Serious, chronic back pain can happen for a wide variety of reasons, and it can be extremely debilitating for those who are experiencing it, ultimately decreasing your quality of life and getting in the way of even the most simple daily tasks. One common cause of chronic back pain is known as a lumbar disc tear, and if you're struggling with this condition, some exciting technology is available that can help.
As a board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Trevor Turner is passionate about using the most current, cutting-edge technologies to help his patients find pain relief, and fluoroscopy is one of the most promising advancements in the field today. Here's a look at how fluoroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat lumbar disc tears, providing much-needed relief for those who are struggling.
What is a Lumbar Disc Tear?
In order to understand how fluoroscopy can help, it's important to first have a basic understanding of what a lumbar disc tear is. The discs in your spine are designed to act as cushions, and when they become damaged or torn, it can lead to serious pain. Disc tears are commonly caused by degeneration due to aging or injury, and they can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Stiffness
- Inflammation
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Radicular pain
Disc tears can range in severity, and they can be extremely difficult to deal with, often significantly impacting your quality of life. They can also happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Aging: As we age, the discs in our spines begin to degenerate, and this can lead to tears.
- Injury: A traumatic injury, such as a car accident, can also cause disc tears.
- Lifting: Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can put too much strain on the discs in your spine and cause tears.
- Repetitive Motion: Repeating the same motions over and over again can also lead to disc tears.
- Degeneration: Degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, can also cause disc tears.
- Obesity: Excess weight can put additional strain on the discs in your spine and cause tears.
A fluoroscopy is a type of imaging test that uses x-rays and a special camera to take real-time images of the inside of your body. This allows your doctor to see what's going on in real time, and it can be used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions. In the case of lumbar disc tears, fluoroscopy can be used to help your doctor see the extent of the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
A fluoroscopy procedure is relatively simple and quick, and it can be performed in your doctor's office or an outpatient imaging center. Here's how it works:
What is a Fluoroscopy Procedure?
- Dr. Turner will ask you to lie on a table.
- A special x-ray camera will be positioned over the area of your body that is being imaged.
- An iodine-based contrast dye will be injected into your body through an IV.
- The dye will help to highlight the area that is being imaged, and the camera will take real-time images of the area for Dr. Turner to review.
How Can Fluoroscopy Help With Lumbar Disc Tear Diagnosis?
Fluoroscopy can be extremely helpful in diagnosing lumbar disc tears. In many cases, disc tears can be difficult to diagnose because they don't show up on traditional x-rays. With fluoroscopy, however, Dr. Turner will be able to see the disc tear in real time and get a better idea of the extent of the damage. This will help him to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
How Can Fluoroscopy Help With Lumbar Disc Tear Treatment?
In addition to helping with diagnosis, fluoroscopy can also be used to help treat lumbar disc tears and perform annular tear surgery. One of the most common treatment options for disc tears is percutaneous disc decompression. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed using fluoroscopy guidance.
Percutaneous disc decompression is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a small amount of disc material to relieve pressure on the nerves. This can be an extremely effective treatment for disc tears, and it often provides significant relief from symptoms.
If you're suffering from a lumbar disc tear, fluoroscopy can be an extremely helpful tool in both diagnosis and treatment. If you're interested in learning more about fluoroscopy or percutaneous disc decompression, contact Dr. Trevor Turner's office today to schedule a consultation.
If you’re struggling with chronic back pain and you’re ready for an accurate diagnosis, contact Dr. Trevor Turner and his team. With years of experience providing treatment for spine pain, Dr. Turner uses the most advanced techniques and technology available – including fluoroscopy – to help his patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you’re ready to find relief for your chronic lumbar spine pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Turner and get started on your road to recovery.
