Monday, 2 April 2012

WHICH ARE THE CERVICAL DISC LEVELS MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO HERNIATION?

A disc is present in between two vertebras of spine and acts as a cushion as well as provides smooth motion. The disc consists of a fibrous outer portion andsoft inner substance. Extrusion of the central fluid beyond the outer fibers resulting in further nerve root compression is known as slipped disc or disc herniation. C5 – C6 and C6-C7 levels are most prone for disc herniation. The latest Treatment available is cervical laser surgery at Houston, Texas.

In addition, when C1 – C2 levels are concerned, the ligaments and joint capsules play an important role in resisting the spine for extra motion, since the disc is absent at C1-C2 spine.
What causes a disc to bulge or herniated?

Mostly the disc bulges occur due to lifting of heavy weights, any trauma or injury to cervical spine or a normal wear and tear of spondylosis.

What is the effect of instability at cervical spine?

There are various functions governed by the cervical spine. To start with, the C1-C2 spine being nearest to brain is possesses a special anatomy. The unconscious activities like heart functions, breathing, coordination and balance as well as conscious efforts like thinking, standing from sitting and motion of the body is taken care by cervical spine. This any instability occurring at these levels can diminish these functions.

Treatments for C1-C2 cervical disc herniation

The first choice of treatment is the various non-surgical methods, as many patients are seen to get better and achieve an improved health condition with these methods. They are:

•    Rest and restricted collar use to start with.
•    Anti-inflammatory medications which are helpful to control the swelling.
•    Pain killers or analgesics.
•    Steroid injections or oral administration of corticosteroids.
•    Epidural blocks.
•    Physical therapy.
•    Slow exercises of the neck to renew the blood circulation.

Advantages of cervical laser surgery

Cervical laser surgery Houston, Texas is the one stop solution for the patients suffering from disc herniation. The entire procedure being minimally invasive, takes much shorter time for making the neck free of pain while also promises a shot hospitalization stay.

A small incision is made with local anesthesia after which laser, fiber optic camera and other micro instruments are inserted through a tube. This helps the surgeon in removing the damaged part and hence eliminating the factor itself responsible for pain.

Cervical laser surgery is best suitable either to those where long term non-surgical methods have failed to give any relief or to those who do not wish a spinal fusion.

How to prevent further deterioration of neck?

Many benefits are associated with cervical laser surgery Houston, Texas as it offers a quick recovery, good success rate and negligible side effects, but even if the surgery is performed or not, one must take certain precautions to keep the neck working. Maintaining a stable posture, time to time use of a soft collar, use of hot packs, cold packs etc. are important. In addition, continuing simple neck exercises not only helps building the stamina but also prevents further damage.