Spinal nerve decompression is the removal or adjustments of bony material or tissue that is pressing on or compressing, a nerve root or the spinal cord. Nerve compression can be caused by a number of spinal conditions, including bone spurs and damaged discs, most of which arise during the normal aging process. Decompression can be approached either surgically or non surgically. Traditional open spine surgical decompression is highly invasive, takes place in a hospital, and requires a lengthy recuperation.
Read on to learn about the symptoms of nerve compression and the minimally invasive treatment options available for this condition.
Symptoms Of Nerve Compression
Bone spurs, herniated discs, bulging discs, and other anatomical abnormalities do not always pinch nerves and therefore do not always exhibit symptoms. These conditions can produce nerve compression, at which point a patient might experience localized or radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
The location of the compressed nerve or nerves determines the area of the body where symptoms occur. Below is a list of the areas of the body affected by nerve compression in each of the four major regions of the spine:
- Cervical nerves occur in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, and diaphragm
- Thoracic nerves occur in the hands, chest, back, abdomen, heart, lungs, liver, stomach, and other internal organs
- Lumbar nerves occur in the legs, feet, abdomen, lower back, and reproductive organs
- Sacral nerves occur in the legs, bowel, bladder, and reproductive organs
Minimally Invasive Nerve Decomrepession
Symptoms associated with nerve compression generally can be managed using conservative methods, including pain medication and physical therapy. However, surgery might become an option if chronic pain persists after several weeks or months of conservative treatment. Rather than settle for traditional spine surgery, we help patients find relief through alternative methods.
At BEST Health System, we perform minimally invasive procedures that eliminate hospital-associated costs and the period of recuperation is much shorter than that required by traditional open spine surgery. Contact BEST Health System today with any questions or concerns you have about our nerve decompression procedures.
By using a less than 1-inch incision that does not disrupt the muscles or ligaments in the spine, our highly skilled surgeons are able to decompress the nerves in order to provide the patient with lasting relief. To find out more if you are a candidate for our procedures, reach out to our dedicated team. We are here to help guide you through your journey to wellness.
