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

By John Potter


Chronic back pain has been identified as a leading cause of absenteeism from the workplace and reduced productivity. This source of this pain may be connective tissues such as bones, muscles or ligaments or the nerves that traverse them. Commonly, this pain is transmitted to the upper or lower limbs. There are some important aspects on Spinal Decompression in Santa Monica residents need to know if they have been schedule to have 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.

One session usually lasts between 30 minutes and forty five minutes. The time taken depends on the severity of the problem initially and the kind of response that is shown over time. 20 t0 28 sessions are usually given in a span of 5 to 8 weeks. There are several other treatments that may also be offered before or after to enhance the response. They include heat and cold therapies, electrical stimulation and the use of ultrasound.

You need to be aware of the situations in which this condition is contraindicated. One of these situations is pregnancy. When traction is performed on pregnant women there is a significant risk of harming the fetus. Whenever possible, other alternatives should be sought. It should not be done to persons that have suffered fractures of lower limbs due to the possibility of worsening the fractures. Others include abdominal tumors, aneurysms and metallic implants in the spinal column.

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 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.

You should understand that the surgery carries with it a risk for complications both in the short term and long term. Intraoperative complications may include excessive blood loss and nerve damage. Infections may set in a few days after the operation but these tend to be rare if antibiotics are administered. The most significant long term complication is spinal instability.

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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