Back pain has a way of creeping into every aspect of your life. One day, you’re moving freely, and the next, you’re wincing as you get out of bed or avoiding activities you once enjoyed. If you’ve been dealing with persistent back pain, herniated discs, or that shooting pain down your leg, you’ve probably tried various treatments with mixed results. But have you heard of spinal decompression therapy?
In this article, we take a close look at what conditions it can help, guiding you toward an informed decision about your back pain treatment.
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine using a specialized table or device. During treatment, you’re positioned on a computerized table or other device that applies controlled, intermittent traction to specific areas of your spine.
This process creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help reposition herniated or bulging disc material and promote healing.
Ultimately, this therapy works by creating space between vertebrae, reducing pressure on compressed nerves and discs. In turn, this decompression allows nutrient-rich fluids to flow back into the discs, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
Each session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and most treatment plans involve multiple sessions over several weeks. The process is generally comfortable, with many patients describing a gentle pulling sensation rather than pain.
Additionally, the technology behind spinal decompression has evolved significantly over the past decade. Today’s systems can target specific spinal segments and adjust force levels throughout the treatment session, making the therapy more effective and comfortable than older traction methods.
Who Is Spinal Decompression Therapy For?
Spinal decompression therapy can be particularly effective for people dealing with various spinal conditions. For instance, if you’re experiencing pinched nerves, this treatment can help create the space needed to relieve nerve compression and reduce associated pain and numbness.
Those suffering from sciatica also often find significant relief through decompression therapy. The treatment addresses the root cause of sciatic pain by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can eliminate the shooting pain that travels down your leg. Numbness and tingling in the legs or feet, common symptoms of nerve compression, frequently improve as the therapy creates space for proper nerve function.
Disc bulges and herniations further respond well to spinal decompression because the negative pressure created during treatment can help draw protruding disc material back into proper position. While the disc may not return to its original state, reducing the protrusion often provides substantial pain relief and improved function.
Low back pain from various causes, including degenerative disc disease and facet joint problems, can also benefit from the increased space and improved circulation that decompression therapy provides. The treatment is especially helpful for pain that worsens with sitting or forward bending, as these positions typically increase disc pressure.
At the same time, spinal decompression therapy isn’t appropriate for all conditions or individuals. It’s not suitable for those with severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, tumors, or infections. Pregnancy, certain heart conditions, and the presence of spinal hardware may also make this treatment unsuitable.
How Spinal Decompression Works With Chiropractic Care
Spinal decompression therapy often works most effectively when combined with chiropractic adjustments. While decompression creates space and reduces pressure on discs and nerves, chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment and movement patterns.
Decompression therapy primarily targets disc-related problems and nerve compression. Meanwhile, chiropractic adjustments focus on joint mobility, alignment, and overall spinal function. Together, these treatments can provide more comprehensive relief than either approach alone.
Your chiropractor can determine the optimal timing and sequencing of these treatments based on your specific condition. Some patients benefit from decompression therapy followed by adjustments in the same visit, while others may alternate between treatments on different days.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief
If you’re tired of living with back pain, numbness, or sciatica, spinal decompression therapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Keystone Chiropractic, our experienced team can evaluate your specific condition and determine whether spinal decompression therapy is appropriate for your situation. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include decompression therapy alongside other proven treatments to give you the best possible outcome.
Curious to learn more? Book your appointment with your Plano chiropractor today and discover whether spinal decompression therapy can help you return to the active, pain-free lifestyle you deserve.
