Tag Archives: spinal column
A lumbar herniated disc is a tear in the outer ring of a spinal disc which allows the soft central portion to bulge out. It is a very painful condition. Any move the sufferer makes causes great pain. Generally the condition develops over a period of time with the pain getting progressively worse. The ailment is sometimes referred to as a ruptured, prolapsed or slipped disc. The lumbar is
the five discs between the diaphragm and the pelvis. This area carries the most body weight and provides the most flexibility. This combination makes the lumbar prone to injury and degeneration. Lumbar injuries like herniated discs are fairly common. Luckily there are several treatment options for addressing the pain and damage in this important region.
People with lumbar herniated discs are usually given several non-surgical options for treating the ailment. Those treatments include medication, physical therapy and epidural injections. If these and other non-surgical procedures fail to solve the problem, medical professionals usually suggest disc surgery. Back pain, particularly in the lumbar region, can be debilitating. Patients are unable to move without pain. A course of anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers is normally used early in the treatment. If they do not bring relief in two to three months, then a more aggressive course of treatment is undertaken. Continue reading
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to prevent a painful movement at the joint. Inserting a piece of bone between the vertebrae and encouraging the bone to grow accomplish this process, fusing the vertebrae together, preventing movement between them and eliminating the pain. To eliminate movement, this process is repeated in the spaces above and below the target vertebra, isolating it from moving entirely.
Who Would Be A Good Candidate?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a method of treating several problems with the spinal column. Some of those problems include (but are not limited to):
· Degenerative Disc Disease
· A Weak or Unstable Spine
· Scoliosis
· When a Vertebra Slips Out of Place in the Spinal Column
· Deformities
These are some of the most common conditions under which a patient should talk to a doctor regarding their options on spinal fusion surgery. If a patient is experiencing severe back pain, s/he should immediately talk to a doctor to determine the cause and location of the pain to know how to best take care of the problem.
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