Spinal Decompression Therapy is a type of motorized traction procedure that is very successful in relieving pain associated with spinal disc herniation, degenerative spinal discs, and facet joint syndromes. Spinal decompression therapy decompresses spinal discs including facet joints by using traction, distraction, and body positioning.
Spinal decompression therapy serves by gently stretching the spine. That replaces the force and position of the spine. This setting takes pressure off the spinal discs, which are gel-like cushions among the bones in your spine, by generating the negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures of the spine.
Research to improve this procedure was directed by prominent physicians, engineers, and technicians at major teaching hospitals. Studies have revealed that the spinal disc injury is liable for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain symptoms. Extreme compression forces from daily activities enhance internal spinal disc pressure which can lead to spinal disc protrusion, herniation and the bulging of disc material.
Using Spinal decompression therapy with other physical therapy treatments provided in our clinic can effectively relieve the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration. The treatment aids in the healing of injured discs and turns dystrophic changes in nerves. The Spinal decompression therapy treats the functional and mechanical aspects of spinal disc pain throughout non-surgical traction of spinal discs.
New, computer-controlled Spinal decompression therapy is designed to apply distraction and decompression to the patient’s spine without producing reflex paravertebral muscle contractions.
By significantly reducing internal disc pressure, the Spinal decompression therapy promotes retraction of the herniation spinal disc material back to a normal physiologic position and promotes the intake of fluids, oxygen, and other elements are needed for healing the spinal disc and surrounding tissues. The Spinal decompression therapy stimulates the repair of tissues and inhibits leakage of the internal material of the spinal disc.
Physicians have practiced nonsurgical spinal decompression in an attempt to treat:
- Back or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg
- Bulging or herniated disk disease
- Worn spinal joints
Spinal Decompression Theory
Spinal decompression devices use the same basic principle of spinal traction that has been offered by health professionals for many years.
Both traction and Spinal decompression therapy are applied to the goals of relieving pain and promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs.
Spinal decompression therapy is a type of traction therapy applied to the spine for several theoretical benefits including:
- Formulate a negative intradiscal force to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated disc material.
Perform a lower pressure in the disc that will create an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc. - You are entirely clothed during spinal decompression therapy. The specialist fits you with a harness around your pelvis and another around your trunk. You either rest face down or face up on a computer-controlled table known as decompression table. A physician operates the computer, customizing treatment to your specific needs.
Decompression therapy typically consists of a series of 18 to 30 treatments, lasting 30 to 45 minutes each, over a five to eight-week period. The cost of each session of spinal decompression therapy typically ranges from $25 to $150. Before or following therapy, you may have different types of treatment, such as:
- Electrical stimulation or TENS
- Ultrasound Therapy that promotes healing
- Heat or cold therapy
Spinal Decompression Therapy Contraindication
Ask your physician whether or not you are a suitable candidate for spinal decompression therapy. It is desirable to avoid it if you are pregnant. People with the following conditions should also not have spinal decompression:
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Tumor
- Fracture
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Metal implants in the spine