What is Spinal Decompression

QI Spine Clinic, 2 weeks ago

Seeking relief from back pain? Spinal decompression therapy might be the answer! A non-invasive approach gaining popularity, this article unveils the science behind decompression, its advantages, and the treatment experience. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Spinal Decompression Therapy

So, what is spinal decompression? Spinal decompression therapy is a drug-free treatment utilizing traction tables to create negative pressure within discs, potentially promoting healing and reducing pain. It treats low back problems, like those of the lumbar spine. Patients remain clothed while lying on a motorized table with a moving lower half. It helps to relieve lower back pain through the gentle traction that it provides on your spine. In this process, patients would lie on the motorized table, specifically designed for this treatment, and remain fully clothed throughout the course of treatment. There is an upper half and a lower half of the table; the upper half remains fixed, while the lower half slides back and forth to provide the traction.

• A harness is put around the hips. It is attached to the lower table near the feet.
• The top of the table stays fixed. The bottom, to which the patient is harnessed, slides back and forth. It provides traction and relaxation.

Various non-surgical spinal decompression therapies differ in the patient’s position on the table.

• Some devices place the patient prone on the table. In such cases, they lie face down. VAX-D spinal decompression machines fall under this category.
• Some have the patient lying supine. For instance, with DRX9000, they are lying face up. The position of the patient during treatment varies depending on the device and may be either in a prone or supine position where patients lie either face down or face up. For example, on the VAX-D spinal decompression machine, the patient has to lie face-down, while on the DRX9000, he lies face-up.

The patient should not feel pain during or after the spinal traction therapy. But, they should feel a stretch in the spine.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy can help manage chronic back pain with its key benefits:

• Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical options, spinal decompression therapy is non-invasive, meaning there are no incisions, stitches, or lengthy recovery times.
• Pain Relief: Spinal decompression therapy offers a faster path to pain management, with many patients seeing improvement after a few sessions, especially as a herniated disc treatment option.
• Improved Mobility: By addressing the underlying cause of the pain, spinal decompression therapy can improve mobility and function, allowing patients to resume their daily activities.
• Enhanced Healing: The negative pressure created during the therapy promotes the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected areas, enhancing the body’s natural healing process.
• Drug-Free: Spinal decompression therapy provides a drug-free alternative for pain relief, reducing the need for pain medications and their associated side effects.

Conditions Treated by Spinal Decompression Therapy

The nonsurgical spinal decompression can be used to treat:

• Back or neck pain or sciatica. Sciatica is pain, tingling, or weakness that you experience extending down the leg.
• Worn spinal joints cause posterior facet syndrome.
• Bulging or herniated discs cause pain. They are also called degenerative disk disease.
• Spinal nerve roots are injured or diseased.

More research is needed to confirm if nonsurgical spinal decompression is safe and effective. Researchers must compare it to non-surgical spinal decompression treatments:

• • Acupuncture
  • Bracing
  • Chiropractic
  • Spinal decompression exercises
  • Limited rest
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Steroid injections

What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Destigmatizing spinal decompression therapy! Let’s unveil what to expect during treatment, dispelling any myths and promoting informed decisions:

Initial Consultation

The initial spinal decompression visit involves a consultation, allowing the healthcare professional to personalize your treatment plan for maximum benefit. Here is what it will involve:

• Your medical background and current symptoms.
• A physical exam to assess your spine’s health and mobility. 
• X-rays or MRIs could be recommended to work together and create the best course of action.

After the first meeting, they will use the information you provide to create a personalized treatment program that involves chiropractic decompression therapy. This plan will explain the cause behind your symptoms, how many sessions you might need (usually 15-30 over a few weeks), and any other treatments that could help alongside the main therapy. You will also be able to know the decompression therapy cost.

Spinal Decompression Sessions

When you come for spinal decompression, the chiropractor will first place a harness around your pelvis and trunk. Then, your spine will be repositioned. This is done with motorized traction on a lumbar decompression table. The lower part of the table moves, whereas, the upper part stays still. In Spinal decompression therapy, we prioritize your comfort and safety. You’ll find more positioning options than with other devices. Full rehabilitation of your discs and spine requires your complete comfort. The therapy involves cycles of stretching and relaxation. These cycles gradually increase in intensity over time. Spinal decompression therapy is painless, unlike other treatments. It might cause a pulling sensation. Sensors on the table monitor muscle tension. This allows the professional to adjust the pressure. Most offices create a calm environment, ensuring comfort. Spinal decompression therapy is painless, unlike other treatments. It might cause a pulling sensation. Sensors on the table monitor muscle tension. This allows the professional to adjust the pressure. Most offices create a calm environment, ensuring comfort. A back decompression session takes about 30 minutes. Also, more than one session is usually needed. Over four to six weeks, you might have between 15 and 30 sessions. Please note that it is possible to do spinal decompression therapy at home, but even with that, you should first consult a professional. They will let you know about the back pain relief techniques you can try at home.

Conclusion

Spinal decompression therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. By moderately stretching the spine and reducing pressure significantly on the spinal discs and nerves, this therapy can provide significant pain relief, improve mobility, and promote healing. If you’re considering spinal decompression therapy, consult with an expert doctor to determine if it’s the right option for you. With the right treatment plan and commitment, you can experience the benefits of a pain-free and active life.