Spinal Decompression for Herniated Discs

Spinal decompression for herniated discs is a modern approach to an ancient back pain treatment modality.  Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy which demonstrates very good curative results for herniated and degenerated intervertebral discs.

Spinal decompression is a growth sector within the established back pain treatment industry.  Many orthopedists, chiropractors and other types of care providers are investing themselves in decompression technology.  Spinal decompression offers care givers a chance to break the cycle of symptomatic back pain treatment and provide patients with a hope for a real and lasting cure for verified disc related pain syndromes.   Unlike the vast majority of traditional, complementary and alternative disc therapy options, which must be continued long term in order to remain effective, spinal decompression is finite in duration and generally enacts ongoing relief. 

There are many spinal decompression systems available with similar technologies vying for market share.  The most popular form of modern decompression is surely the DRX9000 unit, manufactured by Axiom Worldwide.  The 2 main competitors to the DRX system are the VAX-D, manufactured by Vax-D Medical Technologies, LLC and the AccuSpina System, developed by North American Medical Corp.  There are some differences between the systems and the protocols for treatment, but all work on the same general principles to provide pain relief.  Other forms of less technological spinal decompression include traditional medical traction, Cox Technic chiropractic and inversion therapy.

Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine and creating a vacuum effect in the intervertebral spaces.  This helps ease bulging discs back into place, taking pressure off possibly painful herniations.   Decompression also aids in taking stress off degenerated discs, helping to restore disc height and diameter in many patients.  Spinal decompression also helps to optimize the neuroforaminal openings, fighting off some possible sources of foraminal stenosis.  Finally, spinal decompression has shown positive results in treating some cases of facet syndrome and other types of spinal osteoarthritis.

Most patients should exhaust all more economical measures before considering spinal decompression.  This treatment is not cheap, but may be partially or totally covered by many major forms of health insurance.  Spinal decompression should definitely be a serious thought for patients facing any type of invasive herniated disc surgery.  Spinal surgery is a risky proposition and does not enjoy a very good reputation, based on usually poor curative results.  Remember, surgery is always still an option if decompression does not relieve your pain…

Spinal decompression generally takes about 1 month to complete.  The patient will often have to go to the care facility for treatment almost every day for the duration of the therapy.   Most treatment sessions take 30 to 45 minutes and may be supplemented by additional practices, such as TENS, hydrotherapy, ultrasonic heat or massage.  Once the treatment is complete, the patient should not have to return for treatment in the future, but some patients may find an occasional touch up may reinforce the permanency of the results. 

Spinal decompression is spreading all across the world as a viable noninvasive option for patients with diagnosed disc related pain and some forms of spinal arthritis.  The risks are low and the relief is real.  Best of all, there are none of the unpleasantries, functional limitations or tissue damage enacted by surgical interventions.  To learn more about spinal decompression, contact a qualified decompression care provide near you or talk to your doctor for additional information.