Spinal Decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression is an advanced, FDA-approved pain relief technique using a machine designed for spinal decompression. Patients suffering from chronic back pain from a herniated disc, disc bulges, facet syndrome, spine stenosis and other compression issues of the spine are good candidates for this treatment. Some patients can avoid invasive back surgery with the help of chiropractic care and spinal decompression treatment.
It is important to know that this is not an inversion table. The Spinal Decompression table has a specific degree of angle for L1-L5 discs. It uses a directional force, time and most importantly, a specific program for that patients’ needs. This is to target the specific discs for maximum improvement.
Compression of the Spine
An aging spine is susceptible to degenerative conditions known to put pressure on the spinal structures such as nerve and intervertebral discs, If the disc bulges or herniates, you may experience mild to severe pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in the back and down the legs and a reduction in mobility. Other common causes of spinal compression are back injuries, whiplash, and stress on the spine from obesity, poor posture, previous slips, trips, falls, work, or other acts of daily living.
Who Can Benefit from Spinal Decompression?
In addition to patients who have a herniated disc, Dr. Nathaniel Gasdorf may recommend this treatment to patients with the following conditions:
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Degenerative Disc Disease: Pain develops when the disc breaks down such as with cracks, fluid leaks, or dried out discs. The discs no longer absorb the shocks on the spine as it should.
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Sciatica: Chronic low back pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve that exits the nerve root. The pain may radiate to the buttocks, hips, and legs.
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Spinal Stenosis: The spinal canal narrows due to aging and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
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Pinched Nerve: A slipped disc or misaligned spinal joint can pinch a nerve.
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Facet Syndrome: The spinal joints wear out with aging, resulting in symptoms such as lower back pain and stiffness.
Performing Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression performed by a chiropractor begins with a thorough examination and X-Ray to assess if the patient is a candidate for this type of care. If the patient has an MRI within the previous 6 months, they are encouraged to bring it with them. If a candidate, the patient is positioned on the decompression table based on the specific condition identified during the exam. It is used to gently stretch the spine causing a decompression effect on the discs. This alleviates the squeezing of the disc and allows it to retract between the segments of the spine. It also moves the disc away from the nerve, thereby eliminating nerve pain as seen in patients with back pain and radicular symptoms like sciatica. Decompressing the spine also helps to increase flexibility and stimulate healing of the nerve, disc, facet joints, and connective tissue. Each treatment session lasts about 15 minutes. Multiple sessions are often needed to get desired results. Many patients combine decompression therapy with other chiropractic care such as spinal adjustments and intersegmental traction to speed up the healing process.