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.
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 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.
Treatment comprises two main approaches; a conservative and surgical approach. The former is the most widely used especially for the mild to moderate cases. Traction and the use of pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide relief in a large number of the persons affected with the problem. Other treatments that may be include as well include chiropractic, acupressure and acupuncture. However, these options lack scientific backing.
Applying traction is a fairly simple procedure. It involves the application of a gentle, steady pulling force on the pelvis and the lower limbs. This force is transmitted to the spine as the patient lies on a couch. Adjacent vertebral bodies are pulled away from each other to create a space for the displaced disc to fall back in position. Several sessions over a couple of weeks are needed.
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.
Surgery is considered as an alternative if the conservative measures fail to yield the desired results. The operations that are used in this case are broadly termed decompression surgeries. This is because they reduce the pressure that has been exerted by the displaced inter-vertebral disc. Surgical risks exist and should be assessed first before one us put on the schedule. They include excessive blood loss, infections and spinal instability in the long term.
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 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.
Treatment comprises two main approaches; a conservative and surgical approach. The former is the most widely used especially for the mild to moderate cases. Traction and the use of pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide relief in a large number of the persons affected with the problem. Other treatments that may be include as well include chiropractic, acupressure and acupuncture. However, these options lack scientific backing.
Applying traction is a fairly simple procedure. It involves the application of a gentle, steady pulling force on the pelvis and the lower limbs. This force is transmitted to the spine as the patient lies on a couch. Adjacent vertebral bodies are pulled away from each other to create a space for the displaced disc to fall back in position. Several sessions over a couple of weeks are needed.
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.
Surgery is considered as an alternative if the conservative measures fail to yield the desired results. The operations that are used in this case are broadly termed decompression surgeries. This is because they reduce the pressure that has been exerted by the displaced inter-vertebral disc. Surgical risks exist and should be assessed first before one us put on the schedule. They include excessive blood loss, infections and spinal instability in the long term.
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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