The inter-vertebral joints of the spine have special discs that help in shock absorption which prevents injury to the vertebral bodies. Injury to the joints may cause the disc to herniate and impinge nearby structures. Trauma to the spine and heavy lifting are among the cause of this kind of trauma. There are a number of important facts on herniated disc nyc clients need to have if diagnosed with this problem.
When you visit your doctor, they will first evaluate you to determine that indeed you have a problem with your disc or if you have an alternative diagnosis. This is done through history taking and conducting a physical examination. The symptoms that characterize herniation include constant back pain that is aggravated by walking, numbness and a tingling sensation in a lower limb.
Imaging studies are usually needed to better assess the problem. Computed tomography, (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, are among the most important. CT scans will be needed if the cause of the problem involves a bony structure such as a fracture or a tumor. The MRI, on the other, hand is needed when soft tissue problems are involved. It gives the best view of the disc.
The treatment modalities that are used for this problem are classified into conservative and invasive. Conservative options refer to the non-surgical options such as traction, physiotherapy, acupressure and chiropractic among others. Surgery involves the opening up of the affected spinal segment to solve the problem. The common practice is to start with the conservative options before moving to the surgical ones.
Traction involves the application of a pulling force on the spine. This is done through a harness that is fastened around the pelvis and the lower limbs. The forces creates increases the space between adjacent vertebral bodies which allows the prolapsed disc to fall back into its position. The entire exercise is done in an outpatient setting and lasts about one hour. About 20 sessions are required in the average patient.
There are very few complications associated with traction. The process of generating the traction force is computerized so that it is not excessive. However, there are a number of conditions for which offering this procedure may be inappropriate. Such include, for instance, the presence of fractures in one or both limbs. Pulling fractured limbs is likely to aggravate these injuries. The same may be seen in case of metallic implants in limbs.
A decision to have surgery will be made if the conservative options fail to yield the expected results. During the surgery, the joint space will be opened and the disc manually returned to its position. Components of the vertebral body may be excised to create room. It is important to remember that the operation is associated with a number of risks similar to other major operations. They include bleeding, injury to nerves and infections among others.
Herniation of inter-vertebral discs is a problem that contributes to significant discomfort. It also greatly affects the productivity of affected persons. Many of the cases respond to conservative treatment modalities and just a few require surgery. You need to have a discussion with your doctor so as to determine the method that is most effective in your case.
When you visit your doctor, they will first evaluate you to determine that indeed you have a problem with your disc or if you have an alternative diagnosis. This is done through history taking and conducting a physical examination. The symptoms that characterize herniation include constant back pain that is aggravated by walking, numbness and a tingling sensation in a lower limb.
Imaging studies are usually needed to better assess the problem. Computed tomography, (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, are among the most important. CT scans will be needed if the cause of the problem involves a bony structure such as a fracture or a tumor. The MRI, on the other, hand is needed when soft tissue problems are involved. It gives the best view of the disc.
The treatment modalities that are used for this problem are classified into conservative and invasive. Conservative options refer to the non-surgical options such as traction, physiotherapy, acupressure and chiropractic among others. Surgery involves the opening up of the affected spinal segment to solve the problem. The common practice is to start with the conservative options before moving to the surgical ones.
Traction involves the application of a pulling force on the spine. This is done through a harness that is fastened around the pelvis and the lower limbs. The forces creates increases the space between adjacent vertebral bodies which allows the prolapsed disc to fall back into its position. The entire exercise is done in an outpatient setting and lasts about one hour. About 20 sessions are required in the average patient.
There are very few complications associated with traction. The process of generating the traction force is computerized so that it is not excessive. However, there are a number of conditions for which offering this procedure may be inappropriate. Such include, for instance, the presence of fractures in one or both limbs. Pulling fractured limbs is likely to aggravate these injuries. The same may be seen in case of metallic implants in limbs.
A decision to have surgery will be made if the conservative options fail to yield the expected results. During the surgery, the joint space will be opened and the disc manually returned to its position. Components of the vertebral body may be excised to create room. It is important to remember that the operation is associated with a number of risks similar to other major operations. They include bleeding, injury to nerves and infections among others.
Herniation of inter-vertebral discs is a problem that contributes to significant discomfort. It also greatly affects the productivity of affected persons. Many of the cases respond to conservative treatment modalities and just a few require surgery. You need to have a discussion with your doctor so as to determine the method that is most effective in your case.
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