Surgical vs Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression in Vacaville

Spinal decompression in Vacaville removes the pressure from the nerve structures in the spine. This can be performed either with or without the use of surgery. Nonsurgical decompression provides temporary relief of symptoms but if pain still lingers, then surgical decompression is advised.

Normal spine anatomy

The vertebrae (the spine bones) form a canal where the spinal cord and nerves run along. In the front, you can see square vertebral bodies lie in there and a thin layer of bone called lamina protects the spinal canal from the back. The neural foramina, natural gaps between the bones, is where the nerves exit from the spine.

Spinal stenosis anatomy

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal starts to become narrow. It could put pressure on the nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs.

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis of the spine. It will start with the narrowing of the discs then leads to the thickening of the ligaments and the development of bone spurs. Apart from that, spinal stenosis can also be caused by fractures, infection, and tumors.

Vacaville Spinal Stenosis Treatment: Decompression

Direct compression uses surgery to remove the bone spurs, thick ligaments, and disc bulges that are compressing the nerves. The nerves will be analyzed, and sharp instruments will be used to remove the pressure from them. These are some of the examples of direct compression procedures:

• Discectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Laminectomy

Fusion may sometimes be required since direct decompression may affect the stability of the spine. These combined procedures are the following:

• Lumbar laminectomy and posterior instrumented fusion
• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Indirect decompression

This type of decompression removes pressure from the nerves. It pushes the spinal bones apart and restores the disc height. Surgical and nonsurgical techniques may be used for this one.

Chiropractors and physical therapists favor the use of nonsurgical indirect decompression since it is safer. It uses stretching, spinal manipulation and different traction devices to achieve its goal. Though it won't permanently change the spinal anatomy, you will surely find relief from spinal stenosis symptoms. The relief will last depending on the patient and the severity of the condition. The main benefit of using this approach is that it minimizes the risks while also providing much-needed relief.

Do you need surgical or nonsurgical decompression?

Since surgery comes with many risks, it is much safer to assume that the conservative nonsurgical method is the best way to go before you consider an operation.

However, there are some exceptions that you need to consider. If numbness and weakness continue to progress, surgical decompression may be used because nonsurgical decompression will just delay any appropriate treatment. In spinal cord compression, manipulation could be very risky, and it may even put your spine in danger.

Just make sure to discuss with your healthcare professional regarding the best approach for your condition. If you want, you can also visit us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA to get yourself assessed. We can also discuss the best decompression option for you so be sure to give us a call at (707) 474-5688 and set up an appointment today!