If you suffer from chronic neck pain, back pain, or tingling and numbness in an extremity, you may have a compressed spinal nerve, herniated disc or degenerative disc. This potentially debilitating problem can stem from any spinal obstruction that interferes with normal nerve function. Fortunately, you can find relief through non-surgical spinal decompression.
Before you sign up for a major surgical procedure to free trapped spinal nerve tissue, you’ll want to learn all you can about non-surgical spinal decompression, from its advantages over surgery to the conditions and symptoms it can successfully treat. Start by studying the following four key points about this non-invasive alternative.
1. It Can Treat Many Conditions
Your spinal cord, the main conduit for information between the body and brain, relays its signals through major nerve branches that jut out from it. These nerve branches thread their way through narrow spaces, surrounded by vertebrae and vertebral discs. Medical problems or injuries can cause these structures to push against the nerve branches.
Issues that can cause spinal nerve compression include spinal stenosis, deterioration of the facet joints that connect vertebrae, degenerative disc disease and a herniated or bulging disc. Non-surgical spinal decompression can successfully treat these conditions to relieve sciatica and spinal pain without drugs.
2. It Decompresses the Spine Safely and Easily
The first time you undergo non-surgical decompression, you may find yourself surprised by the ease and simplicity of the procedure. Your chiropractor harnesses you to a special treatment table that has digitally controlled motorized sections. You simply lie comfortably on the table as the treatment progresses and the doctor oversees your care.
Based on the location and severity of your spinal condition, your chiropractor will program the table to apply careful, precise degrees of flexion-distraction force. This force pulls on the spinal column to create a little more space between vertebrae. This action also creates a vacuum pressure that pulls discs away from pinched nerves, pulls herniated disc tissue back in and pumps fluid into degenerative discs.
A typical non-surgical spinal decompression session takes no more than 45 minutes. Although typical sessions are about 15-30 minutes. As the patient gets accustomed to the therapy, the treatment force and time can gradually be increased. However, your chiropractor may recommend that you schedule multiple sessions over a couple of months to derive maximum benefit from the technique.
3. It Offers Many Advantages Over Surgical Spinal Decompression
Traditionally, doctors have performed surgery to decompress pinched spinal nerves. The surgery may involve the removal of damaged discs or bone spurs as well as the fusion of the vertebrae with metal hardware. These procedures can cause postoperative pain, require extensive downtime, and occasionally fail to relieve symptoms.
By contrast, non-surgical spinal decompression requires no incisions, no removal of spinal structures, and no fusion of vertebrae that would limit your spinal mobility. You get reliable relief from your symptoms with no recuperation period, none of the risks associated with major surgery, and no discomfort apart from mild, temporary soreness.
4. It Works Well With Other Non-Invasive Therapies
Non-surgical spinal decompression may count as only one part of a holistic chiropractic care plan for your particular spinal challenge. This form of treatment works well in conjunction with other safe, non-invasive treatments such as cold laser therapy, massage therapy, electrostimulation, and dry needling.
In addition to the decompression sessions you receive at the chiropractor’s office, you may also benefit from home-based exercises to help you maintain your results. Your doctor will provide instructions on exercises that involve overhead stretches, hanging by your arms from an overhead bar, or side stretches performed while lying on your side if they feel these will help in your care.
Holistic Health Center, P.C., can help you determine whether non-surgical spinal decompression makes sense for your individual needs. In addition to providing this form of treatment, we also offer a wide range of complementary treatments as part of a holistic healing plan. Contact our chiropractic office today.
