The Basics Of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
Spinal decompression therapy is a manipulation technique designed to minimize pressure or discomfort at a certain level of your spine. Oftentimes the technique is used to provide relief for disc issues, be it a bulging, herniated or degenerative disc. Today, we take a closer look at the technique and how it works.
How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment technique that involves manipulating the spine into different stretched and relaxed states. This type of technique is believed to be beneficial for a couple of reasons:
- It creates negative intradiscal pressure in the spinal column to promote retraction or repositioning of the damaged disc.
- It can decrease pressure on a disc which can help facilitate healing and an influx of healthy blood to the area.
This technique can be performed in a number of different ways. First, it can be performed with the help of a chiropractor or back specialist versed in spinal manipulation. Another way you can decompress your spine is with the help of a physical therapist who can guide you through some decompression stretches. The third way is with the assistance of a decompression table, which allows a patient to stretch backwards and even upside down to take pressure off the spine. Working with a decompression table is only recommended when performed with the assistance of a professional, otherwise you can make spine pain worse.
Who Benefits From Spinal Decompression Therapy?
If other treatment options have proved ineffective, individuals with any of the following conditions may benefit from spinal decompression therapy:
- Patients with bulging, herniated or degenerative discs
- Individuals who are having pain after spinal fusion
- People with broken or fractured vertebrae
- Individuals with artificial spinal discs
Obviously spinal decompression is not for all types of back pain, and individuals who are suffering from conditions like spinal stenosis, a spinal tumor or an infection of the spine will not find relief in the technique. For more information about the treatment technique, or to see if you’re a candidate, contact a spinal specialist today.
