Spinal Surgery - A Sure-Sort Plan to Combat the Pain: Know its Types in Detail

A large number of people suffering from a variety of spinal problems take painkillers to get immediate relief. However, relying on over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the back pain or associated spinal symptoms can do more harm than good. Though such painkillers begin to function the instant they reach the bloodstream, there can be harmful consequences in the longer run. This is because, spinal issues are way more complicated than a person may think- it calls for an immediate professional intervention, preferably of a spine specialist. The specialist will execute the diagnostic procedure, followed by suggesting an adequate treatment protocol.

How is a Spinal treatment plan decided?

Spinal troubles such as pain, swelling or numbness and more come with different levels of severity. The particular type of treatment advised to a patient clearly depends on the severity (determined during the diagnosis) of the spinal condition he or she is dealing with.

Mild Spine disorders and other cases like musculoskeletal conditions and related sicknesses, and even serious disorders of the spine can also be managed with oral medication. However, when the condition starts to worsen or goes out of control, surgery remains the only option.

What are Possible Spinal Treatment methods?

Followed by the diagnosis, a spine specialist can advise the patient to opt for treatment options including,

1. Decompression therapy: In this procedure, the intervertebral discs of the patient are decompressed with the help of a pelvic and a thoracic harness which in turn helps in alleviating back pain to a great extent. Typically, the patient needs to undergo 20 such treatments, at least, to experience relief.
2. Physical therapy: A physical therapy involves the use of heat, ice packs or lontophoresis, wherein, a small electric charge is fed directly into the affected area of the patient to treat the pain. Along with this, it may include some stretching, light aerobics or strengthening exercises to help treat the condition.
3. Spinal injections: Injections such as epidural steroidal injection can bring a lot of relief to patients suffering from chronic back pain.
4. Spinal manipulation: performed by the chiropractor, Spinal manipulation involves providing pressure on various parts of the spine along with the head, shoulders, hips and to promote healing.
5. Medication: Though medication cannot stop the pain, it can reduce it. medications such as Aspirin or acetaminophen can prove useful in dealing with minor back pain issues, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can cut down the extent of the pain by blocking joint inflammation.
6. Spine surgery: Spine surgery is regarded as one of the best methods to treat spinal issues, especially when all the above methods fail to work. Spinal surgery can be performed in a variety of ways. The most common type of spinal surgery are:

Foraminotomy- This procedure involves the removal of tissues that is causing nerve compression in the back. During the course of this process, the spine specialist treats the pain by doing away with the parts of the bone that constricts the nerves in the spinal column.

Laminectomy- One of the most recommended surgeries, laminectomy involves removing the parts of the bone, in an effort to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

In addition, surgical procedures like spinal disc replacement, spine fusion, and discectomy are performed on the patients depending on the type, severity, and nature of the spinal disorder.

Spinal surgery: An Effective Spinal treatment in India

With numerous technological advancements, improved infrastructure, highly-qualified surgeons or specialists, India is aiming to become the leading healthcare provider in next 5 years. Apart from excelling in quality and expertise, India's premier healthcare facilities offer surgical treatments at much lower costs, ranging between $4,500 to $6500 which is nearly one-tenth of costs in developed countries like the US.

To conclude, if you are suffering from chronic spinal issues and seek a quality and affordable treatment, India is the best place to be.

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