Back pain seems to be a part of life for many adults, and sadly, it is something many people choose to live with rather than contemplate surgery. The good news is there may be no need for invasive or surgical treatments. Chiropractic decompression therapy can be significantly beneficial for those living from a herniated or bulging disc – or other causes of back, neck, and extremity pain.
Decompression therapy may be the right solution for those tolerating ongoing back pain that doesn’t seem to improve with time. These therapy treatments may be suitable for those who have the following:
- Sciatica with accompanying pain, tingling, or weakness
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spinal injury
- Sustained nerve damage
- Lumbar back pain
What to Expect from Decompression Therapy
Chiropractic spinal decompression gently stretches the spine, altering its position and relieving pressure from the affected spinal discs and nerves. With regular chiropractic treatment, decompression therapy can help to encourage the movement of oxygen, water, and fluids rich in necessary nutrients to the discs, facilitating healing.
During spinal decompression treatments, patients lie on a motorized table which moves to create comfortable traction. Treatments are painless, with patients only experiencing a gentle pulling sensation on the spine. While some patients experience pain relief after only a few visits, others will require more sessions.
In most situations, the chiropractor administering these treatments will recommend a complete physical therapy program targeting all affected muscles.
Additional Chiropractic Techniques
In addition to decompression therapy and physical therapy, your chiropractor may suggest other forms of treatment to facilitate the healing process. These additional techniques may include Electrical Muscle Stimulation or Ultrasound Therapy.
These treatment methods stimulate the back, neck, and shoulder muscles to promote healing. These techniques may also ease the pain associated with a compressed spine during the spinal decompression process. All methods above are non-invasive, almost entirely pain-free, and require no recovery period.
Non-surgical spinal decompression requires no anesthesia, results in no scarring, poses no risk of infection, and requires no medication.
When Decompression Therapy is Not Appropriate
While decompression therapy represents a significant benefit to many, some scenarios do not lend themselves to the technique.
Your chiropractor will ask you about your health history and any underlying conditions you are currently experiencing in order to understand your comprehensive health situation. They will then evaluate your spine to determine if the treatment method is safe for your unique situation. Decompression therapy is typically not recommended for patients who have:
- Fractures of the spine or vertebrae
- Osteoporosis or degenerative bone disorders
- Tumors along the spine or in the back or neck
- Metal rods, plates, or implants in the back
- A history of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Spinal decompression is also not recommended for pregnant women. However, a chiropractor specializing in prenatal chiropractic care will be able to work with pregnant patients to find a safe treatment technique.
If you have had back surgery, it is vital to alert your chiropractor of this history before any treatment begins. If you are suffering from back pain but are unsure whether or not the conditions listed above are to blame, your chiropractors may order X-Rays to ensure the safest and most effective treatment.
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a Sarasota chiropractor dedicated to helping his patients achieve overall wellness and quality of life without drugs or surgery. If you live in the Sarasota area – or if you are visiting and are experiencing pain – we welcome your call to our offices at Integrated Chiropractic.
