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.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first have to take your clinical history. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you have suffered from trauma or have been involved in strenuous physical activity. The next thing is for the doctor to examine you to establish the extent of the problem. Affected individuals typically complain of low back pain that radiates to the limbs and is exacerbated by walking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disc herniation pain continues to be a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Early diagnosis is important for interventions to be undertaken. It is important that one discusses the available options with their doctor before the final decision is arrived at.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first have to take your clinical history. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you have suffered from trauma or have been involved in strenuous physical activity. The next thing is for the doctor to examine you to establish the extent of the problem. Affected individuals typically complain of low back pain that radiates to the limbs and is exacerbated by walking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disc herniation pain continues to be a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Early diagnosis is important for interventions to be undertaken. It is important that one discusses the available options with their doctor before the final decision is arrived at.
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