What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical way to treat and recover from disc herniations, bulging discs and other spinal conditions. It involves the use of a special decompression device that applies controlled pressure and stretching on targeted areas of the spine. 

One of the most common medical treatments for back pain is spinal injections.LOO These injections involve injecting anesthetic or corticosteroid into the spine, which helps reduce inflammation and pain temporarily. However, many people find that these injections only provide temporary relief, and that their back pain returns in a few weeks or months. Spinal decompression therapy provides another option for people who have found that standard treatments no longer provide sufficient relief from their back pain. The goal of this treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine through controlled stretching and traction and without invasive injections.

What is the theory behind decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy uses controlled pressure and stretching to treat various conditions of the nervous system, including back pain. This therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in the spine, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis and kyphosis. Spinal decompression works by removing the pressure on the nerves that cause pain. When the spinal discs lose their hydration (water content), they start to harden and put pressure on the nearby nerves, causing pain. Decompression therapy removes this pressure and rehydrates the discs to relieve pain.

How does spinal decompression work?

First, the patient lies on a special decompression table. Then, the device applies pressure to the spine while the patient’s legs are slowly extended. As the legs are slowly extended, the device pulls the spine in the opposite direction. This pulls the vertebrae apart, stretching the disc and rehydrating it. This controlled stretching and pressure helps relieve pressure on the nerves. The patient remains on the decompression device for 20 to 30 minutes.

Benefits of decompression therapy

Many patients get relief from spinal decompression therapy. Some of the advantages of this treatment include:

• Reduced pain. One of the main benefits of decompression therapy is that it can reduce pain, both in the back and in other areas of the body. 
• Reduced inflammation. Another advantage of decompression therapy is that it can reduce inflammation in the spine. This can help speed up the healing process and reduce the likelihood of future spinal problems.
• Improved mobility. Decompression therapy can also improve mobility and flexibility in the back, helping patients recover faster from spinal injuries and return to their regular activities sooner. 
• Reduced dependency on pain medications. Finally, decompression therapy can reduce the need for pain medications, which are not good for the long-term health of the patient. 
• Improved quality of life. Patients who undergo spinal decompression therapy can enjoy better quality of life and greater mobility.
• Increased likelihood of a full recovery. Decompression therapy can also increase the likelihood of a full recovery from acute and chronic spinal conditions. 
• Reduced risk of complications. Finally, since the process doesn't involve injections or medications, decompression therapy also reduces the risk of complications.

Spinal decompression therapy provides another option for people who have found that standard treatments no longer provide sufficient relief from their back pain.