Inter-vertebral discs are structures found between adjacent vertebral bodies forming the spinal column. Their main role is to act as shock absorbers when movements are taking place at the inter-vertebral joints. Occasionally one or more discs may be displaced from their position especially when blunt trauma is directed to the back. Chronic back pain is the commonest symptom when this happens. There are a number of options in herniated disc pain relief Conroe residents can consider.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first have to take your clinical history. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you have suffered from trauma or have been involved in strenuous physical activity. The next thing is for the doctor to examine you to establish the extent of the problem. Affected individuals typically complain of low back pain that radiates to the limbs and is exacerbated by walking.
Investigations needed are broadly classified into blood tests and radiological imaging studies. The combination of tests needed will be determined by the history that you give to your doctor and what is found upon physical examination. CT scans and magnetic resonance Images (MRI) are the most ideal in establishing the position of inter-vertebral discs. It is possible to study the effect of a displaced disc on surrounding nerves and soft tissues.
Interventions that are used in managing this condition fall into one of two categories; the conservative group and the surgical group. Conservative treatments are those in which the condition is managed without opening up the affected inter-vertebral joint. Traction and analgesic drugs (particularly the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the two most commonly used modalities. Others include the alternative medicine options such as acupressure, acupuncture and chiropractic among others.
Traction simply involves the use of a pulling force to realign the position of the vertebral bodies. A predetermined amount of force is applied to the limbs and pelvis as the individual lies flat on a couch. The pulling force creates space between the vertebral bodies for the disc to slip back to position. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually administered concurrently for the entire duration for which traction sessions are given.
The traction procedure has a good safety profile. As a precaution against injuring the spinal cord, the force that is used is carefully calculated using a computer program. Bear in mind that there are situations in which giving this force may cause more harm than good and the procedure should, therefore, be postponed to a more appropriate time. Examples include pregnant women, persons that have been treated for fractures or those with metallic implants in the limbs.
Surgery is considered as an alternative if the conservative measures fail to yield the desired results. The operations that are used in this case are broadly termed decompression surgeries. This is because they reduce the pressure that has been exerted by the displaced inter-vertebral disc. Surgical risks exist and should be assessed first before one us put on the schedule. They include excessive blood loss, infections and spinal instability in the long term.
Disc herniation pain continues to be a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Early diagnosis is important for interventions to be undertaken. It is important that one discusses the available options with their doctor before the final decision is arrived at.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first have to take your clinical history. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you have suffered from trauma or have been involved in strenuous physical activity. The next thing is for the doctor to examine you to establish the extent of the problem. Affected individuals typically complain of low back pain that radiates to the limbs and is exacerbated by walking.
Investigations needed are broadly classified into blood tests and radiological imaging studies. The combination of tests needed will be determined by the history that you give to your doctor and what is found upon physical examination. CT scans and magnetic resonance Images (MRI) are the most ideal in establishing the position of inter-vertebral discs. It is possible to study the effect of a displaced disc on surrounding nerves and soft tissues.
Interventions that are used in managing this condition fall into one of two categories; the conservative group and the surgical group. Conservative treatments are those in which the condition is managed without opening up the affected inter-vertebral joint. Traction and analgesic drugs (particularly the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the two most commonly used modalities. Others include the alternative medicine options such as acupressure, acupuncture and chiropractic among others.
Traction simply involves the use of a pulling force to realign the position of the vertebral bodies. A predetermined amount of force is applied to the limbs and pelvis as the individual lies flat on a couch. The pulling force creates space between the vertebral bodies for the disc to slip back to position. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually administered concurrently for the entire duration for which traction sessions are given.
The traction procedure has a good safety profile. As a precaution against injuring the spinal cord, the force that is used is carefully calculated using a computer program. Bear in mind that there are situations in which giving this force may cause more harm than good and the procedure should, therefore, be postponed to a more appropriate time. Examples include pregnant women, persons that have been treated for fractures or those with metallic implants in the limbs.
Surgery is considered as an alternative if the conservative measures fail to yield the desired results. The operations that are used in this case are broadly termed decompression surgeries. This is because they reduce the pressure that has been exerted by the displaced inter-vertebral disc. Surgical risks exist and should be assessed first before one us put on the schedule. They include excessive blood loss, infections and spinal instability in the long term.
Disc herniation pain continues to be a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Early diagnosis is important for interventions to be undertaken. It is important that one discusses the available options with their doctor before the final decision is arrived at.
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