vendredi 26 février 2016

The Various Techniques Of Spinal Decompression Santa Monica Patients May Wish To Know

By John Potter


Chronic back pain causes varying degrees of discomfort depending on the cause. It has been shown to be a leading cause of reduced productivity and absenteeism in the workplace. The source of this pain may be any anatomical structure of the spine that impinges on adjacent nerves. Spinal decompression is one of the effective treatments for this problem. There is some important information on Spinal Decompression Therapy Santa Monica residents will find helpful.

The methods that are used for this procedure are divided into two major categories; nonsurgical (or conservative) and surgical options. The former is achieved through the process of traction. Under this technique, a force is applied in the axis of the spine using a motorized device. The force helps to restore the shape and the intrinsic forces within the spinal column which is often needed in the case of a displaced intervertebral disc. As a result, the disc assumes its usual position.

A session of non-surgical decompression typically lasts between thirty and forty five minutes. This will, of course, depend on the initial severity of your illness and the rate at which you show a positive response. On average, most people tend to show improvement after 20 to 28 sessions. The sessions are spread over five to eight weeks. To increase the chances of success, a number of other treatments may also be given alongside traction.

There are a number of situations in which traction is contraindicated or deemed inappropriate. If it is performed on pregnant women, for example, there is a risk of harming the fetus hence alternative techniques should be used. It should also not be used in persons with fractures due to the risk of worsening the injury. Other contraindications include abdominal tumors, some bone conditions such as osteoporosis and the presence of metallic spinal implants.

Surgical intervention is considered if the problem cannot be solved by the non-invasive options. Indications of surgery include conditions such as soft tissue swellings, bony growths and ruptured intervertebral discs. The operation, when successful can help relieve pressure exerted on the spinal cord as well as the adjacent nerve roots. There are many types of operations that can be performed depending on the nature of the problem.

The type of surgery to be done is named depending on the anatomical part that is to be removed. For example, if the whole vertebra is removed, the operation will be referred to as corpectomy. If only the disc is to be extracted, the surgery is termed discectomy. Removal of a vertebral arch (lamina is termed laminectomy) and that of a foramen, foraminectomy. These procedures may be done through an open procedure or through endoscopy.

Complications may be encountered after surgery. Some occur in the immediate and intermediate post-operative period while others are seen much later. The common short term complications include excessive bleeding, nerve fiber damage and surgical site infection. In the remote post-operative period, spinal instability is a possibility.

Spinal decompression may be achieved either invasively or non-invasively. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. The non-invasive approach is the more preferred option since it has fewer complications. It is important that the doctor and the patient discuss all the available options before a decision on what route to take is made.




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