Back problems and pain can't always be fixed by chiropractors and massages. Sometimes, back surgery is required to remove growths or to fix compressed areas in the vertebrae like nerves or a herniated disc. These conditions are painful, and surgery quickly alleviates the pain at the source. Several types of spinal surgeries are available for patients. Many of the options are made by the doctor overseeing treatment to decide which method is right for the condition.
Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy is a spinal surgery used to alleviate pressure from a compressed nerve. The foramin is the space in the vertebrae where the the nerves exit the spinal cord. For patients with a compressed nerve, this passageway may be blocked by bone or tissue that push on the nerves, causing pain in the back. The procedure uses general anesthesia and removes the excess bone or tissue pressing on the nerve.
Laminotomy
Laminotomy is also used to relieve pressure from the spinal cord and nerves. A laminotomy opens space in the spinal cord to allow for room for neural tissue. This relieves the pressure and alleviates the pain for the patient. Laminotomy procedures are used to treat bone spurs, pinched nerves, herniated discs and arthritis.
Percutaneous Discectomy
Percutaneous discectomy is used to remove large portions of a herniated or bulging disc that compresses on the nerves. As the body ages, the composition of the cartilage that partially makes up the joints between vertebrae degrade. The degradation leaves masses of tissue or bone compressed on the spinal cord. A percutaneous discectomy is used to remove the bone that pushes on the cord.
Facet Thermal Ablation
Facet thermal ablation uses a different technique to relieve pain by deadening the nerve that is compressed. Facet joints hold the vertebrae together. This spinal procedure alleviates the pain by eradicating the nerve and deadening the ends so that they are no longer triggered by pain.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is usually reserved as a last resort for patients. Spinal fusion involves grafting bone tissue and fusing the vertebrae together. The bone heals over the grafted tissue, fusing the vertebrae together. This procedure is used for patients with severe degenerative disc disease.
Tags: spinal cord, alleviates pain, bone tissue, vertebrae together, compressed nerve, discectomy used