Procedure Description

Spine Decompression Surgery

The release of pressure on the spinal cord or on one or more compressed nerve roots that are flowing through or out of the spinal column is known as spinal decompression. Treatment for spinal radiculopathy, myelopathy, and claudication mostly involves decompression of the spinal neuronal components.

surgical techniques

1. Nerve root decompression

Radiculopathy, the clinical effect of compression of a single spinal nerve root, is named after the specific nerve root that was compressed.

2. Decompression of the spinal cord, also known as the cauda equina. A laminectomy is an open or minimally invasive surgical treatment in which the contents of the spinal canal are relieved of pressure by removing a section of the posterior arch of the vertebrae and/or spinal ligaments. When more than one nerve root has to be decompressed, this process is often carried out.

Disease Overview

Bulging or ruptured disks

Discs cushion the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine in the back. The nucleus is surrounded by a strong outer layer (annulus) that is spherical, like a little pillow. Discs are shock absorbers for the spinal bones, located between each vertebra in the spinal column.

A herniated disc (also known as a bulged, slid, or ruptured disc) is a disc nucleus fragment that has been forced out of the annulus and into the spinal canal due to a tear or rupture in the annulus. Herniated discs are frequently in the early stages of degeneration.

The space in the spinal canal is insufficient to accommodate the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc fragment. The disc presses on spinal nerves as a result of this displacement, causing discomfort that can be severe.

Herniated discs can appear anywhere along the spine. Herniated discs most commonly affect the lower back (lumbar spine), but they can also affect the neck (cervical spine). The location of pain is determined by which section of the spine is afflicted.

Disease Sign an Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc vary widely depending on the location and extent of the herniation. The patient may just have a minor backache or no pain at all if the herniated disc is not pushing on a nerve. If it is pushing on a nerve, the part of the body where the nerve travels may experience pain, numbness, or weakening. An bout of low back pain or a lengthy history of intermittent occurrences of low back pain usually precedes a herniated disc.

Sciatica/Radiculopathy is commonly caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (lower back). Pain, burning, tingling, and numbness that extends from the buttock into the leg and even into the foot might be caused by pressure on one or more nerves that contribute to the sciatic nerve. One side (either the left or right) is usually afflicted. Sharp, electric-shock-like pain is a common description for this condition. Standing, walking, or sitting may make it worse. Straightening the leg on the afflicted side frequently aggravates the discomfort. Low back pain may accompany leg discomfort; however, the pain in the leg is typically greater than the pain in the low back in severe sciatica.

Cervical radiculopathy manifests as dull or acute pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, discomfort radiating down the arm to the hand or fingers, or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm. Certain postures or motions of the neck may aggravate the discomfort.

Disease Causes

A herniated disc can be caused by a single severe strain or injury. However, as one gets older, disc material degrades and the ligaments that keep it in place weaken. A little strain or twisting action might cause a disc to rupture as the degeneration advances.

Certain people are more susceptible to disc disorders, and as a result, herniated discs can occur in several locations throughout the spine. According to studies, there may be a herniated disc tendency in families with many people afflicted.

Disease Diagnosis

The many types of testing are given below. MRI is the most prevalent type of imaging for this illness. To complete the examination of the vertebra, plain x-rays of the afflicted region are frequently included. A disc herniation cannot be noticed on a standard x-ray. Before MRI, CT scans and myelograms were more widely utilised, but they are now rarely requested as the initial diagnostic imaging unless there are exceptional conditions that justify their usage. An electromyogram is a test that is rarely utilised.

The structure of the vertebrae and the contour of the joints may be seen using an X-ray, which uses radiation to create a film or image of a region of the body. X-rays of the spine are taken to look for other reasons of pain, such as tumours, infections, fractures, and so on.

A diagnostic image formed when a computer analyses X-rays that can depict the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and the structures around it is called a computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique that uses strong magnets and computer technology to create 3D pictures of human components. It may reveal the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding regions, as well as enlargement, degeneration, and malignancies.

A myelogram is an X-ray of the spinal canal taken after a contrast substance is injected into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid areas; it can reveal pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, or tumours.

EMG/NCS (Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies): The electrical impulse through nerve roots, peripheral nerves, and muscular tissue is measured in these assays. This will show if there is ongoing nerve damage, if the nerves are mending after a previous injury, or if there is another site of nerve compression. This is a test that is rarely requested.

Disease Treatment

Treatments that do not need surgery

A herniated disc is generally treated conservatively and without surgery at first. For a few days to many weeks, a doctor may urge the patient to keep a modest, painless activity level. This aids in the reduction of spinal nerve irritation. Bed rest is not advised.

If the pain is only mild to moderate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine is commonly used to treat a herniated disc. An epidural steroid injection can be administered using a spinal needle guided by X-ray to precisely target the level of the disc herniation.

Physical treatment may be suggested by the doctor. The therapist will conduct a thorough examination, which, when paired with the doctor's diagnosis, will result in a treatment plan tailored to the needs of individuals with herniated discs.

Pelvic traction, light massage, cold and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and stretching exercises are all options for treatment. In addition to physical therapy, pain medicines and muscle relaxants may be effective.

Spine Decompression Surgery- The release of pressure on the spinal cord or on one or more compressed nerve roots that are flowing through or out of the spinal column is known as spinal decompression. Treatment for spinal radiculopathy, myelopathy, and claudication mostly involves decompression of the spinal neuronal components.

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