What Is Spinal Decompression? Answers To Your Questions About Spinal Decompression

Modern lifestyles have been largely blamed for a plethora of health complaints. One of these areas is the high prevalence of back and neck pain which has pervaded society at an alarming rate. Due to the constant strain that contemporary lifestyle puts on our body, the American Chiropractors Association (ACA) has reported that one half of all working Americans complain about back pain every year and that this is one of the main reasons for missing work. If you are accounted for in these statistics, you might be looking for a solution to your back pain and spinal decompression, which has created a reprieve for many patients, could work for you. So, what is spinal decompression?

The Basics of Spinal Decompression
Simply put, this is a spinal disc rehabilitation technique used by chiropractors by utilizing FDA approved equipment and technology. This technique works by stretching the spine and relieving pressure on the spinal discs. The procedure can either be surgical or non-surgical and due to the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression, this analysis will focus on the same. The technique works by unloading due to distraction and positioning which separates the spinal vertebrates from each other and create a vacuum effect, or negative intradiscal pressure, inside the disc that is being targeted.

The effect of this negative pressure is retraction of bulging or herniated discs, which cause much of the pain and irritation, into the main disc. This is what chiropractors aim to achieve during spinal decompression. The pain discerned in most of the lumbar region emanates from the pressure applied on the nerves in this region and when that is relieved, through sequential sessions over some time, you will feel better and your mobility will be greatly enhanced. Spinal decompression is also critical in allowing more oxygen into this region and this can eventually lead to healing of the degenerative discs.

How a Spinal Decompression Session is done
At this point, you might be wondering what will happen during this therapy. Many advances in medical technology have been made since the 1980s when the technology was first used. You will not need to undress and a pelvic harness will be fitted as well as a thoracic one across the chest before you lie on a table face down. The table is automatically controlled through an on-board computer which determines the angle and force of distraction. The table thus enables the application of traction force to the spinal discs which over time will induce the vacuum effect. Each session takes about 30-45 minutes though this can vary depending on your condition.

Now that you appreciate what spinal decompression is, the obvious question is whether you can benefit from this therapy option. A consultation with your doctor and chiropractor is essential before undergoing spinal decompression. Some of the conditions that might be improved upon include back and neck pain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, worn spinal discs among others. However, if you have a fracture, tumor, mental implants or advanced osteoporosis you cannot undergo spinal decompression due to the heath risks involved.

This is one of the safest and most convenient therapeutic solutions for your back pain and the fact that all the equipment is FDA approved makes it even more ideal. The cost is also lower than surgical procedures which might lead to complications around the highly sensitive spinal region.