Spinal Decompression Specialist
Spine, Sports Medicine & Orthopedics in Valdosta, GA
Chronic back or neck pain may be caused by nerve compression within the spine. When persistent pain begins to interfere with your ability to function, it may be time to seek specialized care. At Valdosta Orthopedic Associates in Valdosta, Georgia, the experienced team uses spinal decompression procedures to address the root cause of spine-related pain. To learn whether spinal decompression is right for you, schedule an appointment online or call the office today.
Questions and Answers
Spinal Decompression Q&A
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a surgical treatment used to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by certain spine conditions. You may be a candidate for spinal decompression surgery if you experience chronic pain, nerve symptoms, or disability related to conditions such as:
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. This can result in chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and reduced mobility.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc develops when the cushioning disc between vertebrae becomes damaged or worn, allowing the soft inner portion to protrude outward and compress nearby nerves. This pressure often causes persistent pain and neurological symptoms.
Metastatic spinal cord compression
This condition occurs when cancer spreads to the spine and compresses the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain and neurological impairment.
Chronic spine pain and limited range of motion may also result from vertebral fractures.
Am I a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression surgery is typically considered after conservative treatments have been exhausted. Valdosta Orthopedic Associates may recommend surgery if non-surgical options such as medications, physical therapy, or activity modification have not provided adequate relief.
Your provider carefully reviews your medical history and overall health to ensure you can safely tolerate surgery and anesthesia. If spinal decompression is appropriate, your surgeon develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs.
What Can I Expect During Spinal Decompression?
Several spinal decompression techniques are available, and the procedure selected depends on the cause of your symptoms.
For vertebral fractures that do not heal properly, treatment may involve kyphoplasty, a procedure in which medical-grade cement is used to stabilize the fractured bone.
If pain is caused by vertebrae pressing on spinal nerves, your surgeon may perform a laminectomy, which involves removing a portion of the vertebra to relieve pressure within the spinal canal.
When chronic pain results from a damaged disc, a discectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes part or all of the affected disc to reduce nerve compression.
In some cases, spinal decompression may be combined with
spinal fusion, a procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae together to improve stability and support following decompression.
Schedule a Spinal Decompression Consultation
If chronic back or neck pain is limiting your quality of life, spinal decompression surgery may offer relief. To learn more about your treatment options, call Valdosta Orthopedic Associates or request an appointment online today.
