Are Spinal Decompression Treatments Effective in Reducing Back Pain?

You may have not heard of Spinal Decompression Therapy. This FDA approved rehabilitation method for spinal disc pain works by gently stretching and decompressing the spine. The decompression is done by a machine that mechanically stretches the spine slowly and gently. This action takes pressure off the compressed spinal discs.

Over a series of visits to the medical office, cycles of decompression and partial relaxation are used to enhance the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids to the inside of the discs from the outside. The therapy accomplishes this by manipulating the spine in various directions, which can reduce the size of bulging or herniated discs. This then allows any torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin the healing process.

Use has been made of traditional "static" traction spinal therapy has been used for a long time. Static traction means that the pressure applied at a steady amount, then released. Though some patients have reported reduced pain with this therapy, the problem is that muscular spasms can occur as a side effect of the treatments. This newer therapy differs from the older one primarily in the way that pressure is applied in intermittent amounts, rather than static.

The possibility of muscle spasms is significantly reduced in the new therapy Because it is intermittent, and causes nutrients to be injected into the spinal discs. This new therapy can cause a suction that pulls water and nutrients into the disc, thereby reducing pain and increase healing. If you have a herniated disc the intermittent decompression can draw these fluids back into the disc, thereby reversing the cause of the pain to a certain extent.

The cost of the new therapy will vary between individual patients. Although the costs of individual sessions vary between $35 and $100, the main determinant of overall cost is the number of sessions a person needs. An average is around 20 to 50 sessions, but some people need many more, some less. While many have reported quick results, some others have required 20 or more sessions before experiencing any pain reduction. Also there is a significant minority that did not feel any reduction in pain from the therapy.

The FDA has authorized the use of spinal decompression machines, but currently there is very little clinical evidence that this new therapy works. The few studies that have been done reported little to no advantage. In fact, a number of therapy providers have been sued in court for making claims of improvement that they could not substantiate.

Because there is little research available there are not many insurance companies that would be willing to pay for this type of therapy. Regardless of these circumstances, the use of the new decompression machines is starting to gain in popularity, with many installed in local chiropractic offices. In addition, many financially well off people are even buying their own machine, even though they cost several thousand dollars, just so they can have a therapy session at their convenience.

Spinal decompression therapy's great attraction is the non-surgical out-patient nature of the procedure. Even though little hard evidence for success exists, there have been many reports of significant reductions in pain after having the therapy. In fact, Patients reporting at least some improvement exceed 80% in some clinics. Due to the completely subjective nature of these reports, each person will have to make up their own mind about getting spinal decompression therapy.