative methods. Recent studies also indicate that there is no significant difference between patients managed conservatively or surgically after about 10 years of follow-up.
In general the modalities are divided into non-surgical and surgical. The choice of which method to use is dependent on a number of factors that include the severity of the condition, response to initial management and the risks involved. The starting point is usually the used of analgesic agents. NSAIDs such as diclofenac, naproxen and ibuprofen may be prescribed for a couple of days to relieve the pain as one waits for the symptoms to resolve spontaneously.
Pain that is unresponsive to over the counter pain relievers should alert you on the need to see a specialist. Traction is one of the most commonly used conservative treatments. In this technique, a gentle pulling force is applied along the spine with the aim of restoring its shape and length. If successful, the intervertebral space expands to accommodate the disc and this in turn helps relieve the pressure on the structures that were compressed.
There are a number of other physical therapies that work in more or less the same way as traction. They include hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, deep tissue massage and hot and cold therapies. Apart from restoring the anatomical structure, these techniques also minimize the chances of progression of the condition. Each of these treatments may be used in isolation or may be offered alongside any of the others to optimize the response.
Active treatments are mainly focused on the restoration and maintenance of joint movement, core stability, flexibility, strength and posture. To achieve this, your physiotherapist prepares an exercise program to be followed for a couple of months. The exercises help in strengthening abdominal muscles so as to relieve pressure on the back muscles. In many settings, both the passive and the active techniques are used alongside each other.
Traction is said to have very high success rates. There are only a few cases in which it is deemed unsuitable. For instance, when offered to persons with pelvic fractures, it has the potential to aggravate the injuries and should therefore be avoided. It should also not be attempted in persons with large abdominal tumors or aneurysm affecting major arteries (such as the aorta), those with metallic implants and those with severe osteoporosis. In all these cases, there is a high risk of worsening the pathologies.
Surgery is considered when the conservative options fail to yield results. There are different types of surgeries that may be performed depending on the specific situation. Corpectomy is the surgical removal of the vertebral body together with the adjacent disc. Discectomy involves removal of the disc but leaving the vertebral body intact. Other types include laminectomy, foraminectomy and osteophyte removal.
The surgery is associated with a number of complications that include infection, bleeding and nerve injury. In the long term it may lead to spinal instability that requires corrective operations. It is for these reasons that many surgeons would rather stick with the conservative methods. Recent studies also indicate that there is no significant difference between patients managed conservatively or surgically after about 10 years of follow-up.
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If you're seeking herniated disc pain relief Conroe chiropractor is the right person to turn to. Make an appointment for a therapy session today through http://www.lordexspineinstituteofconroe.com.