Spinal decompression involves stretching the spine while using a traction table. The goal is to relieve back pain and/or leg pain. Our chiropractor also works to promote an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerated, or herniated discs.
Spinal decompression is a type of therapy applied to the spine that brings patients many benefits. First, we attempt to create a negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or re-positioning of the herniated or bulging disc material. Secondly, we create a lower pressure in the disc that will cause an influx of healing nutrients as well as other substances into the disc.
COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
A herniated disc (also referred to as a protruding or extruded disc) is a condition where a portion of the gel-like center of the disc has migrated through the layers of the annulus fibrosis. This can cause mechanical pressure on neighboring structures and trigger chemical reactions resulting in pain and inflamma-tion. These changes will often irritate the nerves, producing numbness or tingling in the legs.
Degenerative disc disease is a state of dehydration and deterioration marked by the gradual erosion of the discs’ ability to distribute and resist mechanical loads. As discs deteroriate, they become more susceptible to injury from physical stress. Degenerative disc disease may also play a contributing role in conditions such as disc bulges, disc herniations, and stenosis.
FACET Syndrome: Facets are the posterior joints of the spine that aid in keeping the vertebrae aligned. Facet syndrome is often associated with injury or degeneration of the disc and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The pain generally increases with motion and is relieved by rest.
Sciatica is a condition often associated with a herniated disc by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur). When the injured disc compresses one of the spinal nerves forming the sciatic nerve, it can produce a shock-like pain that travels through the buttocks and down one leg to below the knee. Tingling and numbness are common in this condition. Sciatica can occur suddenly, or develop gradually. The pain and symptoms of sciatica can be intensified by coughing, sneezing, or sitting in the same position for prolonged periods of time.
WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR TREATMENT?
Patients that will benefit most from the DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Decompression System™ may be diagnosed with herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or facet syndrome
WHAT MAY I EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE OF TREATMENT?
Some patients may experience mild muscular soreness during or after treatment. The sensation would be similar to what a person might experience at the onset of a new exercise regimen. Most patients find this therapy quite comfortable and relaxing. During an average 30 minute treatment, most patients experience a gentle stretch in the lumbar spine and tend to fall asleep. Adjunctive therapies to non-surgical spinal decompression may include electrical stimulation and cold thera-py. Exercise and/or the use of a lumbar support belt may be prescribed to support the benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and may improve patient compliance.