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Spinal Decompression Therapy Explained

Spinal Decompression Therapy Explained

If you have been struggling with chronic back, neck or sciatic pain, you do not have to live with the pain! spinal decompression therapy is a painless, non-surgical, drug-free way to help relieve chronic back, neck and sciatic pain. Continue reading to learn how spinal decompression works and why it’s an option worth exploring. 

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy utilizes a type of motorized traction that involves stretching the spine with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. The bones of the spine are slowly separated, and pressure is slowly reduced within the disc until a vacuum is formed. This vacuum creates negative pressure and space within the disc to allow disc fluid to move back into place. This reduces the bulge or herniation of the disc and creates an environment where the disc can receive more nutrients and therefore be able to heal more effectively.

Spinal Compression Is Used to Treat:

  • Back, neck or sciatica pain
  • Bulging or herniated disks
  • Degenerative disk disease
  • Worn Spinal Joints (posterior facet syndrome)
  • Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots

When Do You Use Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is for patients looking for a non-surgical and non-drug approach to relieving chronic back pain, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Spinal decompression is also used for patients that present with an MRI that confirms herniated discs causing nerve pressure. However, spinal decompression treatments cannot be used for patients who are pregnant or suffering from spinal fractures, tumours of the spine, abdominal aortic aneurysm, severe osteoporotic disease, or metal implantations in their spine. 

What Are Spinal Decompression Treatments Like?Spinal Decompression Therapy Table

During spinal decompression treatments, fully clothed patients are secured into a harness that is attached to the motorized table. The practitioner will program the table for your treatment and the amount of traction your spine will go through. Depending on the treatment, you will be lying either face-up or face down. Each session lasts no longer than 15-20 minutes. You will feel pressure applied to your lower back and will feel as though you are being “stretched out.” You should not feel any pain during spinal decompression therapy.

How Long Until You See Results?

Before and After Spinal Decompression Therapy

Individual results vary; however, most patients notice a difference within their first 5-6 spinal decompression therapy treatments and experience pain relief within as few as 6-10 treatments.

Not only is spinal decompression painless – patients often enjoy the relief they feel from their symptoms when they are on the table being decompressed. Most patients will need to come in for treatment three times a week for one month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as their bodies respond and will also be prescribed a customized exercise program to target the areas that require more stabilization.

Clinical results show that spinal decompression has been effective in over 75% of patients treated. In addition, most patients found long-term relief or effective management of pain when they completed their spinal decompression treatments. Your practitioner may also recommend additional treatment modalities such as heat/cold therapy, electric stimulation, K-Laser and home exercises.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

  1. Provides pain relief by relieving tension in tight, spasming or injured muscles. Spinal decompression helps to stimulate the nervous system to release neuro-chemical signals that have an analgesic effect on the body. 
  2. Promotes the healing of spinal disc tissues by imposing a vacuum-like force on the spinal discs, which helps to draw healing fluids, cells, and other substances toward the damaged tissue. 
  3. Helps restore normal spinal joint and disc alignment with the same vacuum-like force. That vacuum-like force helps to align the joints and discs which prevents further pain, inflammation, impaired mobility, and dysfunction.
  4. Relieves pressure on spinal nerves by increasing the space around the nerves which allows them to begin healing.

For More Information on Spinal Decompression Therapy (and Whether It’s Right for You):

Contact Diversified Health Clinic at 250-382-0018 to find out more about spinal decompression treatments, or book with our practitioners online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

#physiotherapy #chiropractic #backpain #chronicbackpain #victoriabc #sciatica #degenerativedisc

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Gardening Guidelines For A Healthy Spine

It’s that time of year again when the garden beckons for our attention! After a few months of inactivity – for the garden blossoms and your outdoor gardening activity – it’s easy to overdo it when you do get back outside.

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you venture into the wilds of your yard this spring:

 

  • Avoid bending with your low back.
    • Squat with your knees, or kneel down on both knees with one arm out creating a “tripod” effect for stabilization. Or better yet, sit on a small stool or using a kneeling bench for comfort on your knees
  • Use caution when pulling on stubborn weeds.
    • Sudden jerking or twisting motions as roots give way can cause problems with your spine.
  • Carry heavy or awkward objects close to your body.
    • “Hug” items in tight to you. Keeping the load close to your center of gravity reduces the risk of strain on your neck and back.
  • Stay hydrated. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
    • You are expending energy, remember to drink water often. While the sun may seem weak still in the early season, even mild sunlight can cause damage if you’re not careful.
  • Stretch often and take movement breaks as much as you can.
    • Staying in one position for long periods of time isn’t healthy for your body. Remember to stand up and stretch every now and then. Take a stroll along your yard to keep joints moving and limber while you admire your work.
  • Be body aware.
    • Be aware of your posture and use good placement. When mowing the lawn, stand upright and maintain good core body position. Rake using both arms for a balanced impact on your body.
  • When shovelling, point your feet where the dirt goes.
    • No twisting and turning while you toss those shovels of dirt out of your way. As a rule of thumb, toes always point in the direction you are throwing the dirt.

 

With some attention to alignment and proper rest breaks, your forays into the garden this spring can be injury free for your spinal health.

 

If you do notice any twinges or pains that don’t go away after some rest and stretching, consult your medical professional such as a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Registered Massage Therapist to help with assessing your body’s needs.

 

Enjoy the gardening and stay healthy!

 

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