Spinal Decompression Offers Freedom From Back Pain

Spinal Decompression Is The Ultimate Back Pain Reliever

Today, there’s new hope for sufferers of chronic neck and back pain due to sciatica, herniated or bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease. A recently developed procedure, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, offers patients a chance of resuming a normal life, without medications or surgery . Since back injury with resulting back pain is the leading Workmen’s Comp injury and the main reason for disability in people under 45, news of a new treatment is indeed consoling.

Common causes of pain include injuries sustained from car accident, fall or trauma relative form. Back or neck pain strikes more casualties since it could be the result of long time iterative stress arising from occupation, improper spinal posture, aging and fast deterioration of spinal condition. The cervical spine of the neck and the lumbar spine of the lower back are most commonly injured.

The Culprits Behind Back Pain

The best way to understand Spinal Decompression as a pain reliever is to understand the triggering factors of pain. The spinal column is composed of  25 vertebrae and between each are intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbing shields, and allowing the spine to bend, twist and turn.  Healthy discs refer to tough cartilage pads with thick and flexible features containing an inner jelly-like component. Discs compress when pressure is put upon them and are similar to a sponge; when you squeeze it, the water is forced out of the sponge. When the pressure is removed, the sponge ‘sucks the water’ back into it.

The procedure starts with the compression and bulging out of the jelly-like material within the disk causing pressure on a spinal nerve which interferes with normal blood circulation. If ruptures or tears take place, this can lead to a herniated disc often known as a ‘slipped disc’, ruptured disc or ‘blown out disc’. As it is deprived of nutrients and oxygen over time, the unhealthy disc flattens, and becomes stiff and solid similar to the case of a dry sponge which can lead to degenerative disc disease.

Disc pressure on the spinal nerve causes back or leg pain, possibly numbness and tingling called Sciatica. This excruciating pain which can also affect the thigh to the lower leg and foot can surface unexpectedly. Often referred to as a ‘pinched nerve’, the pain can be acute, prolonged and debilitating, often with muscle weakness.  Cervical spine injuries cause much the same symptoms only numbness and tingling occur in the arms and hands. Ultimately, these disorders result in severe, nagging chronic low back or neck pain.

Theoretical Aspects of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Standard treatments include physical/chiropractic therapy, epidural injections, (an injection into the epidural space of the spinal cord), treatment with NSAIDs,(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). If the outcome is not successful, surgery option is resorted to. Based on statistical information, back surgery is the second most popular ailment which warrants surgical procedure. Results are not always spectacular and some patients have even more post-surgical difficulties.

Spinal Decompression Therapy is machine based that makes use of FDA compliant medical technology to undertake the gentle stretching of the spine, gradually reducing the pressure on the affected discs by slowly drawing the vertebrae apart. disc decompression yields a negative pressure causing a vacuum effect, reducing the size of the herniation. Similar to the way a dry sponge sucks up water, the jelly-like substance is drawn back into the disc, decreasing pressure on the nerve root and relieving pain and numbness. Nutrients are drawn into the disc, helping it heal and return to its normal size. The vertebral height is increased to allow more space for the disc as compression is relieved.

During a treatment, the patient wears a harness which is fitted around his pelvis and chest. He lies on a special table, operated by a computerized program specifically developed to treat his spinal disorder. The duration for each treatment is around 20 to 45 minutes and most patients report no discomfort; while many find their symptoms decreasing after only a few sessions. The average length of treatment is 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks.

Therapy procedure may also consist of ultrasound treatments, electric stimulation, hot or cold packs to the affected area plus a specific exercise program. Patients are encouraged to take in at least ½ gallon of  fluid daily and take in necessary nutritional supplements to fast track the healing process of the injured discs. In terms of insurance coverage, this is on a case to case basis.

Certain conditions are contraindications to Non-surgical Spinal Decompression: severe osteoporosis, myelitis, anlylosing spondylitis, fracture, surgical procedures where there are metal implants such as screws or rods, cancer and spinal tumors. For applicable conditions, this treatment is a sigh of relief from chronic and debilitating pain.