What Is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression therapy is used as one method to alleviate back and neck pain, caused by the 23 discs that make up the spine.
Typically, it will include a special kind of equipment called a traction table that supports the body in stretching further than we can achieve on our own. This creates negative pressure between the discs, relieving the pressure on the nerves causing the pain while also flooding the space with water, oxygen and nutrients – allowing for rehydration of degenerative discs and improving the functionality.
This kind of treatment can benefit patients experiencing back pain due to a variety of common issues, while offering a non-surgical approach to being pain-free. We’ll talk more about the specific conditions this therapy can treat next.
Why is Spinal Decompression Performed?
Spinal decompression therapy is a low-risk alternative to surgery that can provide effective pain relief, while also improving posture, strength and flexibility in some patients. Some of the most common reasons for a healthcare provider to offer spinal decompression include:
- Bulging Discs
- Herniated Discs
- Degenerative Discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sciatica
How is Spinal Decompression Performed?
Non-surgical spinal decompression can help patients experiencing chronic back pain, by encouraging stretching. This is done using a type of motorized traction on a table controlled by the doctor, that gently stretches the spine. All movement is entirely customized to you, and the chronic pain you’re experiencing. Treatment can last up to 20 minutes using the traction table, and you likely will require 10-20 treatments over about a two month span.
What Should I Expect After Spinal Decompression?
Although spinal decompression is typically entirely pain-free and even is considered relaxing, if your chronic back pain is caused by extensive disc trauma then you may experience mild discomfort during your first few treatment sessions – this may also cause lingering soreness after treatment.
The benefit of this kind of treatment is that it allows for a non-invasive and non-surgical approach to ending your back pain, so you can experience life pain-free again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Decompression
1. Does spinal decompression work?
Non-surgical spinal decompression has an 86% success rate, and is non-invasive.
2. How often should you do spinal decompression?
The frequency depends on the severity of your back disc damage, but spinal decompression is usually performed 3 times a week for 15 – 20 sessions. Speak to a medical professional today to receive a custom plan for you.
3. Is spinal decompression safe?
Yes. Non-surgical spinal decompression is considered safe, and even relaxing to some patients. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks specific to you and your condition ahead of the treatment, and if you experience any pain then there is a patient-controlled stop button that can be used at any point during the procedure.
