Decompression Therapy
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal Decompression Therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. This procedure is called nonsurgical decompression therapy. Nonsurgical spinal decompression involves stretching your spine to ease pressure on the affected discs, which can help relieve your pain. Spinal Decompression was developed to effectively treat sciatica, spinal injuries, bulging or herniated discs, and deteriorated spinal joints.
Theory of Spinal Decompression and Why It Works
Spinal decompression devices use the same basic principle of spinal traction that has been offered by chiropractors, osteopaths, and other appropriately trained health professionals for many years. Both traction and decompression therapy are applied with the goals of relieving pain and promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs.
In nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy, the spine is stretched and relaxed intermittently in a controlled manner. The theory is that this process creates a negative intradiscal pressure (pressure within the disc itself)
- pulls the herniated or bulging disc material back into the disc, creating negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material.
- Promotes the passage of healing nutrients into the disc and fosters a better healing environment by creating a lower pressure in the disc that will cause an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc.
- Takes pressure off the affected discs, making it easier for nutrients, oxygen, and water to be pulled into your disc and begin the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors, from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations or bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.
What happens during a Spinal Decompression session?
- During spinal decompression therapy for the low back (lumbar spine), patients remain clothed and lie on a motorized table, the lower half of which can move.
- A harness is placed around the hips and attached to the lower table near the feet.
- The upper part of the table remains in a fixed position while the lower part, to which the patient is harnessed, slides back and forth to pull and relax, providing traction and relaxation.
- The patient should not feel pain during or after the decompression therapy, although they should feel stretch in the spine. It is a noninvasive and painless form of treatment
How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?
Sessions times are between 20-30 minutes, daily for 5 weeks. Though, the number of sessions may vary depending upon the severity of the condition. Your health professional will determine which treatment plan is best for You.
If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?
Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.
Who is the ideal candidate for success:
Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that are more than four weeks old Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old. Persistent pain from the degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy. Patients available for four weeks of a treatment protocol. Patient at least 14 years of age.
Who should not experience the Spinal Decompression Treatment?
It is important to discuss your treatment options with your health professional to prevent further injury. You may not be able to undergo spinal decompression if you have a more advanced spine condition, such as a spinal fracture, spinal tumors, or severe osteoporosis. Nonsurgical spinal decompression is also not recommended if you are pregnant. If you suffer from chronic back pain and want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, contact us at Hudson Chiropractic Rehabilitation to schedule an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping you reduce pain and increase motion and quality of life.
