Spinal Decompression (Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression)

​​​​​​​A Guide to Herniated Disc Treatments with Spinal Decompression

Chronic back pain and its accompanying symptoms can impact your daily life. That can cause you to seek relief and occupy your daily thoughts. You do not have to opt for a surgical solution or accept a fate of chronic lumbar discomfort. Instead, consider exploring Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression therapy. A trained doctor can prescribe this non-surgical option whenever deemed necessary.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Discs cushion the vertebrae that make up the spine. These discs serve as shock absorbers. They have a round shape, like small pillows, with a solid outer layer surrounding the nucleus.

A herniated disc is a piece of the nucleus pushed out of the annulus and into the spinal canal. That usually happens through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Herniated discs often occur in the early stages of degeneration. They occur both in the lower back and neck.

The limited space in the spinal canal can cause problems. That happens when the displaced disc fragment presses on the spinal nerves and spinal cord. That often leads to severe pain. The particular area of the pain depends on the specific part of the spine affected.

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Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

Chiropractors trained in this specific non-spinal decompression therapy relieve back and neck pain with its radiating leg/arm pains as well. They hasten the healing of herniated, bulging, or degenerating discs. A specially designed equipment gradually stretches the spine during treatment. That releases pressure from the spinal discs, creating a slight vacuum. That may help treat herniated or bulging discs and improve the flow of nutrients.

The recommended treatment schedule generally calls for daily sessions for the first two weeks. Afterward, recommended three sessions per week for 4-6 weeks. Finally, patients need two sessions per week followed by reduced visits according to the specific treatment program designed by the treating doctor.

The Theory of Spinal Decompression

The use of spinal decompression stems from the same concept of spinal distraction. Healthcare professionals such as chiropractors and osteopaths have offered spinal distraction for many years. Both techniques aim to alleviate pain. They also create an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. Spinal decompression is a form of distraction therapy applied to the spine to achieve the following:

• Generating a negative intra-discal pressure to encourage the relocation or retraction of bulging or herniated disc material.

• Creating a lower pressure within the disc, leading to an increased flow of healing nutrients and other substances.

What Can it Treat?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment option for back and neck pain, sciatica, and worn spinal joints. It can also treat damaged or diseased spinal roots in addition to bulging, degenerating, and herniated discs.

Doctors have used nonsurgical spinal decompression in an attempt to treat:

• Back or neck pain or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg

• Bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disc disease

• Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome)

• Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots

• Numbness, tingling, and weakness.
  
  

It may provide relief from back pain for those looking for a minimally invasive option to surgery or medication. To maximize results, healthcare professionals can use it with additional therapies.

Who Should Not Have Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression?

Ask your doctor whether or not you are a good candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression. It is best not to try it if you are pregnant. People with any of these conditions should also not have nonsurgical spinal decompression:

• Fracture

• Tumor

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

• Advanced osteoporosis

• Metal implants in the spine
  
  

It is best to discuss your candidacy for non-surgical spinal decompression therapy with your doctor before beginning treatment. Depending on your specific requirements, the cost of the treatment may vary. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if your plan covers this alternative treatment.​​​​​​​
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​​​​​​​For more on non-surgical spinal decompression, at Marlboro Chiropractic Health at Marlboro, Massachusetts, office. Call (508) 481-1133 to schedule an appointment today.