Information On Methods Of Providing Herniated Disc Pain Relief Conroe Residents May Wish To Know

By Ronald Lewis


Intervertebral discs are found between vertebral bodies of the spinal column. These structures play a central role in facilitating movement at these joints. When the spinal column is traumatized, they get displaced from their position and impinge on the nerves in the vicinity. This translates into varying degrees of pain on the back and the limbs. In this article we will explore the options for herniated disc pain relief Conroe residents can access.

In general the modalities are divided into non-surgical and surgical. The choice of which method to use is dependent on a number of factors that include the severity of the condition, response to initial management and the risks involved. The starting point is usually the used of analgesic agents. NSAIDs such as diclofenac, naproxen and ibuprofen may be prescribed for a couple of days to relieve the pain as one waits for the symptoms to resolve spontaneously.

Pain that does not abate after two weeks of bed rest and analgesic agents warrants evaluation by your doctor. Traction is the next consideration at this point. In this technique length and angulation defects that were caused by the trauma or strain are corrected. This is done by subjecting the spine to a gentle pull by use of computerized equipment. When the disc slips back into position, the pressure on the nerves is relived and the pain resolves.

Several other passive techniques similar to traction are also available. They include deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies and hydrotherapy among others. All are designed to not only restore the anatomical structure of the spine but to also prevent further injury. In most cases, several of them are used together so as to increase the chances of success.

Active physical exercises also have a role to play. They are meant to help in a number of areas that include the maintenance of posture, strength, core stability and joint movement. It is important that the therapist and the patient work together to come up with a schedule that addresses all these aspects.

Traction is considered the most effective conservative intervention. While it may be used for almost any patients, there are groups of conditions for which its use is not recommended. This include persons that have fractures on their lower limbs or the pelvis. In such situations, the injuries are likely to be aggravated. Other conditions which carry a similar risk, include metallic limb implants, huge abdominal tumors and aortic aneurysms.

Surgery is considered when the conservative options fail to yield results. There are different types of surgeries that may be performed depending on the specific situation. Corpectomy is the surgical removal of the vertebral body together with the adjacent disc. Discectomy involves removal of the disc but leaving the vertebral body intact. Other types include laminectomy, foraminectomy and osteophyte removal.

Surgery carries certain risks that one needs to be aware of being signing up for it. The general complications include bleeding and infections at the surgical site. Nerve injury is one of the more specific complications that may be seen in the immediate post-operative period. In the intermediate and remote post-operative period the biggest concern appears to be spinal stability caused by the removal of supportive structures.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment