lundi 7 mars 2016

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

By John Potter


If you are suffering from chronic back pain then perhaps you are familiar with the associated discomfort. All over the world, this condition is a major cause of reduced productivity. The cause could be any of the structures that makes up the spine or passes through it. Spinal decompression helps to relieve most cases of back pain. There are a number of facts relating to Santa Monica's best spinal decompression therapy residents need to know if they decide to undergo the procedure.

The techniques that are used for decompression are broadly classified into non-surgical and surgical. The non-surgical decompression is most effective if the cause is a displaced intervertebral disc. In this method, you will be put on motorized traction. Your spinal column will be gently stretched to restore its natural shape and intrinsic force. When this happens, the pressure in the intervertebral space is reduced and the disc slips back into position.

Each session of traction lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Depending on the severity of your pain and how you respond, you will receive between 20 and 28 sessions spread over 5 to 8 weeks. There are a number of other treatments that are usually offered alongside traction so as to increase the chances of success. They include electrical stimulation, the use of ultrasound and heat and cold therapies.

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.

The surgical technique is considered when all other options have failed to relieve the symptoms. It is used for conditions such as ruptured intervertebral discs, bony growths and other masses related to soft tissues. It helps to release pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. There are different types of surgical operations that can be performed depending on the underlying problem.

The types of surgery performed is named based on the anatomical structure that is incised or removed. Discectomy, for example, is the surgical removal of a disc. It is possible to do this through an open technique or by use of endoscopy. Laminectomy involves partial removal of the lamina, the arch of a vertebra. In corpectomy, the entire vertebra and the adjacent disc are removed. Others include foraminectomy and osteophyte removal.

Surgery may lead to a number of complications in the immediate or the remote postoperative period. Possible short term complications are similar to those that are seen with other types of operations. They include bleeding, infection and damage to nerves in the region. In the long term, spinal instability is a possible complication especially when an entire vertebra has been removed.

Decompressing the spine can be achieved through traction or surgery. Each approach is associated with various advantages and disadvantages. The conservative approach (or traction) is by far the more preferred modality. Surgery is a last resort. It is important that the patient is educated on all the merits and demerits so that they can make an informed decision.




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