Nonsurgical spinal decompression uses gentle traction to stretch and reposition the spine. This relieves the pressure and nerve irritation caused by malfunctioning discs and other issues in the spinal column, such as worn spinal joints.
Your spinal column is a complex structure that’s comprised of discs, joints, and other systems that must work in tandem to function normally. For instance, the discs in your back form a cushion between the joint spaces in your spine. These discs contain a gel-like substance that’s surrounded by a tough, rubbery coating. When a disc in your back becomes herniated, the inner substance begins to bulge out of place and irritate the nerves in the spinal column. This can cause pain, numbness and tingling in your back neck, and legs.
Your clinician may recommend spinal decompression for conditions that don’t respond to other chiropractic treatment. These issues include:
During spinal decompression therapy, you remain clothed and lie comfortably on a padded treatment table. A harness placed around the hips and trunk is attached to the lower portion of the table near your feet. The lower segment of this specially designed table slides to provide gentle cycles of traction and relaxation of the spine. A computer operated by your chiropractor controls the table’s movement.
A session lasts from 30-45 minutes. It typically requires 15-30 sessions over 4-6 weeks to see significant results. You should feel a stretching sensation in the spine, but when it’s performed correctly, nonsurgical decompression itself causes no pain during or after the procedure. This is quite different than the long and often painful recovery that surgical decompression entails.
Treatment methods vary according to the conditions causing your pain. Only your doctor can determine if you have the type of issues that respond to nonsurgical decompression. You may not be a candidate for this treatment if you are pregnant or have:
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!