A variety of treatment options are available to relieve back pain. However, treatment depends upon the type of pain and the underlying cause of pain a patient is experiencing. Treatment options can include pain medications, steroid shots, surgery, and therapy.
Prescription pain medications and steroid shots have numerous side effects and typically fail to treat the inherent issue behind the pain. Back pain surgery is not only expensive but often fails to provide much-needed relief. It is estimated that 10% to 46% of lumbar spine surgery fail!
Many people want to avoid back pain surgery. Spinal decompression therapy may be an ideal option for you as you will sidestep the prohibitive health care expenses, the long recovery process, and numerous side effects.
What is spinal decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a non-invasive mechanical traction procedure performed using advanced computer-aided technology and a spinal decompression table. It works by gently stretching the spine and takes pressure off spinal discs, pinched nerves, and other spinal structures.
Spinal decompression therapy is an effective option for both immediate and long-term pain relief for a variety of back pain problems and can help you avoid back surgery.
How does the spinal decompression table work?
The spinal decompression table is an advanced piece of medical equipment with sensors linked to a computerized system. The table is controlled by the chiropractor.
The table is comfortable to lay down on. It consists of two portions that can move independently from one another. The patient is fitted by harness to secure the body and the spine as the table moves. The chiropractor enters the program into the computer specific to each patient’s treatment requirements. Once the program is selected the two parts of the table begin to pull apart.
Unlike manual decompression techniques where the body resists stretching, the decompression table’s sensors continuously assess the body’s reactions to the pull. It does this by identifying muscle tension and provides feedback so that adjustments can be made to lessen the pull if required. This prevents muscle guarding and ensures that maximum and effective decompression is accomplished. The table’s sensors and adjustable bed also allow the spine to stretch at multiple angles. This allows for targeted decompression and pain relief.
The amount of the pull varies depending on the chosen decompression treatment and the patient’s physical condition. The treatment course is determined by the chiropractor based on the patient’s physical assessment and the patient’s medical condition as well as areas of pain.
The benefit of this procedure leads to increased water and oxygen circulation and promotes an influx of healing nutrients to the spine. This encourages natural healing and provides lasting pain relief and overall helps increase the mobility of the patient’s back and neck.
The duration of the treatment and the number of treatments required to achieve maximum pain relief is determined by the chiropractor. This would depend on the severity of the patient’s symptoms. In general each treatment lasts 30 – 60 minutes and requires concurrent sessions over several weeks.
Is spinal decompression therapy painful? Is it safe?
Spinal decompression therapy is a pain-free procedure. It is safe and effective in providing pain relief in a non-invasive manner. However, some patients may feel mild discomfort or soreness due to the stretching of the spine during the first few treatments.
There are numerous studies that confirm the efficacy and benefits of the procedure in providing pain relief. In a study published to determine the benefits of surgical vs non-surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis, it was noted that non-surgical treatment options have resulted in no reported side effects while surgical cases reported 10% to 24% side effects.
Another study published on patients with intervertebral disc herniation concluded that spinal decompression is effective in improving pain, disability, and the straight leg raise of patients with intervertebral disc herniation.
Spinal decompression therapy has also been shown to provide good long-term results for those suffering from low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis as per another study published in the Asian Spine Journal.
Spinal decompression therapy is a cost-effective, safe alternative to avoid back surgery and works to provide effective pain relief for several back pain problems. It is even recommended for those not experiencing any back pain as a way of maintaining good spine health.
Spinal decompression therapy can be performed on virtually anyone regardless of age. However, it is best to consult with a chiropractor to get their professional opinion before starting any type of treatment.
Contact us today to set an appointment. We’d like to see you and discover if we can help relieve your Spinal Decompression pain.