Options Used In Spinal Decompression Conroe Residents Will Find Beneficial

By Andrew Hall


Back pain is one of the commonest reasons for hospital visits all over the world. This complaint is of great significance bearing in mind that it is a leading cause of absenteeism from work. The pain is caused by disorders affecting spine components such as the vertebral bodies, the muscles and ligaments. When these elements compress on nerves in the region there is resultant pain that may extend to the lower limbs. There are several options of spinal decompression Conroe residents may want to try out.

The techniques that are employed are classified into surgical and non-surgical (conservative options). Traction is what is used for the conservative technique. Applying a gentle pull on the spinal column will more than likely restore the spine to its natural position and relieve the pressure off the compressed nerves. Effectively, the pain abates. This method works best if symptoms are due to a herniated intervertebral disc.

Traction is applied over several sessions on outpatient basis. With your clothes on, the doctor will position you on an adjustable table and fit a harness around the pelvis and around the trunk. The required force is generated by a computer so that you get just what is necessary in your case. On average, 20 to 25 sessions are required for correction of the problem.

There are a number of situations for which traction is not appropriate or is contraindicated. If one has a fracture of the spine, pelvis or lower limbs then this procedure will be more harmful than it would be beneficial and should be avoided. Other conditions in which it should be avoided include the presence of abdominal or pelvic tumors, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, metallic implants in the spine and advanced osteoporosis.

Surgical spinal decompression is considered as a last resort. There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. The choice is determined by a number of factors that include patient preference, type and severity of underlying condition as well as the surgical skill of your doctor. They include laminectomy, osteophyte removal, discectomy, corpectomy and foraminectomy among others. Each has associated advantages and disadvantages.

Discectomy is the surgical removal of the intervertebral disc to free compressed structures. This can be achieved as an open procedure or by use of endoscopy. Laminectomy entails removal of varying sizes of the lamina (forms part of the arch of a vertebral body). This helps to relieve any pressure that may exist. Corpectomy is removal of a vertebral body and an intervertebral disc while foraminectomy is the expansion of the opening used by exiting nerves.

You need to be aware of a number of complications that may be encountered during or after the surgery. In the immediate post-operative period, they include bleeding, infection and damage to nerve roots. In the intermediate and remote post-operative period the commonest complication is spinal instability. Spinal fusion may be needed in severe cases.

Conservative management remains that mainstay of achieving decompression. Surgery is considered when the conservative options prove ineffective. The decision as to whether or not to go for surgery should be made collectively between the patient and the doctor after going through all the benefits and risks involved.




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