Non-surgical spinal decompression is a technique that uses a mechanized table that gently separates the spinal vertebrae to relieve pressure on nerves. It is often used to treat painful conditions of the spinal column. It can be an effective way to relieve discomfort and allow better movement.
The non-surgical spinal decompression method can be helpful in relieving symptoms from a broad range of spinal conditions. The technique is non-invasive, uses no strong drugs and can effectively relieve pressure on nerves that leads to pain and impaired mobility. Non-surgical spinal decompression is painless and can be used for follow-up care to continue to aid in the treatment of back pain and other issues.
What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a technique that uses a mechanized table, which gently separates the vertebrae in the spinal column to relieve pressure on structures. The patients lay on this table and a harness is placed around their pelvis. The mechanism is then activated, and it carefully stretches and releases the vertebrae, which allows misaligned discs to fall back into their natural position.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Reduces disc herniation and degeneration
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a technique designed to carefully separate the vertebrae of the spine. As a result, the discs are given the space needed for them to fall back into their natural positions, reducing painful pressure and poor function.
Relieves pressure on the spinal nerves
The separation of the vertebrae produced by the decompression technique reduces the pressure on nerves, which reduces discomfort and improves quality of life in patients.
Improves range of motion and flexibility
Because non-surgical spinal decompression relieves pressure and allows spinal structures to fall into their natural position, individuals experience improved range of motion and better flexibility after their treatment.
Reduces muscle tension and spasms
Poor function from compressed discs can lead to muscle tension and spasms of the muscles. Relieving the pressure on spinal structures helps to reduce this problem.
Avoids risks of traditional back surgery
Traditional back surgery does not always produce successful results for the patient. Surgery itself entails a number of risks, such as problems with anesthesia, blood clots, infection of wounds and device migration. Non-surgical spinal decompression is not an invasive procedure and avoids these risks.
Fast and long lasting results
Non-surgical spinal decompression can often begin to provide relief from pain and other symptoms after the first sessions, which makes it one of the fastest treatments available. In addition, the results can last for a long time, which makes it convenient and cost-effective way to treat back and related nerve pain.
Covered by insurance
Generally, non-surgical spinal decompression is not covered by insurance. However, you should check with your individual healthcare provider to determine if they will provide any coverage for the therapy.
Types of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatments
Negative Pressure Devices
Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a mechanized table that is often controlled by a computer. A harness is placed around the pelvis of the patient. When the table is activated the motion alternates between gentle stretches and releases that produce negative pressure on spinal discs, which helps them re-align into their normal position.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a type of treatment that uses targeted exercises that are designed to strengthen muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spine and other areas of the body. These exercises help to relieve pain and improve flexibility, range of motion and strength.
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy in the form of ice packs is a simple, yet effective way of reducing inflammation and swelling of tissues that can compress spinal structures and lead to discomfort.
Who Can Benefit from Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Degenerative Disc Diseases
Individuals who have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease can benefit from non-surgical spinal decompression. Degeneration of the cushion-like pads that separate the vertebrae can bring pain and nerve problems from compression. Non-surgical spinal decompression can help these problems.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves narrowing of the interior space of the spinal column. This narrowing can cause pain and cramping in the back, sciatic nerve pain and weakness in the legs. Relieving pressure on the structures in the spine can help to relieve these symptoms.
Disc Bulges and Herniations
Herniation and “bulging” of the spinal discs from their natural position are common problems that can occur with overuse or straining. When the discs that cushion the spinal vertebrae become displaced, pain and nerve involvement can result. Spinal decompression can help to relieve pressure on discs.
How Does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Work?
Effects on Intervertebral Discs and Nerves
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy gently separates the vertebrae, relieving the pressure on intervertebral discs and allowing them to fall back into their natural position between the bones. In addition, these structures receive increased blood flow as a result of the technique.
Rehydrating the Disc Material
The stretching and release action of spinal decompression brings increase blood flow to discs along with healing natural chemicals that the body produces, which helps to rehydrate disc tissues.
Alleviating Pressure on Nerve Roots
When the spine is out of its natural alignment, the structures can press on nerve roots, which lead to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the extremities. Decompression relieves the pressure on nerve roots.
Risks of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
There are few risks that result from non-surgical spinal decompression. Candidates are carefully screened to ensure that they can undergo the procedure safely. Some patients may experience worsening of their underlying spinal problem, but this is a rare circumstance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is non-surgical spinal decompression done
Non-surgical spinal decompression is usually done on a segmented, mechanized table that moves to carefully stretch apart the vertebrae. The stretching and releasing action of the device helps to reduce pressure on spinal structures.
Is it good to decompress your spine
Yes, it can be very beneficial to decompress your spine. Everyday activities and even gravity can cause the spine to become compressed, which can lead to problems. Decompression keeps blood flowing to spinal structures and relieves pressure on nerves.
What is done during spinal decompression
During a decompression session, the fully clothed patient lies on special segmented table. A harness is placed around the pelvis. The table is activated and is carefully monitored by the chiropractor as it provides gentle stretching for the vertebrae, interspersed with periods of relaxation. A session can last up to 45 minutes. After the session, the patient can resume their normal activities.
How can I decompress my spine at home
Yes, you can do spinal decompression at home. Your chiropractor can recommend special stretches or exercises that will work to separate spinal vertebrae safely. You may also use equipment such as a pull-up bar or inversion table to decompression your spine.
What is the success rate of non-surgical spinal decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression is recognized as an effective method of dealing with disc and nerve problems related to the spine, with success rates between 70-80 percent. The technique is often administered along with other methods, such as physical therapy or cold therapy.
What are the risks of non-surgical spinal decompression
Generally, there are few side effects from non-surgical spinal decompression. Some individuals may experience headaches or neck discomfort from the procedure. This usually dissipates in a day or two.
How painful is spine decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a painless procedure. However, some patients may experience some minor discomfort from the process.
How much does spinal decompression cost
Non-surgical spinal decompression can cost between $45 to $200 per session. A number of sessions are done over a period of weeks for best results.
Can I do spinal decompression everyday
Typically, non-surgical spinal decompression is done 2 to 5 times a week for 5 to 7 weeks. However, you can supplement your decompression with at-home exercises if needed.
How long does non-surgical spinal decompression last
How long non-surgical spinal decompression lasts depends on the underlying condition that caused the discomfort. Some people will experience permanent relief from pain after the first few sessions. Others may need the full course of treatment to have lasting results. Still others may require follow-up visits to maintain a good comfort level.
Can you decompress the nerve without surgery
Yes, careful separation of the spinal vertebrae can release the compression on nerve roots. This action can relieve troublesome numbness, tingling and poor function of areas of the body.
What is the best method of spinal decompression
The best method of spinal decompression depends on the underlying spinal condition. Some conditions will respond well to conservative methods, such as physical therapy or non-surgical decompression. However, a severe spinal problem may require spinal decompression surgery.
How do doctors decompress your spine
Doctors can use a number of methods to do decompression of spinal vertebrae. Traction, cold therapy, physical therapy exercises, non-surgical spinal decompression and surgery are common methods.
Can I walk after spinal decompression
You should be able to continue all your usual activities after a spinal decompression session, including walking.
Who needs spinal decompression
Individuals who have slipped or herniated discs can benefit from non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. If you are troubled with sciatica numbness and tingling, spinal decompression may be able to provide relief. Spinal cord injuries that affect the nerves can benefit from this therapy. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the interior of the spinal column, can also achieve relief from discomfort from spinal decompression. Degenerative disc problems can also be helped by the technique.
What are the side effects of spinal decompression
Side effects are rare with non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. Some individuals may experience muscle pain or headaches from non-surgical spinal decompression. Individuals with nerve problems may have tingling or numbness in the extremities. You should talk to your chiropractor if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms after non-surgical spinal decompression.
How can I adjust my spine naturally
You can do a number of stretches and exercises at home that help to re-align spinal structures. However, the results may not be as long-lived as going to a professional chiropractor to have a manual adjustment.
How do you decompress naturally
You can decompress spinal structure naturally by doing specific types of stretches and exercises that focus on gently pulling apart spinal vertebra. The “cat and cow” exercise, in which the person sits on the floor on hands and knees and alternates bending the spine downward, for the “cow” pose, and then curled upward for the “cat” pose is one exercise that helps to decompress the spine.
What is the best spinal decompression machine
A number of different types of spinal decompression devices are available. Each type has its own features. Some types allow for precise targeting of specific areas of the spine. The best type is the one that works well for your needs.
Pros and cons of spinal decompression
The pros of non-surgical spinal decompression include relief from pain, greater range of motion, cessation of nerve discomfort and lower cost than surgical decompression. You also avoid the risks of surgery, such as infection and blood clots. Non-surgical spinal decompression does not require a hospital stay or long recovery period. The con of non-surgical spinal decompression is that it could cause worsening of the underlying problem, but this is rare.
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy risks
Complications from non-surgical spinal decompression are rare, but they can occur. A patient may experience pain from the decompression therapy. Some individuals with underlying conditions should not undergo spinal decompression because it can worsen their condition or cause unacceptable side effects. These include pregnant individuals, those with metastatic cancer, those with severe nerve damage or individuals who have had an aortic aneurysm. Individuals who have had back surgery with the insertion of screws or other devices should not have decompression therapy.
Spinal decompression therapy side effects
Some patients may experience muscle soreness or spasms after non-surgical spinal decompression. Headaches can also be a side effect of the therapy. Other patients report numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, but this is generally of short duration.
