Spinal decompression therapy is a practice that has become quite popular in recent years. Patients who seek spinal decompression are typically dealing with stiffness and pain in their back or neck, or sciatica pain and may have even been recommended to have surgery. Spinal decompression therapy works to treat pain by targeting spinal discs that act as cushioning between spinal vertebrae and allowing these discs to settle into their intended position.
Spinal decompression is effective because it reduces and removes pressure on your spine and allows nutrients that keep your spine functioning well into your spinal column. It is a non-invasive, gentle remedy that can provide healing and long term benefits to your health.
Is Decompressing The Spine Good?
The simple answer to this question is yes. By decompressing the spine, you are allowing inflammation and pain to dissipate. The motion of stretching the spine and then allowing it to settle into its natural position produces negative space between the discs in your spine. This enables the spine to reposition and reduce the pressure and pinching responsible for your pain.
When your spinal discs are able to settle into their intended position, negative space is created which helps the problematic discs to fall into their intended position. This also allows the makeup of the discs to absorb nutrients that benefit and repair the spine.
What Causes The Spine to Compress
Your spine is literally the backbone of your body. It holds you up, supports your trunk and your extremities and is responsible for the wellness of your body as a whole. However, over time too much pressure on your spine combined with general wear and tear can wreak havoc on your spine’s structure, and ultimately your health overall. You may find that you have herniated or bulging discs, a pinched nerve or sciatica pain. All of these ailments can be traced back to too much spinal compression. Spinal cord compression can occur due to a number of reasons:
- Injury to the spine
- Bone disease
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis (abnormal spine alignment)
- Spinal tumor
If you are an older patient, you may have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which is most common in individuals over 50. Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear on spinal vertebrae that occurs over time. If you have been told that you have osteoarthritis, spinal decompression is an excellent non-invasive treatment option for you.
Keep in mind that while you can be intentional about how you care for your spine, most of the conditions that cause spinal decompression can’t be prevented.
What Happens During A Spinal Decompression Therapy Session
During a spinal decompression therapy session, you will lay down in a supine position (on your back) on a decompression table with an upper and lower body component. This special machine is specifically utilized for spinal decompression therapy. Your upper body will be secured with a harness to the upper part of the table to provide stability and your legs will be gently secured on the lower part of the table.
Once you are set on the machine your spine will be gently forced to go through intermittent stretching and relaxing, controlled by motorized traction. The two sections of the table will pull apart from one another as the machine begins to work. Your will notice your spine lengthen as your discs decompress and pressure releases. Some patients even describe this part of the process as calming and may find themselves falling into a state of relaxation. If you have a moderate or more severe injury to your discs you may experience slight discomfort during the initial treatment sessions, but any pain should subside with subsequent treatments.
Spinal Decompression In Keller, Texas
If your back is due for treatment and you are desperate for a non-surgical option that will allow you to feel better sooner, spinal decompression therapy may be the best route for you to consider. Look no further than Keller Disc and Spine where our experienced professionals are always ready to provide treatment with your well-being in mind. Contact our office today to set up your first appointment on the road to recovery.