Depending on the severity of the underlying problem, spinal decompression can range in price between $450 and $6,000. Generally, a person will require 15 to 20 sessions over a 6-week period to achieve full relief. However, you may need additional follow-up sessions to maintain comfort.
Chiropractors use a number of techniques to relieve pain and improve spinal function. Spinal decompression may be used with the chiropractor detects compression of spinal structures that cause pressure on muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. The techniques may be the best choice for ongoing discomfort from deteriorated discs or injury to the spine. Several types of spinal decompression are available. Your chiropractor will determine the best option for your individual needs. Most individuals need a number of sessions to fully resolve their symptoms.
Cost Associated with Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression typically requires a commitment of several sessions each week, for several weeks. Prices for a non-surgical spinal decompression session vary from around $30 to $200, depending on your area of the country. Insurance may cover traditional forms of the therapy, but other forms may require out-of-pocket costs to the patient. You should check with your insurance provider to determine if coverage is available. Medicare generally does not cover spinal decompression therapy.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a technique that was designed to gently separate spinal vertebrae to reduce pressure that often results from compression of the spinal structures. Both surgical and non-surgical decompression methods are available. Non-surgical spinal decompression involves using a mechanized device that produces the stretching process gradually and painlessly. The procedure increases the amount of blood that flows into spinal structures and stimulates production of healing natural chemicals that help to reduce discomfort.
Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression offers many benefits for patients. It quickly relieves pressure on nerves and muscles, for relief of pain. It increases blood circulation in the spinal column, which helps to heal herniated discs and other spinal structures. The gentle stretching also encourages the body to produce its own natural healing chemicals that improves repair of damaged tissues. Non-surgical spinal decompression is non-invasive, so there is no downtime for surgery and recovery. No strong drugs are used in the process, which means no unpleasant side effects. The procedure often helps improve comfort and function immediately, increasing the individual’s quality of life and their ability to perform normal daily tasks.
What Causes Spinal Disc Issues?
Degenerated Discs
The spinal discs are rounded pads of tissue that are filled with a gel-like substance that cushions the bones of the spine during normal movement. Over time, these discs can become damaged and fail to provide the cushioning needed during normal spinal movement. Individuals may experience pain during movement, due to pressure on related spinal structures.
Injuries to the Spine
Trauma to the spine can also lead to ongoing pain and poor spinal function. An injury may result from an auto accident, a fall or a hard impact during sports activities. The injury can dislodge the normal alignment of spinal structures, putting pressure on related nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motions that involve twisting or bending can put continuous pressure on spinal structures that lead to pain, stiffness and impaired function. These injuries often involve work tasks or actions performed during athletic activities that put repeated stress on the back and spine.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
A herniated or “bulging” disc is a common problem that occurs in adults. One of the discs that cushion the spinal vertebrae may become damaged or deteriorated and moves out of its normal position. The change in position leads to pain and poor function of the spine.
Age-Related Changes in the Spine
The normal wear and tear on the spine that occurs with aging can also lead to inflammation and the deteriorating effects of osteoarthritis, with pain and reduced flexibility. The physical changes in the bones of the spine can lead to compression of discs that can lead to chronic back pain or neck pain.
Types of Non-Surgical Treatments for Spinal Disc Issues
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic methods can often provide effective relief from back pain and symptoms of pinched nerves. It can be helpful for a number of spinal problems including stenosis, sciatica, herniated discs, degenerative disc conditions and scoliosis. Techniques may include manual adjustment of the spine, the use of specialized instruments, as well as a variety of soft tissue methods.
Physical Therapy and Exercise Programs
Frequently, a doctor will recommend physical therapy or corrective exercises to strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spinal column. These activities can help to reduce painful symptoms, improve flexibility and extend range of motion.
Electrical Stimulation and Massage Therapy
The use of electrical stimulation can help to relieve numbness and tingling associated with sciatica caused by disc problems. Massage therapy may also be administered to relieve pain and poor flexibility caused by compression of the spinal vertebrae.
Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy Options
Axial Decompression (ADT)
Axial spinal decompression uses a mechanized table that separates in the middle. The individual lies face down on the table, and a harness is fitted around the pelvis. The table then gently moves to separate the spinal vertebrae to relieve pressure. The table alternates between active stretching motions and resting periods.
Negative Pressure Decompression (NPD)
Negative pressure decompression uses computerized equipment that is able to target precise areas of the spine that need correction. A vacuum is created during the process that helps to re-position discs for symptom relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a lower back decompression cost
The cost of spinal decompression can depend on the severity of the problem. Generally, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Can I decompress my spine at home
Yes, you can decompress your spine at home, using stretching exercises or with the use of specialized equipment, such as an inversion table, pull-up bars, benches, dumbbells or lower back extension machines. However, you should always check with your healthcare provider before starting these activities to ensure you are able to do them safely.
Is it good to decompress your spine
Non-surgical spinal decompression has many benefits, such as increasing blood circulation to the spine, improving the production of natural healing chemicals and release of pressure on tender nerves.
How painful is spine decompression
Generally, spinal decompression is not a painful procedure. You may experience some feeling of stretching during the process. Your feedback is encouraged during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable.
Is spinal decompression a permanent fix
Non-surgical spinal decompression can be a permanent fix for some patients. Whether a patient will continue to experience relief from the therapy depends on the type of underlying problem is affecting the spine that is causing pain, stiffness or nerve issues.
How many sessions for spinal decompression
Generally, non-surgical spinal decompression sessions are administered 3 to 4 times each week over a period of 4 to 6 weeks, for full effect. However, your chiropractor will determine if fewer sessions are needed or if follow-up sessions would be helpful for your condition.
How long does back decompression last
Spinal decompression can often have lasting results, leading to permanent relief of back pain and stiffness. However, results can vary, depending on the underlying spinal problem. Some patients need periodic follow-up to continue to experience relief from symptoms.
What is the recovery time for spinal decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression requires no recovery time from the procedure itself. You can usually return to your usual activities directly after a session. Patients generally experience recovery from troublesome symptoms after 4 to 6 weeks, although some individuals may have relief immediately after initial treatments. By contrast, surgical spinal decompression takes up to 6 weeks for recovery, involves some pain during the healing process and may require physical therapy exercises to speed recovery.
Is spinal decompression covered by insurance
Spinal decompression therapy may or may not be covered by your individual health insurance. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they will cover the therapy, how much of it they will cover and if there are limitations on the type of decompression therapy that will be covered. If you are on Medicare, spinal decompression is generally not covered.
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy cost
The cost for spinal decompression therapy can vary, depending on the areas of the country and even the individual doctor. Individual sessions cost between $30 to $200, but the number of sessions needed to provide relief can add up to several thousand dollars. Medicare or other types of insurance generally don’t cover the cost of spinal decompression, so the cost is generally an out-of-pocket expense.
How long does spinal decompression last
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy varies in regard to how long the treatments provide relief, depending on the severity of the underlying condition. Some patients achieve immediate relief from symptoms. Other patients require follow-up sessions on a periodic basis to maintain consistent relief from discomfort. Individual sessions last from 30 to 45 minutes.
