Generally, individuals benefit from 2 to 5 spinal decompression sessions over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. However, your healthcare provider may decide on fewer or more sessions, depending on your individual needs. Decompression therapy works by gently separating the spinal vertebrae, so that the bones, discs and nerves can fall back into their natural position.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is often to correct a number of spinal problems and can be utilized to relieve common symptoms, such as back or neck pain, impaired flexibility and pinched nerves. Spinal decompression is performed over a period of time on a schedule that is designed for the patient’s individual needs.
Table of Contents
ToggleUnderstanding Spinal Decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression is an accepted method of managing common misalignments of the spine that lead to pain and problems with mobility.
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a healing method that is used to treat displacements of the vertebrae that cause pressure on spinal discs and nerves.
How does spinal decompression work?
Spinal decompression uses devices, exercises and natural forces to stretch out the spine, relieving pressure on structures that can occur as a result of misalignment of the vertebrae.
Benefits of spinal decompression therapy
The benefits of spinal decompression include reduced pain, better flexibility and improved movement for everyday activities.
Frequency of Spinal Decompression Sessions
Depending on the cause of the spinal misalignment, your chiropractor may recommend up to 20 to 30 decompression sessions over several weeks.
Recommended frequency of treatment sessions
For active symptoms, spinal decompression should be performed several times a week, over several weeks. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule for your individual needs.
Factors that determine how often you should do spinal decompression
The type of spinal problem you have and the severity of damage to vertebrae will determine how often you should undergo spinal decompression sessions.
Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan will be designed to care for your unique needs.
Creating a personalized treatment plan
Your healthcare provider will design your care plan determined by the severity of your spinal problem, the type of problem you have and your ability to schedule sessions.
Setting goals for spinal decompression therapy
Your chiropractor will set goals for your therapy in regard to pain reduction, improvement in flexibility and decrease in nerve pain, numbness and weakness affecting the extremities.
Duration of Treatment
Spinal decompression therapy can take place over a few sessions or over several weeks.
Length of each session
Typically, a decompression session can last between 30 to 45 minutes.
Total duration of treatment program
A typical spinal decompression therapy plan will last from 4 to 6 weeks. However, your healthcare professional may determine that fewer or more session are needed.
Monitoring Progress
Your chiropractor or other health professional will carefully monitor your progress throughout your care plan to ensure safety and efficacy of results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you decompress your spine?
Spinal decompression should be done several times a week to relieve symptoms, either with your chiropractor or with at-home exercises.
How many spinal decompression sessions are needed?
Generally, you will have spinal decompression therapy for about 20 to 30 sessions.
How long does spinal decompression therapy last?
Relief from spinal decompression therapy can last for days or weeks, depending on the underlying spinal problem that is causing symptoms. Your lifestyle, activity level and age can affect the duration of relief from symptoms.
Is spinal decompression a permanent fix?
For some patients, non-surgical spinal decompression can be a permanent fix, if the vertebral misalignment is not severe and the technique is able to correct minor spinal issues.
Can I decompress my spine everyday?
Yes, a number of at-home exercises are recommended to relieve discomfort from pressure on vertebrae, discs and nerves connected to the spinal column. There are spinal decompression devices on the market, which should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure that they don’t cause further damage to the vertebrae.
Can you do spinal decompression everyday?
Individuals can do some form of spinal decompression on a daily basis if they find it helps to relieve pain and poor flexibility.
What are the drawbacks of spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression cannot be used for individuals who have metal supports inserted into their spinal columns, those who have fractured vertebrae or those who have tumors of the spine. These individuals can experience additional damage as a result of decompression therapy.
How fast does spinal decompression work?
Spinal decompression therapy can help to relieve discomfort immediately for some people. Other individuals may require.
What not to do after spinal decompression therapy?
Some patients experience soreness or muscle spasms after a decompression session. You can relieve these problems by resting and applying ice packs to the affected area.
How do I know if I need to decompress my spine?
You may experience pain with movement, difficulty with sitting for long periods, poor flexibility in bending or twisting movements or sciatic nerve pain that causes numbness or weakness in the extremities.
Is it good to decompress your spine?
Gravity and the normal movements that most people engage in on a regular basis can cause pressure on structures within and around the spinal column. Decompression helps to offset this problem.
How can I decompress my spine at home?
You can help to decompress spinal structures at home by using certain types of stretching exercises or by using an inversion table to stretch the spine.
What is the success rate of spinal decompression?
The success rate of non-surgical spinal decompression can vary from patient to patient, depending on the underlying problem. For some individuals, the techniques can be highly effective with a high rate of success.
Pros and cons of spinal decompression?
The pros of non-surgical spinal decompression are relieve from painful pressure on discs and nerves, increased flexibility and improved range of motion.
The cons of spinal decompression therapy include that it cannot be used for some patients. In addition, effects may not be long lasting, and you may need periodic sessions for continued relief. Some patients may experience discomfort from the procedure and may need to stop treatments.
Can spinal decompression cause damage?
If not properly performed by a trained health professional, spinal decompression can lead to damage of the spinal structures.
How much does spinal decompression cost?
The cost for spinal decompression therapy can vary, depending on the severity of the spinal compression and how many sessions are required to provide optimal results.
How to decompress spine by hanging?
Hanging from a bar by the arms uses gravity to pull spinal structures apart, which helps to relieve pressure on the disc and nerves in the spinal column. An inversion table may be used for this purpose, which tilts the body upside down or at a steep angle to allow gravity to separate the vertebrae of the spine.