Spinal Decompression For Degenerative Disc Disease

Aging brings about several changes in the human anatomy, as our bodies become more susceptible to wear and tear. A common condition that arises because of aging is called Degenerative Disc Disease, and it is a condition that can also be passed on genetically.

Degenerative Disc Disease, however, is neither a real disease nor does it mean that the condition's symptoms worsen over time. Degenerative Disc Disease is the degeneration of the lumbar discs in the spine due to inflammation or damaging of the outer rings of the disc, which prevents it from resisting force and motion. The degeneration of the discs results in spinal compression as vertebral bodies move closer to one another.

The lumbar discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the spine. They oppose a great amount of force in multiple planes of motion to protect the spine and vertebrae. Their degeneration commonly causes chronic lower back pain and at times severe back pain, which is felt more when sitting rather than when standing. Activities such as bending and lifting worsen the pain. Other symptoms also include pain, numbness, and tingling of the legs.

Non-surgical spinal decompression is one method of treating Degenerative Disc Disease. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, cost-effective, and non-invasive way of treating Degenerative Disc Disease and other chronic spinal conditions. This treatment proceeds by using a machine, the DRX 9000, which applies a gentle force that decompress the injured discs and vertebrae, and therefore, provides immediate and gradual back pain relief. Decompression works by elongating the spine in order to release the pressure from the injured discs and vertebrae.

In treating Degenerative Disc Disease, decompression reduces the pressure in the disc space and restores homeostasis (balance) on the discs, thereby reducing and eliminating painful symptoms and allowing healing to take place as oxygen and nutrients enter the injured discs. An advantage of treatment by spine decompression therapy is being able to control the rate of decompression through the machine. As a result, the patient does not endure excess stress compared to other decompression treatments. This is also ensured by the fact that the treatment incorporates rest in between the slow and gentle process of stretching the spine.

Spinal decompression has proven to be a more effective way of treating Degenerative Disc Disease than traditional spinal surgery, and fewer analgesics (pain killers) are required to be taken after the therapy.