Do you also have frequent back pain? When you sit for a while, when you stand up, or when you lift a heavy object, does your back feel like it 'locks'? Sometimes this pain goes down your legs and feels like numbness? This is really a very annoying condition. Then this article will be very important for you. Today we are talking about treatments that reduce the pressure on the spine, which causes this kind of back pain.
Simply put, what does this mean of reducing spinal compression?
Think of our spine as a string of beads. These beads are what we medically call 'vertebrae'. When these beads are stacked on top of each other, there are jelly-like cushions in between them to absorb shock. We call these 'intervertebral discs', or as many people know them, 'disks'. This disc is what allows us to bend our spine forward, backward, and side to side.
There is a hollow tube-like space in the middle of this entire necklace. Inside it, the spinal cord , which is a very important part of our body, runs. From this spinal cord, the nerves that go to the arms, legs, and every part of the body branch out.
Now imagine, for some reason, maybe as you get older, have an accident, or lift a heavy object incorrectly, that 'disc' bulges, or the jelly inside it leaks out and the nerves start to get tight and compressed. That's what we call spinal compression . Removing this compression and releasing the nerves is simply called `Spinal Decompression`.
What conditions require this treatment?
Although there are many causes of back pain, Spinal Decompression therapy is specifically used for conditions related to nerve compression. Let's take a look at what those are.
| Disease status | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Bulging Disks | The disc between the vertebrae bulges, protrudes, and presses on the nerve. |
| Herniated Disks | The outer covering of the disc ruptures, causing the jelly inside to leak out and press hard on the nerve. This is a bit serious. |
| Sciatica | Pain and numbness in the buttock and leg caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, a major nerve that runs from the back down the leg. |
| Spinal Stenosis | As we age, things like bone spurs can narrow the passageways for nerves in the spine. |
| Pinched Nerves | Pain, numbness, or inflammation caused by compression of a nerve anywhere in the spine. |
What are the non-surgical options?
Most of the time, your doctor will not immediately refer you for surgery. They will first try non-surgical methods to reduce pain.
Most importantly, all of these treatments should be done under the supervision of a qualified professional. Your doctor will determine what is best for you.
- Physical Therapy : This is very important. Here, a physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, how to work without putting too much weight on your back, and how to maintain proper posture.
- Traction: This involves using a special bed (traction table) and applying weights or using a computer to gently pull on the spine. This creates a small space for the herniated disc and nerves.
- Acupuncture : A traditional Chinese treatment that relieves pain by inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body.
- Chiropractic Care: In this treatment, a specialist performs manual spinal adjustments.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS):A small device sends a very low electrical current through the skin's surface, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. This relaxes the muscles and reduces pain.
How to reduce pressure with surgical options?
If no other treatment works, if the pain is severe, or if there are conditions such as numbness or weakness in the legs, the doctor may recommend surgery. There are several types of surgery here as well.
| Name of the surgery | What is happening here? |
|---|---|
| Diskectomy | A portion or the entire disc that is pinching the nerve is removed. |
| Laminectomy | To make more room for the nerves to pass through, a piece of bone (lamina) at the back of the vertebra is removed. |
| Foraminotomy | The holes (foramen) through which nerves exit the spinal cord are enlarged by removing bone fragments or other tissue. |
| Corpectomy | A severely damaged vertebra or disc is completely removed and two bones are joined together to strengthen the area (Spinal Fusion). |
| Osteophyte Removal | It removes unnecessary bone spurs that form as we age, relieving nerve compression. |
How do I choose the treatment that is right for me?
This is not something you can decide on your own. Your doctor will determine the best treatment based on your symptoms, age, overall health, and test results.
Doctors usually try simple, low-risk treatments first. If those don't work,It refers to things like surgery.
What tests are used to accurately diagnose the disease?
Your doctor may ask you to do some tests like these:
- X-ray tests: This can check for things like bone alignment, fractures, and breaks.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan): Can look at bones and tissues in more detail than X-rays.
- MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best test to detect spinal problems because it can clearly see the soft tissues such as the discs, spinal cord, and nerves. An MRI can tell exactly whether a disc has slipped or a nerve is pinched.
- Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG): These tests measure the speed at which electrical signals travel through the nerves and help determine if there is nerve damage.
Take-Home Message
- Back pain , pain that travels down your legs, or numbness are symptoms that should never be ignored . See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Not all back pain requires surgery. Many people can find relief with physical therapy, exercise, and other non-surgical treatments.
- Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you. So, don't treat based on guesswork, but follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- If surgery is necessary, don't be afraid to have it. Talk openly with your doctor about it, its benefits, and its risks.
- If you experience back pain during pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor before undergoing any treatment.
Back Pain, Spine, Nerve Compression, Disc Problems, Sciatica, Spinal Decompression, Back Surgery
👩🏽⚕️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Doctor
💬 Why does back pain radiate to the legs?
The main nerves that run down the middle of our spine go to our legs. When a disc between the vertebrae bulges out and presses on a nerve, the pain travels down the nerve, down the leg. Sometimes, this can also cause the leg to feel numb.
💬 Why does the spinal disc bulge out?
The jelly-like 'disc' between two vertebrae can bulge or bulge out as we age, due to an accident, or due to lifting weights incorrectly. When this happens, the nerves that run through it are compressed. This condition is commonly referred to as a 'slipped disc'.
💬 What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Simply put, this is a treatment that reduces the pressure on the spine. This increases the space between the vertebrae, freeing up the compressed nerve. It also helps the herniated disc to return to normal.
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