Spinal Decompression Therapy: Relieving Pain and Restoring Mobility

Chronic back pain or sciatica can ruin your daily life. But you do not have to suffer anymore. Spinal decompression therapy can ease your pain by creating more space for your spine. You can choose between nonsurgical or surgical options, depending on your needs.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Imagine your spine as a string of beads with cushions between them. The beads are your vertebrae, the bones that support your body. The cushions are your discs, which absorb shocks and let you move. The string is your spinal cord, the nerve highway connecting your brain and body. The nerves branch out from the cord and exit through gaps between the beads.

Now imagine that some cushions get squished, torn, or worn out. They push on the string or the nerves, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Or imagine that some of the beads grow spurs or shrink the gaps, squeezing the string or the nerves. This also causes pain and other problems.

Spinal decompression therapy can fix these problems by gently pulling the beads apart. This creates more room for the cushions and the nerves. It also helps blood and nutrients reach them, allowing them to heal and reducing pain.

How Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Work?

Spinal decompression therapy can happen in two ways: nonsurgically or surgically.

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

This treatment uses a device that stretches your spine with gentle force. You will lie on a table, wear a harness, or strap on a belt that connects to a machine. The machine pulls your spine in different directions, making more space for your discs and vertebrae.

You can get this treatment at a clinic from a professional like a physical therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist. Sessions last approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and you may need 15 to 30 sessions over four to six weeks. You may also get other treatments like heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage, or exercises to make it more effective.

Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

This treatment involves cutting out part of the disc, vertebrae, or other structures that squeeze your spinal cord or nerves. The type of surgery depends on where and how bad the compression is.

You need an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. You may get general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The recovery time varies with the surgery and your health. You may stay in the hospital for one to five days and need physical therapy and medication for weeks or months.
 

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy can help with chronic back pain or sciatica from spinal compression.

You can enjoy these benefits:
 

• Less pain and swelling

• More movement and function

• Better life and wellness

• No need or less need for surgery

Spinal decompression therapy also has some drawbacks and risks. You might feel pain, stiffness, or spasms for a while. You might injure your spine or blood vessels, get an infection, bleed, or damage your nerves from surgery.

You might also need more surgery or treatments if the first one does not work or wears off. Talk to your healthcare provider about these factors before you try spinal decompression therapy.

Conclusion

Do you have chronic back pain or sciatica from spinal problems? Spinal decompression therapy might help you. But it is not for everyone. Some conditions can make it risky or ineffective. Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify. They will check your spine and health and suggest the best treatment.

For more on spinal decompression therapy, visit Evon Chiropractic at our Yardley, Pennsylvania, office. Call (215) 642-0900 to schedule an appointment today.