Inter-vertebral discs are structures found between adjacent vertebral bodies forming the spinal column. Their main role is to act as shock absorbers when movements are taking place at the inter-vertebral joints. Occasionally one or more discs may be displaced from their position especially when blunt trauma is directed to the back. Chronic back pain is the commonest symptom when this happens. There are a number of options in herniated disc pain relief Conroe residents can consider.
Among the first things that your doctor will do when you pay them a visit is to take a clinical history. The history will be centered on establishing the duration of your illness, its severity and whether it is experienced constantly or intermittently. The pain resulting from a displaced disc usually affects both the back and the lower limbs. It is exacerbated by walking.
Investigations needed are broadly classified into blood tests and radiological imaging studies. The combination of tests needed will be determined by the history that you give to your doctor and what is found upon physical examination. CT scans and magnetic resonance Images (MRI) are the most ideal in establishing the position of inter-vertebral discs. It is possible to study the effect of a displaced disc on surrounding nerves and soft tissues.
Once the diagnosis of herniated inter-vertebral disc has been made, the doctor will adopt one of two approaches in managing the pain. The starting point is likely to be a conservative option that includes the use of analgesic drugs and traction. A conservative approach is one in which the joint is not opened surgically. Other options include alternative medicine options such as acupressure, acupuncture and chiropractic. The effectiveness of these methods has not been supported scientifically.
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.
The traction procedure has a good safety profile. As a precaution against injuring the spinal cord, the force that is used is carefully calculated using a computer program. Bear in mind that there are situations in which giving this force may cause more harm than good and the procedure should, therefore, be postponed to a more appropriate time. Examples include pregnant women, persons that have been treated for fractures or those with metallic implants in the limbs.
If the traction and analgesic agents fail to yield the desired the results, surgery is considered. The operation to be conducted is named depending on the part of the vertebral body that is removed wholly or in part. The type of operations conducted include laminectomy, corpectomy and osteophyte removal among others. As is the case for any surgery, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. They include excessive bleeding, infections and spinal instability.
The herniation of a disc causes considerable discomfort. If diagnosed early, interventions can be undertaken and the quality of life restored. The doctor and the patient should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the available options as they look for what is most appropriate.
Among the first things that your doctor will do when you pay them a visit is to take a clinical history. The history will be centered on establishing the duration of your illness, its severity and whether it is experienced constantly or intermittently. The pain resulting from a displaced disc usually affects both the back and the lower limbs. It is exacerbated by walking.
Investigations needed are broadly classified into blood tests and radiological imaging studies. The combination of tests needed will be determined by the history that you give to your doctor and what is found upon physical examination. CT scans and magnetic resonance Images (MRI) are the most ideal in establishing the position of inter-vertebral discs. It is possible to study the effect of a displaced disc on surrounding nerves and soft tissues.
Once the diagnosis of herniated inter-vertebral disc has been made, the doctor will adopt one of two approaches in managing the pain. The starting point is likely to be a conservative option that includes the use of analgesic drugs and traction. A conservative approach is one in which the joint is not opened surgically. Other options include alternative medicine options such as acupressure, acupuncture and chiropractic. The effectiveness of these methods has not been supported scientifically.
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.
The traction procedure has a good safety profile. As a precaution against injuring the spinal cord, the force that is used is carefully calculated using a computer program. Bear in mind that there are situations in which giving this force may cause more harm than good and the procedure should, therefore, be postponed to a more appropriate time. Examples include pregnant women, persons that have been treated for fractures or those with metallic implants in the limbs.
If the traction and analgesic agents fail to yield the desired the results, surgery is considered. The operation to be conducted is named depending on the part of the vertebral body that is removed wholly or in part. The type of operations conducted include laminectomy, corpectomy and osteophyte removal among others. As is the case for any surgery, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. They include excessive bleeding, infections and spinal instability.
The herniation of a disc causes considerable discomfort. If diagnosed early, interventions can be undertaken and the quality of life restored. The doctor and the patient should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the available options as they look for what is most appropriate.
About the Author:
Find excellent tips on how to get herniated disc pain relief Conroe area and more info about a knowledgeable chiropractic doctor at http://www.lordexspineinstituteofconroe.com today.
