Spine Decompression
A spine decompression therapy is used on people who are suffering from back pain and other spine related conditions. It is caused by the compression or pressure of the bones on the spinal cord and the nerve roots. This is a fairly common phenomenon, especially in older people.
We at mymedtrip.com will brief you about the specificities of spine decompression. We will also provide further details on spine decompression cost and try to answer questions such as is spine decompression safe?
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of spine decompression in India | 4400 USD – 5000 USD |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 5 days |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 17 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | Over 95% |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | MRI, X-rays, CT scan, and preoperative blood tests. cell test. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
About spine decompression
Spine decompression is the method used to address problems caused by compression or pressure on the spine. This is done by gently stretching the spine. This may either be a non-surgical method or a surgical one.
Non- surgical spine decompression therapy
In this, the doctor uses straps on the pelvic area and trunk area when the person is laid down on a computerized table.
Following this, the doctor may use electrical stimulation (current that causes the muscles to contract and relax), ultrasound (soundwaves that produce heat on certain sections of the body), and heat or cold therapy.
Surgical spine decompression therapy
When the aforementioned treatment fails, the doctor usually recommends a surgery. This is to address pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. However, people with a fracture, tumor, severe osteoporosis, and metal implants in the spine, would not qualify for surgery. There are various kinds of spine decompression surgery. They are:-
- Discectomy – In discectomy, the spine’s degenerative or bulging disc is removed to relieve pressure.
- Laminectomy- In laminectomy, the whole of the bony lamina, enlarged facet joints and ligaments of the spine, are removed to relieve pressure.
- Foraminotomy- In foraminotomy, the bones around the exit of the nerve roots are removed. This is done when the disc degeneration has resulted in serious lower back problems and led to pinched nerves.
- Laminotomy– In laminotomy, a small part of the lamina and ligaments are removed, generally on one side. This relieves pressure by decreasing the chances of spine instability.
- Osteophyte removal- In osteophyte removal, bony growths in the spine are removed and the pressure is relieved.
- Corpectomy- In corpectomy, the spine’s small bones along with discs between them are removed.
In certain cases, the doctor may simultaneously conduct a spine fusion surgery that fuses two or more bones together into one with the help of metallic plates and rods.
Spine decompression surgical procedure
Upon deciding for a spine decompression surgery, the doctor will prescribe tests alongside signing of some consent forms. Spine decompression surgery does not remove the ailment but aims at removing the symptoms.
Spinal conditions like arthritis and stenosis may continue even after this surgery. It is therefore very important to discuss the possible risks and benefits of the surgery prior to signing consent forms. Getting a second opinion is another way to find out if the surgery is the best option available.
The tests are usually prescribed a week before surgery. During this time, the doctor would suggest one to avoid certain medications such as blood thinning or anti-inflammatory drugs. Proving a medical history therefore is essential in order to prepare your body for the surgery. Additionally, avoid using alcohol and nicotine prior to the surgery as they would slow the rate of healing.
The patient is asked to be on an empty stomach prior to the surgery. Following this, an IV line is placed on the arm and a general anesthesia is given. The surgery generally lasts up to three hours.
During this time, the patient is laid on the stomach and the back is prepared for the incision. After the incision, the surrounding muscles are removed to access the spine. Once the bone is exposed, imaging techniques are used to get a precision of the surgical point.
Depending on the type of decompression surgery being performed, the doctor operates accordingly. If a fusion surgery is required, then the doctor prepares the pelvic area of the patient for the graft. Another way to get the graft is from a donor.
After removing the diseased parts, and placing the graft it required, the doctor closes the incision with staples and stitches.
Spine decompression post-surgical care
Following the surgery, the patient is taken into a general ward and the surgical response is monitored. Medicines that are prescribed for healing the surgical site, avoiding infection, and reducing pain, are supplied through the IV.
Generally the doctor may keep the patient for a day or a two, after which an attendant is required to take the patient home. During this time, the patient is provided with assistive devices for walking. In the case of a spine fusion surgery, braces are given to hold the spine in position.
It is generally advised to follow surgical instructions for up to two weeks, after which a follow-up consultation must be scheduled. During this time, the patient must avoid twisting the back, lift anything heavy, engage in sexual intercourse, drive, or drink alcohol.
Avoiding alcohol is very important as it is a thinning agent and enhances the chances of bleeding. A gradual increase in normal activity such as walking, is recommended.
Consult the doctor in the cases of infection and blood clotting. Blood clotting may sometimes lead to Deep Vein Thrombosis. Under such a case sometimes the blood travels up to the heart and lungs and causes severe damage.
The symptoms become evident through oozing of the wound and big round patches around the surgical site. Call the doctor in the case of:-
- High fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Swelling or tenderness in the calves (signs of blood clot).
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in arms and legs (signs of blood clot).
Possible risks of spine decompression surgery
Apart from risks such as a blood clot or infection, there are other possible complications that may arise after the surgery. They are:-
- Nerve Damage- Sometimes, during the surgical procedure, a nerve may be hit and damaged. Its symptoms range from numbness to paralysis.
- Vertebrae failing to fuse- Smoking, osteoporosis, malnutrition, and obesity often reduces the chances of spinal fusion to occur. Due to such pre-conditions, the bones are unable to fuse into one solid bone.
- Hardware fracture- Sometimes, the metal screws and rods of the fusion surgery may move or break before the bone fusion can occur. In such a case, a second surgery has to be conducted.
Tips to maintain a healthy spine
According to WHO, 60-65% of the population of the world leads an inactive lifestyle. This has serious implications on our health from causing obesity and joint problems to spine related problems.
Since the pandemic has increased the chances of inactivity, we have come up with few exercises that will enable a healthy lifestyle and reduce your chances of developing health problems.
- Exercise- Exercises such as low impact cardiovascular, isometric neck strengthening, back extension, and core strengthening exercises, will help maintain a healthy spine. Some examples of such exercises include brisk walking, swimming, and bicycling.
- Correct posture- Maintaining a correct posture is essentially a preventative measure to stop any spine related problems. The posture must be maintained at all times from walking, standing, to sitting.
- Healthy diet- a healthy diet goes a long way in preventing any bone-related problems. Foods rich in Vitamin D, calcium, and anti-inflammatory properties would not only help alleviate minor symptoms but also increase bone density and reduce the chances of any fractures.
- Quit smoking- Almost all the orthopaedic doctors recommend their patients to quit smoking. Smoking reduces bone density, makes them flaky, and thereby more perceptible to any wear and tear or fractures.
Spinal decompression is a safe and minimally invasive surgery.
How can MyMedTrip.com help?
If you have decided to travel to India for Spine decompression, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian,Bengali, and English.
If you have any further queries or questions related to Spine decompression surgery in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spine Decompression
What is spine decompression therapy?
Spine decompression is the method used to address problems caused by compression or pressure on the spine. This is done by gently stretching the spine. This may either be a non-surgical method or a surgical one.
What is non-surgical spine decompression therapy?
Non-surgical spine decompression therapy is a decompression therapy in which the doctor uses straps on the pelvic area and trunk area with the person laid down on a computerized table. Following this, the doctor may use electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and heat or cold therapy.
What are the various kinds of spine decompression surgery?
The various types of spine decompression surgery are laminectomy, Discectomy, Corpectomy, Foraminotomy, and Osteophyte removal.
What is a Laminectomy?
Laminectomy is when the whole of the bony lamina, enlarged facet joints and ligaments of the spine, are removed to relieve pressure.
What is a Discectomy?
Discectomy is when the spine’s degenerative or bulging disc is removed to relieve pressure.
What is a Corpectomy?
Corpectomy is when the spine’s small bones along with discs between them are removed.
What is Foraminotomy?
Foraminotomy is when the bones around the exit of the nerve roots are removed
What is Osteophyte removal?
Osteophyte removal is when the bony growths in the spine are removed and the pressure is relieved.
