Essay On Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a surgical procedure that creates more space for the spinal cord. It is done to to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves when the pressure causes symptoms, such as:
Severe pain.
Weakness.
Numbness.
Trouble emptying or controlling your bladder and bowel.
There are several types of spinal decompression. They include:
Laminectomy. This type is done to remove the bony arch at the back of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) that forms the spinal canal.
Diskectomy. This type is done to remove the disks between your vertebrae.
Microdiskectomy. This type is done to remove part of a spinal disk.
Foraminectomy. This type is done to widen the bony passage …show more content…
spinal nerves pass through.
Corpectomy. This type is done to remove a vertebra.
Spinal decompression may be done along with a procedure to make two or more vertebrae grow together (spinal fusion), if the spinal decompression makes the spine unstable.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eyedrops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
Any blood disorders you have.
Previous surgeries you have had.
Medical conditions you have.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
Bleeding.
Damage to:
Blood vessels.
Nerves.
The covering of the spinal cord (meninges).
The spinal cord.
Infection.
Blood clots.
Failed surgery.
Need for more surgery.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
Do not use any tobacco products for at least two weeks before the procedure. This includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes. These products can increase your risk for complications and slow down the healing process.
Ask your health care provider about:
Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
You may have a test called a diskogram. In this test, dye is injected into the back and X-rays are taken.
Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
PROCEDURE
An IV line will be started in your arm or hand.
You will be given one or more of the following:
A medicine that makes you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
A medicine that is injected into your spine that numbs the area below and slightly above the injection site (spinal anesthetic).
An incision will be made near your spine. If the affected part of the spine is in the neck, the incision may be made in the front or back of the neck. The length of the incision will be depend on how many vertebrae and discs are affected and if spinal fusion is needed.
The muscles and other tissues around your spine will be carefully moved out of the way.
The appropriate type of spinal compression will be done.
If needed, a spinal fusion will be done.
Your incision or incisions will be closed and covered with a bandage (dressing).
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
You may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored regularly.
You will receive pain medicine as needed.
You may be instructed to take a stool softener to prevent constipation.
Your IV will be removed when you are able to eat a normal diet.
A small drain may be placed close to your incision to prevent fluid or blood from pooling in your incision. It will be removed within 1–2
days.
You may be encouraged to get up and walk around soon after your procedure.
Spinal decompression is a surgical procedure that creates more space for the spinal cord. It is done to to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves when the pressure causes symptoms, such as:
Severe pain.
Weakness.
Numbness.
Trouble emptying or controlling your bladder and bowel.
There are several types of spinal decompression. They include:
Laminectomy. This type is done to remove the bony arch at the back of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) that forms the spinal canal.
Diskectomy. This type is done to remove the disks between your vertebrae.
Microdiskectomy. This type is done to remove part of a spinal disk.
Foraminectomy. This type is done to widen the bony passage …show more content…
spinal nerves pass through.
Corpectomy. This type is done to remove a vertebra.
Spinal decompression may be done along with a procedure to make two or more vertebrae grow together (spinal fusion), if the spinal decompression makes the spine unstable.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eyedrops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
Any blood disorders you have.
Previous surgeries you have had.
Medical conditions you have.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
Bleeding.
Damage to:
Blood vessels.
Nerves.
The covering of the spinal cord (meninges).
The spinal cord.
Infection.
Blood clots.
Failed surgery.
Need for more surgery.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
Do not use any tobacco products for at least two weeks before the procedure. This includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes. These products can increase your risk for complications and slow down the healing process.
Ask your health care provider about:
Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
You may have a test called a diskogram. In this test, dye is injected into the back and X-rays are taken.
Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
PROCEDURE
An IV line will be started in your arm or hand.
You will be given one or more of the following:
A medicine that makes you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
A medicine that is injected into your spine that numbs the area below and slightly above the injection site (spinal anesthetic).
An incision will be made near your spine. If the affected part of the spine is in the neck, the incision may be made in the front or back of the neck. The length of the incision will be depend on how many vertebrae and discs are affected and if spinal fusion is needed.
The muscles and other tissues around your spine will be carefully moved out of the way.
The appropriate type of spinal compression will be done.
If needed, a spinal fusion will be done.
Your incision or incisions will be closed and covered with a bandage (dressing).
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
You may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored regularly.
You will receive pain medicine as needed.
You may be instructed to take a stool softener to prevent constipation.
Your IV will be removed when you are able to eat a normal diet.
A small drain may be placed close to your incision to prevent fluid or blood from pooling in your incision. It will be removed within 1–2
days.
You may be encouraged to get up and walk around soon after your procedure.