Decompression

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Decompression (medicine)

Decompression (pronounced: /ˌdiːkəmˈprɛʃən/) in the field of medicine refers to several procedures that are designed to alleviate pressure in the body. The term is derived from the Latin words "de-" meaning "reverse" and "compressio" meaning "pressure".

Types of Decompression

There are several types of decompression procedures in medicine, including:

  • Spinal Decompression: This is a type of therapy that is used to relieve back pain or sciatica that is caused by disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, or other spinal conditions.
  • Decompression Surgery: This is a surgical procedure that is used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It is often used to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
  • Decompression Sickness: Also known as "the bends", this is a condition that can occur in divers who ascend too quickly from deep water. It is caused by the formation of gas bubbles in the body's tissues and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  • Decompression Therapy: This is a non-surgical treatment that uses traction to relieve back pain. It is often used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.

Etymology

The term "decompression" comes from the Latin "de-" meaning "reverse" and "compressio" meaning "pressure". It was first used in the medical context in the early 20th century.

Related Terms

  • Compression: This is the application of pressure to an area of the body. It is often used in the treatment of injuries to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Pressure: This is the force exerted by a substance or object on a surface. In medicine, it can refer to the force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries, or the force exerted on the body by the weight of the atmosphere.
  • Traction: This is the application of a pulling force to a part of the body. It is often used in the treatment of fractures and dislocations, as well as in decompression therapy.

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