Ease Back Pain with Spinal Decompression

Are you experiencing piercing pain or numbness in one or both of your legs? Have you noticed a lack of strength in the muscles of your thigh or buttocks? Are you struggling with controlling your bladder functions? Do these symptoms worsen when you are standing or sitting? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be ailing from spinal stenosis and should visit your local chiropractor in Essendon to discuss undergoing spinal decompression, also known as a laminectomy.

Breakdown of the Spine

Your spine is composed of vertebrae, which is a column of individual bones. Vertebrae forms a protective shell over the spinal cord, the nerves that handle communication between the brain and the muscles that affect movement and bodily functions. Plate-shaped bones called lamina flank both sides of each vertebrae to form a cover over the spinal column. If the spinal column weakens due to trauma or age, it creates excess pressure on the nerves of the spinal column and causes great pain. This occurrence is called spinal stenosis.

Laminectomy

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with this pain. A quick ride on the 59 tram from any of the surrounding suburbs such as Strathmore, Brunswick, Moonee Ponds or Aberfeldie will take you to a chiropractor in Essendon. Your chiropractor should perform an initial consultation with you to make sure that you are suffering from spinal stenosis. At this meeting, you should provide a full medical history in addition to describing your current symptoms. If the chiropractor believes that spinal stenosis is the cause of your discomfort, he should confirm this prognosis through an MRI.

The remedy for spinal stenosis is a laminectomy. During a laminectomy, the lamina is removed. This allows the spinal column to expand and relieves pressure on the spinal cord. Although this is an invasive surgery that requires general anesthesia, it actually carries minimal risk, and most patients are released from the hospital in one to three days. A chiropractor may also help you through any rehabilitation or physical therapy that is necessary following the procedure. Contact your local chiropractor in Essendon to schedule a visit and determine your treatment options.