By Introduction
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical way to treat back pain. It works by taking pressure off discs that are bulging, herniated, or degenerative. This means less pressure on nerves and other soft tissues. This can improve spinal function and lessen the pain. It can be done with an exercise program, a chiropractic adjustment, or with special equipment called traction tables.
Benefits of this therapy include:
- Better blood flow to the affected area
- Vertebrae and discs realigned
- More flexibility in the spine area
- Less muscle spasm and tension
This can help healing process and speed up recovery time. All of this can lead to better mobility and less pain.
It has been found to be useful for conditions like lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica), herniated discs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), facet syndrome (spine arthritis), spinal stenosis (narrowing due to age), and chronic back pain due to strain or spasm. It may even improve posture and relieve tension headaches from neck subluxations.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal Decompression Therapy! Non-invasive, and perfect for treating certain types of back and neck injuries. It works by stretching the spine with a special traction table. This helps to reduce pressure on discs and nerves in the spine.
Let’s explore how it works and the perks it brings!
Overview of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive therapy. It uses gentle, motorized forces to the spine with the goal of reducing pain from herniated or degenerative discs, sciatica, and other back issues. This can be done manually or with a device. It unloads pressure on discs and vertebrae, allowing them to take in more oxygen and nutrients for healing.
Treatments are done over several sessions, twice per week for four to six weeks. During each session, you lie on a special table. It stretches your spine with slow and precise movements. Heat therapy and electrical stimulation may be used, depending on your condition.
Spinal decompression is scientifically proven to help back pain. It reduces the stress on discs and provides nourishment for tissue growth and repair. Plus, it may improve range of motion around the spine. Many individuals find this helpful, instead of surgery or taking medications with side effects.
How Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Work?
Spinal decompression therapy involves many sessions utilizing a motor-driven traction table to treat back conditions. A patient lies face-up on an adjustable table. The force applied changes, depending on the condition. Generally, slow, controlled movements gently extend the spine and reduce tension in muscles and ligaments.
Sometimes, MRI or ultrasound imaging equipment is used at the doctor’s office. This ensures safety. Each session usually lasts 30 minutes in cycles of 4-6 minutes, with rest periods in-between. The stretching reduces pressure on compressed discs and increases blood flow to heal tissues.
The goal of this therapy is to reduce neck and back pain without surgery or drugs. Many report feeling relief after a few visits. This shows spinal decompression is an effective form of pain management.
Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive, low-force treatment. It is done on an outpatient basis and helps with sciatica, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and more.
Let’s explore the benefits! It can help people in need of relief:
Pain Relief
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive and effective way to ease neck, back, and spinal pain. By stretching the spine gently, it creates a negative pressure between vertebrae. This helps to heal injured or herniated spinal discs. It has been successful in treating conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, sciatica, facet syndrome, pinched nerves and spinal stenosis.
The major benefit? Pain relief from nerve roots or spinal cord pressure which cause back or neck pain. Spinal decompression separates the vertebrae, reducing the pressure on nerves around discs and spine joints. It is suitable for chronic lower back pain due to age or injury. Also, it can be combined with strengthening exercises for a more comprehensive long-term treatment plan.
In addition, spinal decompression offers pain relief without surgery or other interventions like injections. These carry their own risks of side effects and discomfort. Most patients report less chronic pain after the therapy. Plus, there is no disruption in daily activities or work performance as they heal.
Improved Mobility
Spinal decompression therapy can help improve neck and back posture. This lets the patient move with less pain and more range of motion. It can also help restore physical balance and coordination. Studies show it is good for chronic lower back pain due to age-related conditions or injury.
Improved mobility and flexibility lower risk of future flare-ups and injuries.
Compressing the spine puts strain on discs which can lead to damage or injuries. Over time, this pressure causes degeneration or narrowing of discs, leading to pain in the neck or lower back. Decompressing the spine takes some of the pressure off. This helps restore disc health and speeds up recovery. When combined with other physical rehabilitation treatments, spinal decompression therapy can be very beneficial in reaching desired outcomes quicker.
Improved Posture
Spinal decompression therapy is an effective treatment for a host of conditions, such as sciatica, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and more. It works by creating negative pressure within the spine, reducing the pressure on nerves and discs and improving spine functionality. This is often used as a non-surgical treatment for those with severe back problems.
It has many advantages, such as improved posture, comfort, and sometimes relief from chronic pain. It also reduces fatigue in the neck and back, increasing flexibility and everyday function.
Combined with other therapies, such as massage or physical therapy, spinal decompression therapy helps restore spinal alignment and shift weight correctly onto the lower body. This helps reduce tension in muscles, which can lead to long-term discomfort or disability if left untreated.
Pacific Health Group, located in Tukwila and Tacoma, has experts who can provide care-based guidance for this combination method. Contact us for more info!
Reduced Risk of Injury
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive option to help reduce back pain. It does this by stretching the spine and creating negative pressure in the discs. This pressure helps with bulging or herniated discs and relieves pain. It is effective for neck, mid-back and lower back pain in less severe cases.
Patients who use this therapy benefit from reduced risk of injury when moving or performing physical activities. It also offers relief from pinched nerves and increased mobility. Spinal decompression can be combined with other forms of physical therapy and massage therapy to create a unique treatment plan for each patient.
Who Should Consider Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy can be a good option for people with back pain caused by disc degeneration, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or facet syndrome. It aims to give relief from long-term chronic pain and improve mobility and quality of life.
People who can gain benefit from it:
- People with lower back or leg pain due to a herniated disc
- Individuals with sciatica from disc compression
- People suffering from disk degeneration
- Patients with spinal stenosis or facet syndrome
- Anyone with chronic neck or low back pain who have not responded well to traditional treatments
- Those looking for an alternative to surgery or opioid medication use.
To determine if spinal decompression therapy is right for you, consult with a healthcare professional trained in this type of treatment. They will review your condition and suggest the best course of action.
Conclusion
Spinal decompression therapy has been proven to reduce chronic back pain. It can even bring about drastic changes after one or two sessions. Outcomes vary, but this approach is often effective in providing long-term relief.
It reduces pressure on the spine, and works on real causes, not just masking symptoms with medicine. Moreover, it’s minimally invasive and requires no downtime.
It can also reduce inflammation, relax muscles and tissues, and improve mobility. People report greater range of motion and better daily functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses motorized traction to relieve back, neck, arm, and leg pain. It involves stretching the spine to reduce pressure on the spinal disks and nerves.
2. What conditions can spinal decompression therapy help with?
Spinal decompression therapy can help with a range of conditions, including herniated or bulging disks, degenerative disk disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and facet joint syndrome. It can also help alleviate pain caused by an injury or accident.
3. Is spinal decompression therapy painful?
No, spinal decompression therapy is not painful. In fact, many patients find it to be a relaxing and soothing experience. The treatment is designed to gently stretch and relieve pressure on the spine, so you should not experience any discomfort during the session.
4. How long does a spinal decompression therapy session last?
A typical spinal decompression session lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on your specific needs and condition. You may need to attend multiple sessions over a period of several weeks to achieve the desired results.
5. Are there any side effects of spinal decompression therapy?
Minor side effects of spinal decompression therapy may include a temporary increase in pain or stiffness following the session. However, these side effects should resolve quickly, and most patients do not experience any significant discomfort or complications.
6. Is spinal decompression therapy covered by insurance?
Spinal decompression therapy is typically considered an elective or alternative treatment, so it may not be covered by all insurance providers. However, some insurance plans may cover the cost of treatment if it is deemed medically necessary. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage options.
