Spinal Disc Decompression

Spinal Decompression, Spine Surgery, Spinal Fusion Articles

Smoking's Link to Back Problems

Smoking causes cancer, lung disease and heart attacks, and disrupts body chemistry in such dangerous ways that a host of other ailments can result. So it's not surprising that even back problems might be caused by nicotine and smoke ingestion.

Indeed, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says smoking diminishes the blood supply to the bones, and saps them of calcium, both of which increase the possibility of the onset of osteoporosis. Suggestive of the relationship between smoking and back issues, one's chances for success after back surgery improve dramatically if one is a nonsmoker or has ceased smoking.

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The Progression of Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression has had many technological milestones. Some early tables were just straight pulley tables which were slightly more advanced than traction because they were software driven, yet they would only allow a set amount of pressure. Over time, spinal decompression tables were developed to have a ramp up and ramp down speed of distraction - making for a much smoother experience for the patient. Later advances followed in the form of belting and improved patient comfort.

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What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression is a non-invasive, non-surgical technology where a patient is placed onto an instrument which belts them in and separates their lower body from their upper body. This allows for pressure to be relieved on certain joints and structures in either the lumbar or cervical regions of the spine. The treatment lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of device being used. Patients are usually placed on a protocol that is software driven.

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When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

Back injuries, with their associated pain, are so widespread that they have become the costliest health care problem for those in the 30-50 age range. So says the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"Back pain is probably the commonest reason people seek help for pain management other than acute post-surgical pain," says Dr. Michael Ramsay, chief of the department of anesthesiology and pain management at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

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One Simple Solution to Neck Pain: Good Posture

Treating and preventing chronic neck pain can often be successfully accomplished by something as simple as adopting correct posture while waking and sleeping.

While the pain sufferer can treat the symptoms of frequent neck "cricks" with neck stretch exercises, painkillers or ice applications, the symptoms' root causes must be dealt with differently. These root causes often involve some kind of poor posture, says Dr. Brian Bruel, an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation on the one hand, and anesthesiology and pain management on the other, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Posture violators might crouch over a desk all day long, slouch on a sofa while watching TV, or contort themselves while reading.

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Preliminary Data a Boon for New Spinal Decompression Treatment

Two pilot studies show that a new non-surgical spinal decompression treatment has a beneficial effect on lower back pain, and that it seems to benefit the morphology of the spine by increasing disc height.

One study, authored by Dr. John Leslie of the Mayo Clinic and others, found that clinical use of a spinal decompression system led to an 88.9 percent reduction in pain scores over the course of six weeks, as well as improvement in Oswestry disability scores and a drop in consumption of pain medications.

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Low Back Pain Recovery Slow and Uncertain

Current clinical practice guidelines state that 90% of acute lower back pain patients will recover within four to six weeks, with or without treatment. However, new research published in The British Medical Journal has found that recovery from low back pain is much slower than previously thought.

Australian researchers from The George Insitute studied patients with acute low back pain for a year. The results from the study found that even with treatment, after two months only half of the patients had recovered from the original episode of pain. After about one year, 40% were still reporting that their back was still causing them pain.

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Waiting May Reduce Need for Back Surgery

New studies demonstrate that waiting may be the best alternative to back surgery.

Approximately 1.5 million back surgeries are performed worldwide. These surgeries are performed to address painful problems associated with slipped or misaligned disks. Intransient sciatica and other lower back conditions are extremely painful and can impact the quality of life of those afflicted. New research though suggests that 75% of such cases will improve on their own if left untreated.

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FDA Approves Cervical Disc Implant Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Prestige disc implant device to treat degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. Medtronic has created the first artificial disc for insertion into the neck to allow a larger degree of movement than the traditional spinal fusion treatment. Medtronic has agreed to conduct a seven year study as part of the FDA approval agreement.

The company performed a clinical trial observing 541 patients receiving treatment for cervical degenerative disc disease comparing Prestige Cervical Disc to spinal fusion. The results found Prestige to have a greater degree of neurological success as well as fewer revision surgeries. The device is made of a stainless steel two-piece ball-and-trough configuration that functions like a joint and offers the greatest potential for neck mobility.

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Power Plate Technology Can Aid Physical Therapy

For physical therapists who treat patients suffering from back pain and weakened core muscles, the Power Plate is a beneficial piece of technology. The machine vibrates to stimulate reflexive muscle contractions 25-50 times per second. The Power Plate increases blood circulation to core spinal and abdominal muscles that have weakened over time due to sedentary lifestyle habits.

For people who are lacking in their level of fitness, the Power Plate is designed to ease the difficult transition from an inactive to an healthy lifestyle. While it remains unclear whether this vibration technology can replace other forms of exercise, some physicians believe it can greatly complement any exercise or physical therapy regimen.

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