Inter-vertebral discs serve the function of shock absorption when movements occur between adjacent inter-vertebral joints. When the spine is subjected to blunt force trauma or when one is engaged in a heavy lifting activity, the disc may herniate and cause impingement of nerves in the region. There are a number of things on herniated disc nyc residents need to know if struggling with the 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 almost always a requirement of the diagnostic process. CT scans and MRI images are the most important forms of images that are used here. CT scans will be necessary if the herniation is thought to be the result of problems relating to the bony structures. This will include, for example, a vertebral body fracture or a bone tumor. The MRI is preferred if there is a need to assess soft tissues around 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.
Surgery will be considered if the non-surgical methods are ineffective. There are many forms of operations that are used here and they are collectively known as decompression procedures; they relieve the pressure and allow the disc to move back to its anatomical position. Possible risks of this surgery include excessive blood loss, infections, nerve injury and spinal injury. The operation should, therefore, only be performed if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
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 almost always a requirement of the diagnostic process. CT scans and MRI images are the most important forms of images that are used here. CT scans will be necessary if the herniation is thought to be the result of problems relating to the bony structures. This will include, for example, a vertebral body fracture or a bone tumor. The MRI is preferred if there is a need to assess soft tissues around 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.
Surgery will be considered if the non-surgical methods are ineffective. There are many forms of operations that are used here and they are collectively known as decompression procedures; they relieve the pressure and allow the disc to move back to its anatomical position. Possible risks of this surgery include excessive blood loss, infections, nerve injury and spinal injury. The operation should, therefore, only be performed if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
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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