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.
There are several investigations that are needed to aid in making the diagnosis. They include both radiological images and blood tests. The exact combination required is dictated by the findings of the history and the physical examination. Among those used frequently are the CT scan and magnetic resonance images, MRI. Apart from ruling out other conditions, these images also help in assessing the disc that has been displaced and its effects.
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 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 generally safe. To minimize the risk of injuring the spinal cord, the force needed for the traction has to be carefully calculated. There are some patients in whom the procedure is considered inappropriate or dangerous and should be postponed to a later date or alternatives should be used. Such situations include, for instance, pregnancy, a history of a fracture to one or both limbs and bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.
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.
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.
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.
There are several investigations that are needed to aid in making the diagnosis. They include both radiological images and blood tests. The exact combination required is dictated by the findings of the history and the physical examination. Among those used frequently are the CT scan and magnetic resonance images, MRI. Apart from ruling out other conditions, these images also help in assessing the disc that has been displaced and its effects.
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 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 generally safe. To minimize the risk of injuring the spinal cord, the force needed for the traction has to be carefully calculated. There are some patients in whom the procedure is considered inappropriate or dangerous and should be postponed to a later date or alternatives should be used. Such situations include, for instance, pregnancy, a history of a fracture to one or both limbs and bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.
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.
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.
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