Making an Informed Decision on Spinal Decompression

Consistent back pain and other symptoms can prove to be highly disruptive to routine life. With all your focus transferring onto the ongoing pain, the only thing you can think of in your day is ways in which you can find relief.

Many individuals today rely on spinal decompression therapy which can be performed surgically as well as non-surgically.

Understanding Nonsurgical Decompression

Quintessentially, this method makes use of a type of motorized traction which helps in gaining back pain relief. This motor gently stretches the spine to change the position and force of your spine. By doing this, you can take pressure of your gel-like cushions between your bones that are known as spinal disks.

Advocates of this methodology recommend it because it is known to retract negative pressures which cause herniated disks and bulging. It can also take the pressure off your spinal structure and nerves; and encourage movement of oxygen, water and nutrient-rich fluids into your disks.

1. When to Consider Nonsurgical Decompression

As an expert in spinal decompression in Burnaby if you are exhibiting some of the following symptoms or illnesses-

Back or neck pain.Sciatica, i.e., pain, weakness or tingling that goes down to the legs.Herniated disks, bulging disks or degenerative disk disease.Worn out spinal jointInjury or disease in the spinal nerve roots.

2. How is it Done?

During the therapy, the patient is fully clothed and the doctor attaches a harness around your trunk and pelvis. You will be either asked to lie face down or face up on a computerized table. Depending on the specific needs, your physician will operate the computer to provide customized relief to your personal needs.

This treatment is also often teamed up with electrical stimulation, heat cold therapy and ultrasound healing.

3. Can I Undergo the Treatment?

It is best to ask your doctor whether or not you will be able to undergo the treatment. Pregnant women and people with specific conditions such as - tumours, fractures, advanced osteoporosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm or you have metal implants in your spine.

Understanding Surgical Spinal Decompression

One can also consider surgical decompression to treat specific types of back aches. Most often, this method is used as a last resort when other treatment measures do not work. Your physician my recommend this treatment for ruptured or bulging disks and bony growths. Surgery is also good for the removal of pressure from spinal cord and nerves which result in weakness, tingling, numbness and pain.

There are more than one types of back surgeries that physicians recommend for your spine. Over and above this, you may also require spinal fusion to stabilize your spinal cord.

Diskectomy - In this procedure, a chunk of the disk is removed to release the pressure on the nerves.Foraminotomy - Also known as Foraminectomy, in this surgery the surgeon removes the tissues and the bone to expand the opening for your nerve roots.Laminectomy - Here, the surgeon removes a small portion of your bone, i.e., a section of the bony arch or the whole arch with an aim to increase the size of your spinal canal and consequently release pressure.Osteophyte Removal - In this procedure, the doctor removes the bony growths.Corpectomy - Here, the surgeon removes the disk between the vertebrae

Like any other surgery, surgical decompression also poses some risks. It is best to consult a qualified physician before you make any final decisions. All in all, spinal decompression methods are effective in relieving patients from a range of back aches that pose major hindrances in routine our lives.

This article forms an interesting read for individuals who have been fighting with chronic back pain for years together.

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