By Joyce Murray


Back pain that follows a heavy lifting event or blunt force trauma along the region of the spinal cord is most probably due to a displaced intervertebral disc. When they are displaced from their anatomical position, the discs are likely to impinge on the nerve roots nearby or the spinal cord itself leading to back and limb pain. Decompression is the mainstay of this problem. There are a number of basics on spinal decompression Conroe back pain patients will find useful.

When you visit your doctor for a diagnosis, you will be asked to give a history and then you will be taken through a physical examination with a bias of the back and spine. Apart from a displaced disc, the symptoms may also be caused by bony growths or any disorders affecting the connective tissue structures within the spine. Radiographic images in the form of MRIs, CT scans and plain X-rays are some of the most important investigations here.

The options that are employed in decompressing the spine fall under two broad categories; non-surgical (the main method here is traction) and the surgical options. It is recommended that patients should first try out traction before they go under the knife. In traction, a gentle steady force is applied on the spine with the aim of restoring its intrinsic force and shape.

In the case of displaced discs, when the right amount of force is applied, the intervertebral space is increased and the pressure within this space decreases. The disc slips back into its position and the pressure on the adjacent structures is relieved. A single session takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Since it is performed on an outpatient basis, one can go home on the same day. An average, twenty to twenty five sessions are required over several weeks.

It is important to note that there are a number of contraindications to traction that exist. One of them is a person that has suffered a fracture to a major bone of the limb. There is a huge risk of worsening this injury due to the pulling. The same applies for persons that have metallic implants within the bones. Other conditions for which it is deemed inappropriate include pregnancy, pelvic tumors and advanced osteoporosis.

There are many different types of operations that are conducted depending on the underlying problem. Each is named based on the structure that is traversed or removed. When the disc is removed, for instance, the operation is referred to as a discectomy. When it is the vertebral body that is removed, a corpectomy is said to have been done. The other types of operations include foraminectomy, laminectomy and osteophyte removal.

You need to be aware of the possible complications which may be encountered even if the incidence is low. Possible immediate complications include injury to spinal nerves, bleeding and surgical site infection. In the remote period, the main worry is that the patient may get spinal instability particularly if the operation has involved the removal of large bony parts. Spinal fusion surgery may be required in some cases.

Non-surgical management (traction) remains the main modality used in decompressing the spine. The surgical options should only come in when the other methods have failed. The doctor and the patient need to explore all the possibilities together before they arrive at the final decision.




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