What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Alternative

Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment used to relieve back pain. The therapy involves placing the spine in a position that takes the pressure off the vertebrae and discs.

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What Is Nonsurgical 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. This change in pressure and position may help to take pressure off of the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the vertebrae, or bones, in your spine. This type of therapy is also sometimes called nonsurgical traction or mechanical traction.

Spinal decompression therapy is sometimes used to treat herniated disks and degenerative disk disease. These conditions can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that branch out from your spine. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.

The therapy may also be used to treat:

During nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy, you will lie on a table. The table will have a harness around your hips and a system of pulleys and levers attached to it. The therapist will slowly and carefully stretch your spine using this system of pulleys and levers.

You will usually receive 15 to 30 minutes of treatment at a time, up to five times a week for several weeks. Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may need more treatments before they see results.

After each treatment session, you will likely be given some exercises to do at home with specific instructions on how often to do them. It is important to follow these instructions carefully so that you can get the most benefit from the therapy. In general, people who respond best to nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy are: relatively healthy; not obese; under age 50, and have had back pain for four weeks or less.

How Does Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Work?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment for certain types of back pain and radiating leg pain. It is also sometimes used to treat neck pain.

The therapy consists of stretching the spine, using a computer-controlled table. The doctor can set the amount of stretch and the duration of each session. Spinal decompression therapy is usually given over a period of several weeks.

The goal of this therapy is to take pressure off of the spinal discs, by relieving the pain and allowing the disc to heal. This can help to avoid surgery, or it can be used as part of a larger treatment plan that includes other therapies such as heat, sound waves, electrical stimulation, and cold therapy.

Spinal decompression therapy can be used to treat herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, sciatica, and other conditions that cause back or neck pain. The therapist will tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression For Everyone?

Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy is a treatment option for patients with certain conditions that cause back pain. The therapy involves stretching the spine using a traction table or similar device. This stretch helps to take pressure off of the spine and relieve pain.

Patients who may be good candidates for this therapy have conditions such as:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Metal implants in the spine
  • An aortic aneurysm
  • Advanced osteoporosis
  • A fracture or tumor in the spinal column

Your doctor will help you to determine if you are a good candidate for this therapy.

Conditions that would make you ineligible for this type of treatment include:

What conditions can spinal decompression treat?

Spinal decompression therapy is used to treat a number of conditions involving the spine, including herniated disks, degenerative disks, pinched nerves, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. The goal of the therapy is to relieve pressure on the spine, which can help to relieve pain and improve function.

The therapy involves stretching the spine using a traction table or similar device. This stretches the vertebrae and disks, creating negative pressure that can help to reduce herniation and compressions. The therapist may also use spinal decompression to stretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine.

Spinal decompression is typically done as a series of treatments over several weeks. Most people see some improvement after 2-4 weeks of therapy, though some may need additional treatments. The therapist will work with you to determine how often you should come in for treatment based on your individual needs.

What Is Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Surgical spinal decompression is a last-resort treatment for certain types of spinal problems. It’s used when other treatments, such as physical therapy, pain medications, and epidural steroid injections, haven’t worked.

The goal of surgical decompression is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This can help to ease pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Decompression surgery involves removing part of the bone (vertebra) that’s pressing on the spinal cord or nerve. In some cases, a small section of the disk may also be removed. Disks are the cushions between the vertebrae.

Surgical decompression is done through a small incision in the back. The surgeon will use special instruments to remove the bone or disk material. In most cases, patients go home the same day or within 24 hours after surgery.

Recovery times vary depending on how many vertebrae were removed and whether any other procedures were done at the same time (such as a laminectomy). Most people can expect to take it easy for several weeks after surgery. Physical therapy may be recommended to help you regain strength and flexibility.”

Different Types of Spinal Decompression Surgery

Spinal decompression surgery is a type of surgery that is performed to relieve pressure on the spine. The pressure can be caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or other conditions. There are different types of spinal decompression surgery, and the type that is right for you will depend on your individual situation.

The most common type of spinal decompression surgery is an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the spine through an incision in the front of the body. A disk is then removed, and a bone graft is placed in the space where the disk was. The bone graft helps to fuse together the vertebrae, relieving pressure on the spine and nerves.

Other types of spinal decompression surgery include posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), and laminectomy. A PLIF is similar to an ALIF, but the incision is made in the back instead of the front. A TLIF is also similar to an ALIF, but the incision is made through the side of the body. A laminectomy is a procedure in which a portion of bone called the lamina is removed to relieve pressure on the spine.

Spinal decompression surgery can be performed as an open or minimally invasive procedure. Minimally invasive procedures are less invasive and have a shorter recovery time than open procedures. Open procedures are more invasive and require a longer recovery time, but they may be necessary in some cases. Your surgeon will discuss with you which type of procedure is right for you based on your individual situation.

The Risks of Spinal Decompression Surgery

Spinal decompression surgery is a type of surgery that is used to treat a number of conditions that affect the spine. While this surgery can be effective, there are also a number of risks that are associated with it.

Some of the most common risks include:

  • Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
  • Tissue damage
  • Anesthesia nerve damage
  • Blood clots
  • Pain
  • Infection

These are just some of the most common risks associated with spinal decompression surgery. It’s important to discuss all of the potential risks with your doctor before you undergo any type of surgery.

Contraindications for Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment option for certain spine conditions. It’s not for everyone, though. Here’s a look at what the therapy is, how it works and who may be good candidates for it.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for certain spine conditions. The therapy involves stretching the spine. This relieves pressure on the spinal nerves. It may also help take pressure off of damaged discs in the spine.

The therapy is done using a machine that gently stretches the spine. The machine has a harness that goes around your waist and another that goes around your chest. You lie on your back on a table. The table is attached to the machine. As the machine stretches your spine, you may feel relief from your symptoms.

Spinal decompression therapy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. That means you can go home on the same day as your treatment. You’ll likely need to have several sessions of treatment over a period of several weeks to see results.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy if you have certain conditions, such as:

  • Herniated discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Posterior facet syndrome

You may also be a good candidate if you have had surgery on your spine but still have pain or if you’re not a candidate for surgery because of other health problems. Pregnant women and people with broken vertebrae are not candidates for spinal decompression therapy.

How Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Work?

The theory behind spinal decompression therapy is that gently stretching the spine, takes the pressure off of the spinal nerves. This can provide relief from pain and other symptoms caused by compression of those nerves. In some cases, it may also help take pressure off of damaged discs in the spine, which can allow them to heal

Alternative Treatments for Spinal Decompression

If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, you may be considering spinal decompression therapy as a possible treatment option. Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical, alternative treatment option that is often used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and other back-related conditions.

Spinal decompression therapy works by gently stretching the spine. This traction helps to take pressure off of the discs and nerves in your spine. As a result, this can help to relieve pain and promote healing.

Spinal decompression therapy is usually performed by a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor. During the procedure, you will lie on a table. The table will slowly stretch your spine. This traction helps to take pressure off of the discs and nerves in your spine.

In some cases, small acupuncture needles may be inserted into your back during spinal decompression therapy. This is known as electrical nerve stimulation. During this process, small electrical charges are passed through the needles to help stimulate nerve function and reduce pain.

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that has been used for centuries to treat pain. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture is thought to block pain signals from being sent to the brain and can also help to release endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.

Traction is another type of alternative treatment that may be used to treat back pain. Traction involves gently pulling on the body in order to stretch and align the spine. This can help to take pressure off of the discs and nerves in your spine and may also help to improve the range of motion in your back and improve your posture over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spinal decompression is a type of traction that is used to stretch the spine. This can help to relieve pain and pressure on the spine and nerves.

The effects of spinal decompression therapy are usually not immediate. It may take several weeks or longer to see improvement.

The sensation during decompression therapy is often described as a "pulling" sensation. There may be some discomfort during the first few sessions as your body adjusts to the treatment, but overall the therapy should not be painful.

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Conclusion

Spinal decompression therapy is a nonsurgical, FDA-approved treatment for certain types of back pain. The therapy uses a motorized machine to Apply distraction force to the spine. This force gently separates the vertebrae. As the vertebrae Separate, there is an influx of oxygen and nutrients Into the disc. This helps promote healing.

Spinal decompression therapy is usually given in a series of sessions. The number of sessions will depend on the patient’s individual needs. Most people need between 20 and 30 sessions before they see significant improvement.

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