Things to Know Before Opting for Non-surgical Spinal Decompression

Things to Know Before Opting for Non-surgical Spinal Decompression

One does not need to undergo complicated procedures to treat chronic back or sciatic nerve pain brought on by herniated or degenerating spinal discs. An effortless and safe alternative therapy called spinal decompression has been helping many fix their back pain non-surgically. The procedure involves simple but effective methods to stretch and realign the spine. This article provides an overview of this therapy, explaining who should opt for it, its types, benefits, and more.

What is spinal decompression therapy?
The spinal column acts as the main support structure of the body. It consists of the vertebrae, ligaments, and disks that help keep it erect and flexible. Any spinal trauma, wear and tear, or compression due to injuries, age, or bad posture can cause severe pain. However, this can be treated through an FDA-approved surgical or non-surgical therapy called spinal decompression. The non-surgical option is quicker. It uses a unique traction table and other motorized equipment to move and stretch the spine in the right place, relieving pain in the back or legs. It also promotes better circulation of spinal fluids, nutrients, and self-healing by providing a supportive environment for bulging, deteriorating, or herniated discs.

What are the types of non-surgical spinal decompression therapies?
Once a doctor has evaluated the severity of the spinal damage and deemed the patient fit to receive the treatment, they develop a personalized schedule and recommend a spinal decompression therapy:

Motorized spinal traction
The patient must lie on a table fully clothed during this procedure. They are then strapped around their abdomen and pelvis and connected to a machine that gently stretches the spine using pulleys or weights. It gradually releases pressure from the spinal discs, relieving pain and other discomforts.

Electrical nerve stimulation
During this therapy, low-voltage electrical charges are released through a tiny device placed on the patient’s skin. The charges work on the affected nerves and trigger points, promoting muscle relaxation.

Spinal decompression therapy ideally never hurts; however, during the session, one will experience light stretching and pressure on the spine.

Who should opt for such non-surgical spinal decompression treatments?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is suitable for those with the following spinal disc conditions:

Degenerative discs
Spinal discs, the rubbery cushions between the bones in the spinal column, act as shock absorbers and help move comfortably. Once these discs wear off due to age or injuries, the bones start to rub against each other. This leads to bone spur growth, tiny bumps that grow off a bone and pinch the spinal nerves.

Bulging discs
Bulging occurs when the spinal discs are forced out of the spinal canal. These discs then press on surrounding nerves.

Herniated discs
A herniated disc occurs when the outer wall of one’s spinal disc breaks and spills some of the soft internal gel onto the adjacent nerves. While all these conditions cause pain and discomfort, herniated discs cause a burning pain that can travel down from the lower back to the legs.

If a person is diagnosed with any of these conditions or experiences stubborn back or neck pain, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. With a detailed analysis, the doctor can decide if one qualifies for this therapy. Those with fractures, severe osteoporosis, another weak bone condition, and a history of serious nerve damage are not advised to undergo this therapy. The same goes for pregnant women and those who have undergone spinal surgery and have metal implants.

How long does the treatment last?
The treatment plan and duration are unique to every patient, based on the doctor’s evaluation. It takes roughly 30 minutes to complete one spinal decompression session. Studies show that, on average, 12 to 20 sessions spread out over four to six weeks produce good results. Patients may feel a lot better after a few sessions, but it is advisable to complete the entire treatment course for long-term pain relief. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend combining non-surgical therapy with other supplementary or holistic treatments. It may include spine stabilizing and core strengthening exercises, ultrasound, and heat or cold therapy, which can all lead to a speedier recovery.

What are the benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression?
Non-surgical treatments offer multiple benefits. They primarily release the pressure in the nerve that causes chronic pain. The best part is that individuals can start noticing a difference in their posture after a few sessions. The treatment is also safe since it promotes natural healing. It poses a lesser risk to one’s body than surgical procedures.

What are the alternatives to non-surgical spinal decompression?
One can also opt for surgical spinal decompression procedures like a diskectomy or osteophyte removal to relieve the pain. These procedures remove a part of the patient’s bone or tissue to ease the pressure on neurological components and involve several days or months of recovery time. If a person does not want to opt for spinal decompression in any form, surgical or non-surgical, a few other effective therapies help relieve back pain. One example is acupuncture. In this therapy, needles are inserted through the skin at different pressure and pain points to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability. Chiropractic care is another treatment for spinal adjustments that realign the bones.

How are spinal problems diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals may run a series of tests to understand a person’s injury and set the best course of action to relieve pain. For instance, bone scans help detect the source of back pain by revealing any fractures, infections, or cancerous cell growth in the bones. Doctors may also use electromyography to study the patient’s nerves and muscles by testing how fast electrical signals pass through them. CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays are diagnostic imaging tests that detect the source of back pain. Diskography is a unique test that uses a screening tool to take a CT scan and show any damage to one’s disk.

Previous Read

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Next Read

Key Things to Know About Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus primarily causes inflammation in the liver, and it affects an estimated 58 million people around the world. The hepatitis C infection can be chronic or acute, depending on the progression of the disease. This is one of the few viral infections that does not have a vaccination yet. However, it is possible to identify the signs, understand risk factors, and learn about preventive measures and treatments to manage the condition better. Causes and risk factors Hepatitis C spreads through contact, and a person can get infected in multiple ways. The infection from an already affected person can spread after coming in contact with their blood— through an organ transplant or by sharing personal grooming items. It is possible to contract the virus even while getting a tattoo if infected needles are used. Also, engaging in unprotected physical contact or mothers passing down the infection to the fetuses are possible modes of transmission. Earlier, there was also an elevated risk of contracting the virus through blood transfusion carried out for surgical procedures. However, it is not possible to transmit the virus by sharing food or coughing and sneezing. The transmission is also unlikely when an infected mother nurses a child. Any form of regular skin-to-skin contact does not cause the infection to spread. Common symptoms Symptoms of hepatitis C are broadly classified as chronic or acute depending on the progression of the disease. Acute hepatitis C takes up to 6 months to develop after one comes in contact with the virus. But the following symptoms may start to show up as early as two weeks after the affected person has been exposed: Pain: Joint pain or stomach aches are common discomforts during the initial stages of the disease. Fever: One may develop random bouts of fever as the virus starts affecting the immune system. Changes in appearance: One can observe visible color changes in the eye where the white portion turns yellow. This change could also be seen in the skin, indicating jaundice risk as the disease progresses. The infection could also result in a rash or swelling and trigger irritations or lesions on the skin. Nausea and fatigue: A persistent feeling of nausea, fatigue, and unexplained loss of appetite are all common signs of hep C infection. Changes in bowel movement: Dark urine or pale gray stools can indicate that the infection is spreading rapidly. Anywhere between 55% and 85% of people who contract the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to develop chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms will be similar to those experienced during the acute phase of the infection and will develop with increased intensity. With chronic hepatitis C, one is at a major risk of developing liver complications that trigger indigestion, swelling in the feet, skin problems, and cognitive problems affecting memory and concentration. At any point, if the symptoms begin to progress rapidly or cause unbearable discomfort, one should seek professional help. Diagnosis Routine blood sample collection and analysis is the first step in diagnosing HCV infection. A blood test will confirm the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. Note that these antibodies take several months to develop, so there is a chance that the blood test may also show a false negative in the early stages of the disease. A follow-up PCR-based test can further confirm the presence of this disease in the bloodstream. As hepatitis C also affects the liver, doctors may recommend a liver biopsy. Here, a sample tissue of the organ is extracted for assessment under the microscope. If the tissue presents any abnormal traits, it could primarily indicate HCV infection. In addition to these tests, doctors also order a complete workup with liver function tests and genotype tests to identify the strain of the virus. Treatment options Multiple combinations of prescriptions can be given as a primary course of treatment to tackle the virus. These prescriptions are designed to target a specific enzyme or protein that may trigger complications linked to the progression of the viral disease. Certain oral prescriptions are designed to contain the virus and stop it from spreading within the body and are available in the form of liquids or tablets. A course of direct-acting antivirals is the next line of defense, as this option directly attacks and blocks the infection. Most types of prescriptions for managing an HCV infection work by preventing the infected cells from multiplying, helping contain the spread. In some cases, doctors also suggest the use of interferons along with direct-acting antivirals to counter the disease. The primary objective of treatment is to help contain the virus from spreading and eliminate it from the bloodstream before other health complications begin developing. Prescriptions can result in multiple side effects, so doctors continually monitor the progress and modify the course to get desired results. Preventive measures A vaccine is yet to be developed for the complete cure and eradication of the hepatitis c virus. Till then, doctors recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the infection: Healthcare professionals should use sterile gloves when treating open wounds, as viruses can directly spread with infected blood. It is better to avoid sharing razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other personal grooming items with anyone, as there is no telling who may or may not be infected with the virus. During treatments or even while getting a tattoo, one should ensure that the nurse or tattoo artist uses a fresh needle or syringe. Additionally, one should insist that the professionals use a new needle every single time. If one observes one or more symptoms of the HCV infection, they should ensure regular doctor visits to get an early diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.

Our Blogs

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
Read More
Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
Read More
Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.
Read More
Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
Read More
Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
Read More
Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
Read More