Introduction to spinal decompression (Non-surgical)
Are you constantly haunted by pain in the back, neck, arms or legs associated with pinched nerves that disrupt your sleep and overall daily activities? Such burdens can cause a huge toll on your physical, mental as well as emotional well-being. These horrible pain could even last a lifetime if left untreated!
We understand the discomfort well in our day-to-day interactions at My Chirocare, and have seen many patients finding success through spinal decompression therapy.
For a start, spinal decompression helps someone who suffers from chronic pain (caused by spinal nerve irritation) by ‘decompressing’ the spaces between the vertebrae of your spine, thus allowing pressure to be lifted off your nerves and facet joints through sessional chiropractic therapy.
Non-surgical spinal decompression helps to promote repositioning or retraction of bulging/ herniated discs of a specific level by creating a negative intradiscal pressure. Unlike most the spinal traction, our spinal decompression machine runs in cycles of stretching and relaxing, creating a pumping mechanism instead of just pulling the targeted area. With frequent sessions, this therapy also promotes healing by encouraging water, oxygen and nutrient-rich fluids back into the discs so they can heal over time.
So who can benefit from Spinal decompression Therapies?
Anyone who has suffered pain and discomfort in these areas can seek help through a trusted Chiropractor to alleviate symptoms and promote healing:
Neck or back (Upper, Mid, Lower) pain
Sciatica (pain, tingling, weak sensations extending down to the legs)
Slipped discs (herniated discs) of the Upper, Mid, Lower or Cervical discs
Disc prolapse
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Worn-out spinal joints (posterior facet syndrome)
Injured or aged spinal nerve roots
Why does it work? (And is non-surgical spinal decompression therapy safe?)
Studies show that non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has been effective in over 86% of people suffering from ruptured discs and in 75% of patients with facet joint arthrosis (wear and tear on the lumbar joints). In another recent study, 92% out of 219 patients showed improvement after going through various rounds with this treatment.
Receiving this treatment on a sessional basis helps to promote healing and reduce pain as it helps to increase blood flow and nutrient supply into the affected discs. It also helps to decrease pressure between discs, reduce compression of the nerves, allowing discs to rehydrate and further prevent herniation.
All in all, non-surgical spinal decompression helps promote a better quality of life as the patient gets better rest, good non-disruptive sleep and is able to carry on their daily activities with ease.
How to get Spinal Decompression therapy done correctly?
Spinal decompression is definitely not something that you can do at home effectively. Seeking treatment from the right Chiropractor means you will be in good care as oftentimes, this therapy has to be carried out in adjunct with chiropractic care and other advanced therapies in order to maximise the healing process. For instance, your chiropractor may also recommend shockwave therapy, ultrasound or heat/cold therapy to accompany your session.
Once you have agreed to the spinal decompression therapy upon a complete assessment by your chiropractor, you will be fitted with a harness around your pelvis and another around your trunk for lower back decompression or a strap on your forehead for neck decompression. You will either be asked to face lie-down or up on a computer-controlled table (Depending on your condition).
Your chiropractor will then use the spinal decompression computer to customise decompression treatments specific to your needs. The upper part of the table stays stagnant, while the lower part moves back and forth to give you the traction and relaxation needed to decompress.
You will feel a slight pressure applied to your lower back and/ or experience a ‘stretched’ sensation. Nevertheless, they should not hurt or be too uncomfortable.
Each treatment may last for 15 minutes and on average, people may require 12 to 24 treatments over 6 to 12 weeks. However, everyone’s condition is different. Treatment should be tailored to each and every individual’s needs after a proper assessment with your chiropractor.
As always, if you or anyone you know is suffering from the discomfort and pain caused by pinched nerves, make an appointment with us here or call us to seek help.
Remember, early intervention is key in treating possible chronic pain.
Also, stay tuned and be on the lookout for our Spinal Decompression Vlog next month – where our Chiropractor Dr Grace will share more details on how this therapy has helped her patients and its safety aspects!