Spinal Decompression

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that may help relieve back pain. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

Doctors have used nonsurgical spinal decompression in an attempt to treat:

• Back or neck pain or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg
• Bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disk disease
• Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome)
• Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots

You are fully clothed during spinal decompression therapy. The doctor fits you with a harness around your pelvis and another around your trunk. You either lie face down or face up on a computer-controlled table. A doctor operates the computer, customizing treatment to your specific needs. Treatment may last 20 to 30 minutes and you may require 20 to 28 treatments over five to seven weeks.

Spinal decompression is an essential component of spinal correction. We have seen many patients who have only had success when their spinal alignment and disc issues have been addressed at the same time. Spinal disc issues seem to arise due to prolonged subluxations (misalignments) in the spine. In our opinion it is always better to try any safe therapies like spinal decompression before resulting to more extreme measures like drugs and surgery.