Chiropractic decompression therapy is a beneficial and constructive method for those suffering with a herniated or bulging disc who would prefer a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment, as well as those struggling with many other forms of back pain. This type of therapy helps to create a passage of healing nutrients into the disc and promotes a healthier and more healing environment.
The modern spinal decompression procedure can effectively treat back, neck, leg, and arm pain. The therapy is most popular with sufferers of spinal disc herniation, degenerative spinal discs, and facet joint syndrome. Through specific body positioning and traction, pain from these common syndromes can be relieved and disability can be improved.
Before beginning chiropractic decompression therapy, educate yourself on what it entails and what to expect during decompression sessions with your chiropractor. Then, contact your local chiropractors at ChiroCare of Florida for information on beginning treatment.
Signs You Need Decompression Therapy
You may benefit from decompression therapy if you suffer from on-going back pain that does not improve with time. This non-surgical approach used by chiropractors can help address a variety of conditions. Spinal decompression therapy may be right for you if:
- You have sciatica with pain, tingling, or weakness in your legs
- You have a degenerative disk disease
- You have posterior facet syndrome
- You recently suffered a spinal injury or sustained nerve damage
- You frequently experience pain in your neck and/or back
- You are in need of treatment for lumbar back pain
- Other traditional chiropractic adjustments do not provide relief
- You are looking for a non-invasive spinal decompression treatment option
If you are in pain of any kind seek a consultation with a chiropractor at ChiroCare of Florida. Our doctors will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, examining many aspects of your spine, injuries you may have, and your overall wellness.
What to Expect from Spinal Decompression
Chiropractic spinal decompression is a motorized traction that is used to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with back, neck, leg, and arm problems. Put simply, this method works by gently stretching the spine. Through this stretching, the position of the spine is altered, thus taking pressure off of the affected spinal discs and removing pressure from the nerves and other structures in the spine. With continued treatment, chiropractic decompression therapy can help promote movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids to the discs so that they can heal quickly and properly.
Spinal Decompression Sessions
During spinal decompression sessions, you will lie on a motorized table. A harness is placed around the hips and is then connected to the lower half of the table. The upper part of the table will stay in its position as the lower half of the table slides up and down to create a comfortable traction for patients.
While lying down on the table, a computer system simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps spinal disc material to move toward its normal position. This will help to reduce spinal disc pressure and pain. Typically, treatments are gentle and painless, and you will not feel much more than a mild pulling sensation on the spine.
Additionally, treatment is customized based on your unique needs. The movement and force of the table is determined based on your body weight as well as the condition you are treating.
Length and Amount of Treatments Required
In most common cases, patients will attend roughly 15 to 20 decompression sessions, with treatment involving additional physical therapy. Each session will last between 45 minutes to an hour. The length of time each of your sessions will take depends on factors such as the patient’s specific condition and the severity of the problems and pain to be alleviated. While some patients experience relief after only a few sessions, others will take longer.
Are Therapeutic Exercises Required in Addition to Decompression Therapy?
Supporting spinal muscles through therapeutic exercises is often highly recommended, if not required, in conjunction with decompression sessions in order to achieve long term pain relief and treatment success. In most cases, your chiropractor will suggest a total physical therapy program targeting the function of all affected muscles. This is necessary because weakened spinal muscles can result in further stress on the spinal discs and lead to disc degeneration, pain, and loss of function.
Additional Chiropractic Techniques
In addition to therapeutic exercises recommended during decompression therapy, your chiropractor may advise that you receive other treatments to aid the process. These additional chiropractic techniques may include:
- Electrical Stimulation (E-STIM)
- Ultrasound Therapy
- Cryogenic Therapy
- Physical Therapy
These treatment techniques help heal and stimulate the muscles in your back, neck, and shoulders. They may also help alleviate the pain associated with having a compressed spine while your chiropractor works on the spinal decompression process. Each of these techniques are non-invasive, virtually pain-free, and require no recovery time. There are minimal, if any, side effects associated with these ancillary services.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy at ChiroCare of Florida is non-invasive and does not require any surgery. Trying this sort of therapy before going under the knife poses many benefits. Many individuals choose to steer clear of surgery if possible due to the many downsides. The benefits of non-surgical decompression therapy include:
- No down-time associated with the treatment
- No risk of reaction to anesthesia
- No lasting scars
- The ability to receive ancillary treatment techniques at the same time
- No risk of post-surgical infection
- No need for post-surgical medication
Surgery can be dangerous, and it is not always an option for some individuals. Underlying health conditions may make surgery more risky, whereas other people are allergic to general anesthesia. Doctors generally recommend that patients try non-invasive treatment options such as chiropractic decompression therapy before turning to surgical procedures.
Additionally, non-surgical spinal decompression is much less expensive than the opposing option.
Clinical Evidence & Decompression Therapy
Before you begin treatment, we understand that you want to feel comfortable and assured that decompression therapy is safe and effective. There is a significant body of clinical evidence in favor of the technique.
One study shows that more than 80% of patients report high levels of satisfaction with the method of treatment. On average, patients reported that their pain levels decreased from a 7 to a 3 on a scale of one to ten, over the course of one year.
Both men and women reported similar results, and there was no significant variation between age groups. Additionally, individuals who sustained an immediate injury, from a car accident for example, saw an improvement in pain that was similar to those who experienced chronic pain that lasted more than two years.
These results are promising, showing that decompression therapy can help individuals of all ages and backgrounds suffering from a various forms of back pain and injury.
When to Avoid Decompression Therapy
While decompression therapy is beneficial to many individuals, there are times when you should avoid the treatment. Our chiropractors will ask you a series of questions regarding your health history, any underlying conditions you may have, and evaluate your spine to ensure that the treatment technique is safe for you as an individual. Decompression therapy is contraindicated in patients with:
- Spine or vertebrae fractures
- Tumors along the spine or in the back or neck
- A history of abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Osteoporosis or degenerative bone disorders
- Metal plates, rods, or implants in the back
- Pregnant women
If you are unsure of whether or not you suffer from these conditions, or are currently pregnant, our chiropractors may order X-Rays to ensure that treatment is safe or recommend against it. You may also bring copies of your medical records for review before treatment begins. If you have had surgery on your back in the past it is essential that you make your chiropractor aware.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We know that back pain can make life difficult. You do not have to suffer without hope of relief. At ChiroCare of Florida we can holistically address your back, neck, shoulder, and muscle aches in a safe and non-invasive series of treatments.
If you believe chiropractic decompression therapy may be right for you, or if you would like further information on the topic, contact your local chiropractors at ChiroCare of Florida. Our trained and compassionate staff will be happy to assess your specific needs and walk you through your treatment options.
