Inter-vertebral discs are the main shock absorbers of the spinal column. The discs are surrounded by a synovial fluid. When the back is injured by blunt trauma the disc may be displaced from its position. This will more often than not cause impingement of nerves found next to the area of trauma. The patients will experience chronic back pain that also affects the lower limbs. There are a number of things on herniated disc pain relief Conroe patients need to know if suffering from the condition.
The first thing that the doctor has to do as they attempt to make the diagnosis is to take your clinical history. They will want to know how long the problem has affected you and its pattern of presentation. They will also want to establish whether there was a preceding traumatic event such as heavy lifting or a blunt blow to the back. The pain that is caused by a displaced disc tends to increase when one walks.
There are several investigations that are needed to aid in making the diagnosis. They include both radiological images and blood tests. The exact combination required is dictated by the findings of the history and the physical examination. Among those used frequently are the CT scan and magnetic resonance images, MRI. Apart from ruling out other conditions, these images also help in assessing the disc that has been displaced and its effects.
Interventions that are used in managing this condition fall into one of two categories; the conservative group and the surgical group. Conservative treatments are those in which the condition is managed without opening up the affected inter-vertebral joint. Traction and analgesic drugs (particularly the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the two most commonly used modalities. Others include the alternative medicine options such as acupressure, acupuncture and chiropractic among others.
Traction is a procedure that involves the application of a steady pulling force to the spine. This is achieved by fixing a harness around the lower limbs and pelvis. With the patient lying on their side on a couch, a predetermined force is applied to the spine through the harness. The average individual will need about 20 sessions to experience relief. Over time, the prolapsed disc falls back into its original position.
Traction is considered a largely safe procedure due to the fact that it is non-invasive. One of the precautions that are taken in a bid to prevent undue injury to the spine is a calculation of the force needed by a computer program. There are some patients that should not be subjected to the pulling force. Alternative measures should be sought or the procedure postponed to a more appropriate time. Patients who fall in this category are those that have implants in long limb bones and pregnant women.
Surgical intervention will be considered when the conservative techniques fail to relive the pain. The surgical options are many and depend on the part of the vertebral body that is involved in the compression. Corpectomy, osteophyte removal and laminectomy are just but a few examples. Several risks are associated with the operations. They include nerve injury, spinal injury, blood loss and infections among others.
Pain resulting from herniation of inter-vertebral discs is among the most difficult to treat. The important thing is to have the diagnostic process made early to provide an opportunity for treatment before the adjacent structures have been injured. All the options should be carefully considered before the final decision is made.
The first thing that the doctor has to do as they attempt to make the diagnosis is to take your clinical history. They will want to know how long the problem has affected you and its pattern of presentation. They will also want to establish whether there was a preceding traumatic event such as heavy lifting or a blunt blow to the back. The pain that is caused by a displaced disc tends to increase when one walks.
There are several investigations that are needed to aid in making the diagnosis. They include both radiological images and blood tests. The exact combination required is dictated by the findings of the history and the physical examination. Among those used frequently are the CT scan and magnetic resonance images, MRI. Apart from ruling out other conditions, these images also help in assessing the disc that has been displaced and its effects.
Interventions that are used in managing this condition fall into one of two categories; the conservative group and the surgical group. Conservative treatments are those in which the condition is managed without opening up the affected inter-vertebral joint. Traction and analgesic drugs (particularly the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the two most commonly used modalities. Others include the alternative medicine options such as acupressure, acupuncture and chiropractic among others.
Traction is a procedure that involves the application of a steady pulling force to the spine. This is achieved by fixing a harness around the lower limbs and pelvis. With the patient lying on their side on a couch, a predetermined force is applied to the spine through the harness. The average individual will need about 20 sessions to experience relief. Over time, the prolapsed disc falls back into its original position.
Traction is considered a largely safe procedure due to the fact that it is non-invasive. One of the precautions that are taken in a bid to prevent undue injury to the spine is a calculation of the force needed by a computer program. There are some patients that should not be subjected to the pulling force. Alternative measures should be sought or the procedure postponed to a more appropriate time. Patients who fall in this category are those that have implants in long limb bones and pregnant women.
Surgical intervention will be considered when the conservative techniques fail to relive the pain. The surgical options are many and depend on the part of the vertebral body that is involved in the compression. Corpectomy, osteophyte removal and laminectomy are just but a few examples. Several risks are associated with the operations. They include nerve injury, spinal injury, blood loss and infections among others.
Pain resulting from herniation of inter-vertebral discs is among the most difficult to treat. The important thing is to have the diagnostic process made early to provide an opportunity for treatment before the adjacent structures have been injured. All the options should be carefully considered before the final decision is made.
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