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Back pain is a common problem that may affect 75-85% of Americans during their lifetime. At NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the skilled orthopedic spine surgery team provides spinal decompression to ease ongoing discomfort and restore your quality of life. Schedule a back pain evaluation by phone today to learn more.
Spinal Decompression Q & A
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin is a treatment that uses alternative therapies or surgery to reduce chronic back pain. The treatment takes pressure off your spinal cord and any compressed nerves. NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin offers numerous treatments to achieve spinal decompression.
Which conditions can spinal decompression treat?
Spinal decompression can reduce pain caused by:
- Sciatica
- Pinched nerves
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative discs
- Bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
- Bone spurs
Symptoms of pinched nerves include numbness, burning pain, and tingling. You might also experience radiating, shooting, or electric shock-like discomfort.
Am I a candidate for spinal decompression?
The NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin team determines if spinal decompression is right for you after discussing your medical history, symptoms, medications, lifestyle, and treatment preferences. They complete a physical exam and may order nerve testing, X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or another imaging procedure before customizing your back pain treatment plan.
What can I expect during spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression involves stretching your spine to widen the space within your spinal canal or undergoing a surgical procedure using advanced techniques. You might first try acupuncture, manual manipulation, nerve stimulation, or physical therapy.
During spinal decompression surgery, your specialist cleans and numbs the treated area. They offer a sedative to relax you or anesthesia that helps you fall asleep. Your surgeon makes a tiny incision to remove bone, a herniated disc, or other tissues. They may expand openings for nerve roots using other methods before closing your incisions.
What is recovery like after spinal decompression surgery?
After surgical spinal decompression, it’s vital to follow your post-surgery instructions. Have someone drive you home, keep the incision sites clean, take medications as directed, and get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activities until given permission.
After you heal, continue adopting healthy habits to reduce the risk of further discomfort. Eat nutritious foods, maintain an ideal body weight, exercise regularly, and avoid poor lifting techniques.
Follow up with the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin team as needed during the healing process, and call the office with questions at any time.
Schedule an evaluation at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin by phone to determine if spinal decompression is right for you.