Spinal Decompression - A Solution to Nagging Back Pains

Spinal Decompression Is An Antidote To Back Pain

Today, there is a new ray of hope for those afflicted with chronic neck and back pain due to sciatica, herniated or bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease. A modern procedure called Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can help such type of patients to resume a normal life routine . Since back injury with resulting back pain is the leading Workmen's Comp injury and the main reason for disability in people under 45, news of a new treatment is most welcome.

Common causes of pain include injuries sustained from car accident, fall or trauma relative form. With many other sufferers, back or neck pain is the result of long-term repetitive stress due to an occupation, poor spinal posture, aging and slow deterioration of spinal health. Injuries to cervical spine of the neck and the lumbar spine of the lower back are not unusual.

Root Causes of Back Pain

To understand how Spinal Decompression relieves pain, you first must understand what causes the pain. The spinal column is composed of 25 vertebrae and between each are intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbing shields, making possible the spine to bend, twist and turn. Healthy discs refer to tough cartilage pads with thick and flexible features containing an inner jelly-like component. Discs compress when pressure is put upon them and are similar to a sponge; when you squeeze it, the water is forced out of the sponge. When the pressure is removed, the sponge 'sucks the water' back into it.

The procedure starts with the compression and bulging out of the jelly-like material within the disk causing pressure on a spinal nerve which interferes with normal blood circulation. If it ruptures or tears it becomes a herniated disc often known as a 'slipped disc', ruptured disc or 'blown out disc'. Deficient in proper nutrients and oxygen as time passes by, the unhealthy disc flattens, becoming stiff and hard just like a dry sponge, leading to degenerative disc disease.

Disc pressure on the spinal nerve can lead to back or leg pain, possibly numbness and tingling called Sciatica. This excruciating pain which can also affect the thigh to the lower leg and foot can surface unexpectedly. Also known as 'pinched nerve', the pain can turn acute, prolonged and debilitating and often accompanied by muscle weakness. Cervical spine injuries cause much the same symptoms only numbness and tingling occur in the arms and hands. The bottom line is that these disorders can lead to severe, nagging chronic low back or neck pain.

The Theory Behind Spinal Decompression Therapy

Standard treatments consist of physical/chiropractic therapy, epidural injections, (an injection into the epidural space of the spinal cord), treatment with NSAIDs,(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). If the outcome is not successful, surgery option is resorted to. Statistics show that back surgery is the second most common surgical procedure performed today. Results sometime fail to live up to expectations and some patients even complain of post-surgical difficulties.

Spinal Decompression Therapy is machine aided that makes use of FDA compliant medical technology to undertake the gentle stretching of the spine, gradually reducing the pressure on the affected discs by slowly drawing the vertebrae apart. disc decompression yields a negative pressure causing a vacuum effect, reducing the size of the herniation. Just like the dry sponge will 'suck up' water, the jelly-like substance is drawn back into the disc, decreasing pressure on the nerve root and relieving pain and numbness. The necessary nutrients are supplied into the disc, helping it heal and return to its normal size. The vertebral height expands to allow more space for the disc as compression is relieved.

The treatment procedure requires the patient to wear a strap properly wrapped around the pelvis and chest. As the patient lies on a special table, the treatment starts with the aid of a computerized program. The duration for each treatment is around 20 to 45 minutes and most patients report no discomfort; while many find their symptoms decreasing after only a few sessions. The average length of treatment is 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks.

Therapy may also include ultrasound treatments, electric stimulation, hot or cold packs to the affected area plus a specific exercise program. Patients are encouraged to consume ½ gallon of water daily and take in necessary nutritional supplements to fast track the healing process of the injured discs. Insurance plans offer varying coverage.

Certain conditions are contraindications to Non-surgical Spinal Decompression: severe osteoporosis, myelitis, anlylosing spondylitis, fracture, surgical procedures where there are metal implants such as screws or rods, cancer and spinal tumors. For applicable conditions, this treatment is a sigh of relief from chronic and debilitating pain.