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.
Investigations of various type are also needed to aid the physician. These include both blood tests and radiological images. The exact tests that are needed will of course be determined by what comes out from your clinical history and physical examination. The most important radiological images here are the MRI (magnetic resonance image) and the CT scan. These images help in identifying the discs that have been displaced and whether or not surrounding tissues are affected.
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 simply involves the use of a pulling force to realign the position of the vertebral bodies. A predetermined amount of force is applied to the limbs and pelvis as the individual lies flat on a couch. The pulling force creates space between the vertebral bodies for the disc to slip back to position. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually administered concurrently for the entire duration for which traction sessions are given.
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.
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.
Investigations of various type are also needed to aid the physician. These include both blood tests and radiological images. The exact tests that are needed will of course be determined by what comes out from your clinical history and physical examination. The most important radiological images here are the MRI (magnetic resonance image) and the CT scan. These images help in identifying the discs that have been displaced and whether or not surrounding tissues are affected.
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 simply involves the use of a pulling force to realign the position of the vertebral bodies. A predetermined amount of force is applied to the limbs and pelvis as the individual lies flat on a couch. The pulling force creates space between the vertebral bodies for the disc to slip back to position. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually administered concurrently for the entire duration for which traction sessions are given.
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.
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.
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.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment