The Available Options Of Spinal Decompression Conroe Residents May Wish To Know

By Andrew Hall


Back pain is a leading cause of hospital visits and absenteeism from work all over the world. The cause of this condition are mainly related to the connective tissues that make up the spine including the vertebral bodies, the ligaments and the muscles. Impingement of spinal nerves by any of these elements is one of the commonest causes. In this article we review some of the options of spinal decompression Conroe residents will find helpful is struggling with the condition.

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 contraindications to this procedure that exist. One of them is the presence of fractures of the pelvis and the lower limbs. The traction force applied has the potential to exacerbate the injury and delay healing. Persons with huge abdominal tumors should also not be subjected to the procedure due to the risk of spreading and bleeding. Other contraindications include abdominal aortic aneurysms, advanced osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.

Surgical spinal decompression is considered when the non-surgical option has failed to yield positive results. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the exact cause of the problem, patient preference and the surgical skill of the doctor. They include discectomy, laminectomy, foraminectomy, osteophyte removal and corpectomy. Each has its own benefits 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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