Spinal decompression treatment is a non-invasive therapy that alleviates back and neck pain by reducing pressure on spinal discs and nerves, creating space within the spinal column. It offers a conservative alternative to more invasive procedures.
Understanding Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression broadly refers to treatments that relieve pressure on the neural elements of the spine. There are two main categories: surgical and non-surgical decompression.
Surgical decompression involves invasive procedures to remove material or bone pressing on nerves or the spinal cord. Examples include laminectomy (removing part of the vertebral bone) and discectomy (removing abnormal disc material).
Non-surgical spinal decompression, often called spinal traction, is a non-invasive method that gently stretches the spine. It uses specialized equipment to create negative pressure within the spinal discs.
How Non-Surgical Decompression Works
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy uses a motorized table that applies gentle, controlled traction to the spine. Patients lie on this specialized table, secured with harnesses. A computer system precisely controls the force and angle of the stretch, ensuring targeted and safe therapy. This controlled stretching creates a negative pressure, or vacuum effect, within the spinal discs.
This negative pressure helps retract bulging or herniated disc material. This relieves pressure on spinal nerves, reducing pain, numbness, and tingling. The stretching and relaxation cycles also promote the flow of nutrient-rich fluids, oxygen, and water into the disc. This enhanced circulation supports the disc’s natural healing and can contribute to rehydration of damaged discs.
Conditions Addressed by Spinal Decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy addresses several common spinal conditions. It is used for herniated discs, where the soft inner material protrudes and presses on nerves. Similarly, bulging discs, which extend beyond their normal boundary, can also be addressed by reducing nerve pressure.
The treatment is often applied to relieve sciatica, a condition causing pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg due to sciatic nerve compression. Degenerative disc disease, involving spinal disc wear and tear, may also benefit from decompression by helping to restore disc height and reduce nerve compression. Facet syndrome, caused by inflammation or degeneration of the small joints between vertebrae, can also improve as decompression creates more space and reduces pain.
The Treatment Experience and Suitability
During a non-surgical spinal decompression session, patients lie comfortably on the specialized table, either face up or face down. They may feel a gentle stretching sensation as the machine works to decompress the spine, and many find the experience relaxing. A typical session lasts between 20 to 45 minutes. A full course of treatment usually involves multiple sessions, often 15 to 30 sessions over several weeks, depending on the individual’s condition and response.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is suitable for individuals experiencing chronic back or neck pain due to disc problems, sciatica, or degenerative conditions, especially if other conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. However, there are contraindications where treatment is not advisable. These include pregnancy, severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumors, and metal implants or instrumentation in the spine. Recent spinal surgery or a history of failed back surgery may also make someone unsuitable for this therapy. A thorough medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine its appropriateness and safety.