Low back pain is one of the most common health complaints and can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. One emerging treatment method for low back pain, particularly when related to disc issues, is spinal decompression therapy.
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that aims to relieve pressure on the spine and alleviate pain by gently stretching the spine. The principle behind spinal decompression is that by creating negative pressure within the spinal discs, it can encourage retraction or repositioning of herniated or bulging discs, as well as promote the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs for healing.
During a spinal decompression session, the patient is lying face down on our COX table. Traction is achieved with a flexion motion at first and then when tolerable a motorized distraction. This movement creates negative intradiscal pressure, pulling bulging or herniated disc material back into the disc. The therapy also increases blood flow, which aids in nourishing the damaged discs and supporting the healing process.
Each session typically lasts 10-15 minutes, with most treatment plans requiring multiple sessions over several weeks while being reassessed along the way. Patients often report feeling a gentle pulling or stretching sensation, and the treatment is generally considered comfortable and relaxing.
Spinal decompression therapy is most commonly used to treat conditions related to spinal disc problems, including:
The effectiveness of spinal decompression therapy can vary from patient to patient, and its success often depends on the underlying cause of the low back pain. Some studies suggest that spinal decompression can provide relief for certain individuals, particularly those with disc-related issues.
If you suffer from low back pain Spinal Decompression may help. Talk to Dr. Nelson about our spinal decompression table.
Dr. Nelson
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that aims to relieve pressure on the spine and alleviate pain by gently stretching the spine. The principle behind spinal decompression is that by creating negative pressure within the spinal discs, it can encourage retraction or repositioning of herniated or bulging discs, as well as promote the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs for healing.
During a spinal decompression session, the patient is lying face down on our COX table. Traction is achieved with a flexion motion at first and then when tolerable a motorized distraction. This movement creates negative intradiscal pressure, pulling bulging or herniated disc material back into the disc. The therapy also increases blood flow, which aids in nourishing the damaged discs and supporting the healing process.
Each session typically lasts 10-15 minutes, with most treatment plans requiring multiple sessions over several weeks while being reassessed along the way. Patients often report feeling a gentle pulling or stretching sensation, and the treatment is generally considered comfortable and relaxing.
Spinal decompression therapy is most commonly used to treat conditions related to spinal disc problems, including:
- Herniated or Bulging Discs: These occur when the soft material inside the disc pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. Decompression therapy can help reposition the disc material and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the spinal discs can wear down and lose their cushioning ability. Decompression may help reduce pain associated with disc degeneration by improving disc health.
- Sciatica: This condition is characterized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs down the legs from the lower back. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc pressing on the nerve, and decompression therapy can relieve this pressure.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the nerves in the lower back. Decompression therapy may help alleviate the pain associated with spinal stenosis by creating more space around the nerves.
- Facet Syndrome: This occurs when the small joints in the back of the spine become inflamed or irritated, leading to localized back pain. Decompression can reduce stress on these joints.
- Non-invasive: One of the biggest advantages of spinal decompression therapy is that it is non-surgical, meaning there are fewer risks and a shorter recovery time compared to back surgery.
- Pain relief: Many patients report significant reductions in pain after undergoing spinal decompression, particularly those with herniated discs or sciatica.
- Improved mobility: By relieving pressure on the spine, decompression therapy may restore flexibility and range of motion.
- Targeted treatment: The hands on approach allows Dr. Nelson to target specific areas of the spine and assess the movement throughout the process.
- Fractures
- Tumors or infections of the spine
- Recent spinal surgery with instrumentation (such as metal implants)
The effectiveness of spinal decompression therapy can vary from patient to patient, and its success often depends on the underlying cause of the low back pain. Some studies suggest that spinal decompression can provide relief for certain individuals, particularly those with disc-related issues.
If you suffer from low back pain Spinal Decompression may help. Talk to Dr. Nelson about our spinal decompression table.
Dr. Nelson
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