Various conditions may contribute to pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots passing through the spinal column. 

Some of these reasons may be degenerative disc disease, herniated disc or discs, or spinal stenosis. 

This leads to persistent back pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness. Timely surgical intervention not only relieves these symptoms but also safeguards against future irreversible damages. 

Learn more about the spinal decompression procedure and why India is the best option to get it done. 

Symptoms when you may need Spinal Decompression

When a disc exerts pressure on the spinal nerves it leads to symptoms such as back pain that will not go away, a feeling of numbness in the limbs, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness. 

If a nerve or nerves are badly affected then the patient may lose bladder and bowel control and even motion is affected. Immediate surgical intervention prevents further damage and may restore wellbeing of the patient. 

Diagnosis

A physician will examine the patient thoroughly and recommend CT Scan and MRI tests to locate precisely the area on the spinal cord causing the above mentioned symptoms. Based on a reading of the scans the doctor may recommend a spinal decompression procedure. 

Treatment

A physician may use his discretion to recommend non-surgical physiotherapy if the condition is not too advanced. Some of these methods include traction and a back brace. 

If these do not have the desired effect, or if the condition is bad, a spinal decompression procedure is the next option. There are several different types of spinal decompression procedures, such as: 

• Foraminotomy, a procedure in which the surgeon widens the space where the nerve root exits from the spinal canal and thereby reduces pressure on that nerve
• Discectomy, a procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is removed and an implant is put in place or bulging material is cut away to reduce pressure on the nerves.
• Laminectomy is a procedure that removes a part of the vertebral bone called the lamina and thereby reduces pressure on the spinal nerve. 
• Laminoplasty is like laminectomy, aimed at creating more space for the spinal cord and the nerve by creating a hinge on the lamina.
• Corpectomy is a procedure in which an entire vertebra and an adjoining disc are removed and replaced with an implant. 

The procedure usually lasts for 3 hours or maybe more. Patients then recover in the hospital for a week during which time the personnel keep them under observation. 

The patient receives medication and then goes in for physiotherapy to gain recovery in a couple of months. 

Success rate of Spinal Decompression

The success rate ranges from 70% to 90%, based on the patient’s age, health condition, the nature of the injury or damage, and the skill of the surgeon. 

Patients are relieved of pain, numbness and other symptoms, and may resume a normal lifestyle. 

Risks in Spinal Decompression

There are risks associated with the procedure, both during the procedure and afterwards. 

The surgeon may inadvertently sever some important nerves that could affect bladder and bowel control and motor abilities. There is a risk of infection and blood clots, and a patient may not recover fully after the operation. 

Why India is the best option for spinal decompression treatment

India is the best option for the spinal decompression procedure for a variety of reasons:

• It costs far less for the procedure, for associated medications and cost of hospital stay and for tests, even after taking into account travel and stay costs. 
• India is home to highly qualified, world-class professionals at all levels of healthcare, especially neurosurgeons. 
• Indians have a caring approach and patients receive that vital personalized human touch which results in better recovery. 
• India has some of the best private clinics and hospitals equipped with world-class equipments and manned by highly qualified professionals.
• Communications is easy since many people are fluent in English. 

Patients with symptoms as indicated above may get the tests done in their home country, or simply fly in to India, get the CT Scan and MRI at lower costs, and proceed with the spinal decompression surgery in India and be assured of success.