Posts Tagged ‘Spinal Canal’
Insider Secrets to Find the Cause of Your Back Pain Now
During my 17 years practicing medicine, patients and friends constantly ask me:
“What is the most likely cause of my back Pain?”
I’ve written this simple guide for people who have the same question in mind.
The commonest type of back Pain is caused by tears or strains to ligaments, tendons or muscles around the lower spinal cord. The underlying factors are straining, poor posture, incorrect lifting and inactivity. The Pain usually appears 36-48 hours after the strain or can be gradual in onset. The symptoms can be mild to moderate depending on the level of injury.
Herniation of a vertebral disc may be associated with back Pain and also sciatica…shooting pain down the back of one leg. It is most often seen in people in their 30′s and 40′s but can also occur in the elderly. The condition is caused by underlying disc degeneration. This can lead to a gradual rupturing of the disc and Herniation of the disc contents. This process can be exacerbated by physical straining or exercise. The sciatica occurs when the disc contents press on the neighboring spinal nerve. The pain, which can be very severe, may be associated with numbness or tingling in the area supplied by that nerve (dermatome).
Facet Joint Arthropathy can result from arthritic changes, degeneration or trauma to the facet joints of the vertebral bodies of the spine. These joints are normally covered with cartilage and lined by synovial membranes. Arthritis leads to wear and tear of the cartilage and inflammation of the membranes. This leads to grating movements between the two facet joints. This type of back pain is worsened by torsion or elongation of the spine. The pain is normally well localized and may spread to the buttocks.
Narrowing of the spinal canal (Spinal Stenosis) is more commonly seen in the elderly. It is secondary to vertebral degeneration. It may also occur with infection, trauma, tumors and arthritis of the spine and with bony spurs and disk herniation. It can progress to severe spinal cord injury. It is associated with back pain as well as pain, numbness and weakness of the buttocks.
Radiculopathy (‘a pinched nerve’) is associated with back pain and pain, numbness, weakness and tingling of the legs. It occurs when inflammation of a spinal nerve is caused by pressure or friction. The underlying factors can be tumors, bony spurs, disc herniation, and fractures of the vertebrae. The presence of muscle weakness in the legs as well as pain in the back… indicates severe symptoms. In such cases you should seek a doctor’s advice immediately.
Tumors of the spine, whether they originate in the spine or spread from distant organs, can cause terrible back pain through pressure on the nerves and spine. Chronic persistent pain despite treatment is suggestive although not diagnostic of a spinal tumor. Be suspicious when such pain is associated with generalized signs of cancer such as weight loss, loss of appetite and tiredness.
Infection of the spinal cord or surrounding tissues causes pressure on the spine and can result in severe back pain and loss of function of the affected spinal nerves. Examples include spinal meningitis and osteomyelitis.
Pathology of the vertebrae of the spine can cause pressure on the spinal nerves, inflammatory conditions and degeneration. Examples include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by pain in the back and stiffness. This stiffness is more pronounced in the morning as is not helped by rest. There may also be pain in the shoulders, neck and mid-spine. Osteoporosis ( low bone mass) leads to fractures. Fractures cause sudden severe back pain localized to the area of the fracture. Osteoarthritis, the wear and tear of joints with age, leads to chronic back pain which tends to be poorly localized. It is normally associated with stiffness and pain which is not eased by rest.
anonymous
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Is Spinal Stenosis the Source of Your Sciatica Pain?
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition where the spinal canal becomes narrow. This narrowing can put additional pressure and compression on the spinal cord and can cause a pinching of the nerve roots. If the narrowing is in the lower part of spinal cord it is referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis and if the narrowing is in the upper part of the spinal cord then it is referred to as cervical spinal stenosis. While stenosis can also occur in the thoracic or upper back region, the lumbar and cervical areas are the most common.
Who Can Get Spinal Stenosis?
Although some people are born with spinal stenosis, the condition is usually seen in people over the age of 50 who already have some disc degeneration. Often, spinal stenosis results from the wearing down on the spine from normal activities. As we get older, our spinal ligaments can calcify, bone spurs may form, and we can get herniated or ruptured discs. All these conditions can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal which can compress and pinch the spinal nerves.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include back Pain radiating to the legs, numbness or Pain in the buttocks that worsen when walking or exercising, leg weakness, decreased physical endurance, loss of balance, and leg and neck pain.
Treating Spinal Stenosis
In general doctors tend to take a conservative approach when initially treating spinal stenosis. Drug therapy such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling are usually prescribed first, along with bed rest and reduced physical activity. Steroid injections can also be use to help reduce swelling although the pain relief is normally temporary. Traction and spinal decompression may be prescribed, along with physical therapy which can be used to help increase flexibility as well as build endurance.
If the pain is acute, then surgery may be needed in order to widen the spinal canal and to correct the conditions that are contributing to the nerve compression. Some of the surgical procedures used to treat spinal stenosis are:
Decompressive laminectomy. This is used for treating lumbar spinal stenosis and involves removing the top of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves.
Laminotomy. This is a partial removal of the lamina which can be done to widen the spinal canal and relieve compression on the nerve roots.
Foraminotomy. Removal of bone, scar tissue, or other obstructions that are compressing the nerve root exiting the spinal canal.
Due to the risks involved, many doctors will resort to surgical treatments only after non-surgical treatments have been tried first.
This article is not meant to replace the sound advice of a personal physician. Patients should discuss with their doctor all their treatment options before taking any medical course of action.
Dan Raymond
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New Physical Therapy Relieves Back Pain
www.EmploymentCrossing.com
According to WebMD a new physical Therapy technique may relieve Back Pain even when all other treatments fail.
Souchard’s global postural re-education — or GPR for short — employs a series of gentle movements to realign spinal column joints, and strengthen and stretch muscles that have become tight and weak from underuse.
“GPR corrects the patient’s posture and decompresses the spinal canal,” says Conrado Estol, an MD and PhD, of the Neurologic Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He presented his study at the American Academy of Neurologys 57th Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
“In our study, nine in 10 people with chronic Back pain due to disc disease significantly improved and were able to return to their usual daily activities — usually within five months.”
A person with chronic back pain is in too much discomfort to perform the exercise on his own. A physical therapist guides the process, stretching the muscles along the spinal column while the patient is in the specified positions.
The treatment included two GPR sessions during the first week, then one session a week for an average of five months. Participants also practiced breathing techniques and were given a home exercise program.
Doctor Albert, assistant professor of neurology at Yale University says a success rate of 90 percent in patients with chronic back pain “is very unusual and begs for further investigation.”
To find a physical therapy job specializing in back therapy and rehabilitation, click here.
Duration : 0:3:53
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X Stop Spine Surgery Procedure Abroad At Affordable Cost-X Stop Cost
X Stop Spine Surgery Procedure Abroad
X Stop Spine Surgery
What is the X STOP ?
The X STOP is a titanium metal implant designed to fit between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in your lower back. It is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments in your back.
The oval spacer fits between the spinous processes and the wings are designed to prevent the implant from moving. Warning: The X STOP implant is manufactured from a titanium alloy of metal. Please inform your doctor if you think you are allergic to titanium or titanium alloy. Caution: The X STOP is manufactured from a titanium alloy which is known to produce artifacts if you undergo an MRI exam. If you have an MRI exam, after you have had X STOP Surgery, inform your doctor that you have the X STOP. Failure to inform your doctor may affect the quality of diagnostic information obtained from these scans. The X STOP is MRI safe…
What is Spinal Stenosis ?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Some patients are born with this narrowing, but most often spinal stenosis is the result of a degenerative condition that develops in people over the age of 50. Spinal stenosis is the gradual result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine from everyday activities. Degenerative or age-related changes in our bodies can lead to compression of nerves (pressure on the nerves that may cause pain and/or damage)…
Am I a candidate for X Stop spinal surgery ?
You may be a candidate for the X Stop spinal Surgery if you have primarily leg pain rather than mostly back pain and your pain is due to spinal stenosis/ foraminol stenosis. Your leg pain is worse with prolonged standing and bending backwards. You must get significant relief of your pain when you sit down and bend forward or stand and bend forward…
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
If you suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis you may feel various symptoms, including : -
- Dull or aching back pain spreading to your legs
- Numbness and “pins and needles” in your legs, calves or buttocks
- Weakness, or a loss of balance
- A decreased endurance for physical activities…
Diagnosing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Before confirming a diagnosis of stenosis, it is important for your doctor to rule out other conditions that may produce similar symptoms.
- History
- Physical Examination
- Tests…
Treatment Options
Non-surgical Treatment of spinal stenosis
- Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain, and analgesics to relieve pain.
- Corticosteroid injections (epidural steroids) to reduce swelling and treat acute pain that radiates to the hips or down the leg. Pain relief from an epidural injection may be temporary and patients are usually advised to get no more than 3 injections per 6-month period.
- Rest or restricted activity.
- Physical therapy and/or exercises to help stabilize the spine, build endurance and increase flexibility…
Surgical Treatment of spinal stenosis
Non-surgical treatments may temporarily relieve pain. More severe cases of stenosis may require surgery.
The most common surgical procedure for stenosis is a decompressive laminectomy sometimes accompanied by fusion…
What is IPD ?
Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD) IPD is a surgical procedure in which an implant, called the X STOP®, is placed between two bones called spinous processes in the back of your spine.
With IPD surgery or x-stop spinal stenosis surgery there is no removal of bone or soft tissue. The X STOP implant is not positioned close to nerves or the spinal cord, but rather behind the spinal cord between the bony spinous process…
The X STOP procedure
The x-stop spinal surgery procedure may be performed in either the operating room or special procedures room at the hospital. Using local anesthesia and with the help of X-ray guidance, the X STOP implant is inserted through a small incision in the skin of your back. Alternatively, your surgeon may elect to use general anesthesia…
Please log on to : www.indiahospitaltour.com
Send your query : Get a Quote
We Care Core Values
We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the centre.
Having the industry’s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.
Pankaj Nagpal
http://www.articlesbase.com/medical-tourism-articles/x-stop-spine-surgery-procedure-abroad-at-affordable-costx-stop-cost-1159044.html
Trackbacks
X Stop Spine Surgery Procedure Abroad At Affordable Cost-X Stop Cost
X Stop Spine Surgery Procedure Abroad
X Stop Spine Surgery
What is the X STOP ?
The X STOP is a titanium metal implant designed to fit between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in your lower back. It is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments in your back.
The oval spacer fits between the spinous processes and the wings are designed to prevent the implant from moving. Warning: The X STOP implant is manufactured from a titanium alloy of metal. Please inform your doctor if you think you are allergic to titanium or titanium alloy. Caution: The X STOP is manufactured from a titanium alloy which is known to produce artifacts if you undergo an MRI exam. If you have an MRI exam, after you have had X STOP Surgery, inform your doctor that you have the X STOP. Failure to inform your doctor may affect the quality of diagnostic information obtained from these scans. The X STOP is MRI safe…
What is Spinal Stenosis ?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Some patients are born with this narrowing, but most often spinal stenosis is the result of a degenerative condition that develops in people over the age of 50. Spinal stenosis is the gradual result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine from everyday activities. Degenerative or age-related changes in our bodies can lead to compression of nerves (pressure on the nerves that may cause pain and/or damage)…
Am I a candidate for X Stop spinal surgery ?
You may be a candidate for the X Stop spinal Surgery if you have primarily leg pain rather than mostly back pain and your pain is due to spinal stenosis/ foraminol stenosis. Your leg pain is worse with prolonged standing and bending backwards. You must get significant relief of your pain when you sit down and bend forward or stand and bend forward…
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
If you suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis you may feel various symptoms, including : -
- Dull or aching back pain spreading to your legs
- Numbness and “pins and needles” in your legs, calves or buttocks
- Weakness, or a loss of balance
- A decreased endurance for physical activities…
Diagnosing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Before confirming a diagnosis of stenosis, it is important for your doctor to rule out other conditions that may produce similar symptoms.
- History
- Physical Examination
- Tests…
Treatment Options
Non-surgical Treatment of spinal stenosis
- Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain, and analgesics to relieve pain.
- Corticosteroid injections (epidural steroids) to reduce swelling and treat acute pain that radiates to the hips or down the leg. Pain relief from an epidural injection may be temporary and patients are usually advised to get no more than 3 injections per 6-month period.
- Rest or restricted activity.
- Physical therapy and/or exercises to help stabilize the spine, build endurance and increase flexibility…
Surgical Treatment of spinal stenosis
Non-surgical treatments may temporarily relieve pain. More severe cases of stenosis may require surgery.
The most common surgical procedure for stenosis is a decompressive laminectomy sometimes accompanied by fusion…
What is IPD ?
Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD) IPD is a surgical procedure in which an implant, called the X STOP®, is placed between two bones called spinous processes in the back of your spine.
With IPD surgery or x-stop spinal stenosis surgery there is no removal of bone or soft tissue. The X STOP implant is not positioned close to nerves or the spinal cord, but rather behind the spinal cord between the bony spinous process…
The X STOP procedure
The x-stop spinal surgery procedure may be performed in either the operating room or special procedures room at the hospital. Using local anesthesia and with the help of X-ray guidance, the X STOP implant is inserted through a small incision in the skin of your back. Alternatively, your surgeon may elect to use general anesthesia…
Please log on to : www.indiahospitaltour.com
Send your query : Get a Quote
We Care Core Values
We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the centre.
Having the industry’s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.
Pankaj Nagpal
http://www.articlesbase.com/medical-tourism-articles/x-stop-spine-surgery-procedure-abroad-at-affordable-costx-stop-cost-1159044.html
