Spinal Decompression for Treating Back Pain

Back pain is not uncommon, and we all must have felt it at some point or the other. While mild pains can be dealt with, a persistent backache can be disruptive. It makes doing the simplest of household tasks seem impossible and affects work and personal life. Most people have the habit of not paying attention to the pain when it’s mild, and they look for a solution only when the situation gets worse. Millions of people all over the country suffer from chronic back pain. Many would think that taking pills or going under the knife are the only solutions to get their pain-free life back. However, several chiropractors suggest their patients consider spinal decompression therapy to treat both short and long-term back pain.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, non-invasive, and pain and medication-free treatment option to alleviate back pain. It uses a motorized traction table to gently stretch and relax the spine to relieve the tension of the vertebrae. This process helps retract the discs to their respective places, leading to reduced pressure on the back’s nerves. When the nerve pressure is relieved, it allows oxygen, water, and other nutrients to flow to the discs (injured area), allowing them to heal.

Benefits of spinal decompression

• Improved spinal mobility

• Increased blood flow to the discs

• Better immune system

• Prevention of new injuries

• Reduced nerve compression

• Improved joint flexibility and core strength

• Natural way to relieve pain

What to expect?

When a patient goes to a chiropractor for spinal decompression therapy to relieve back pain, they either lie face down or up (depending on what is best for them) on a computer-controlled traction table with a harness placed around the pelvis and one attached to the lower table near the feet. While the upper part of the table remains stable, the lower one moves back and forth to stretch and relax. The session lasts for 30-45 minutes and is relaxing and painless. Most patients start noticing benefits after 6-8 sessions, while in some situations, they (especially older patients) can take up to 20 sessions to see the effects. Expect 25-30 sessions stretched over four to seven weeks’ span. This therapy can be adapted based on the patient’s needs, and different treatment options can be tailored based on age, health, and pain levels.

You are an ideal candidate for spinal decompression therapy when back pain is caused by:

• Accident

• Bulging or herniated discs

• Sciatica

• Degenerated discs

• Spondylosis

• Spinal stenosis

• Facet syndrome

• Pinched nerves

• When traditional spinal treatment fails to address the back pain

Do not consider going for non-surgical spinal decompression when you have conditions like:

• Pregnancy

• Fracture

• Failed back surgery

• Spinal implants

• Tumor

• Advanced osteoporosis

If back pain has been troubling you for a long time after trying other means, visit a physician or chiropractor to determine if spinal decompression will be the right treatment option. They will develop a comprehensive treatment plan based on your condition to achieve optimal results. Non-surgical spinal decompression is one of the best ways to alleviate back pain and find the relief you have been looking for, without any medication or surgery.