Decompression Blog
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Spinal decompression surgery is used to treat compressed nerves in the lower spine and is generally only recommended when non-surgical spine decompression therapy hasn’t helped the patient. The surgery aims to improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine for conditions such as spinal stenosis, slipped disc and sciatica, spinal injuries, and metastatic spinal cord compression.
Spinal decompression surgery is usually performed under general anesthetic which means you will not be awake during the surgery. Patients may be able to walk and leave the hospital after one to four days, but more strenuous activities will need to be avoided for about six weeks.
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You have probably heard many people say, “My back hurts!” And at some point, you may have said it yourself. This is a common problem among many people of all ages. There are certain conditions where traditional chiropractic treatment, massage, physical therapy, or acupuncture may fail to relieve, such as constant pain in your neck or back, or sciatic nerve pain from herniated discs. Thus, it is important that you find a chiropractor who can offer spine decompression therapy. You don’t have to take pain medication or resort to surgery to find relief from your pain.
You may be wondering, is spinal decompression therapy painful? It should not be painful! Spine decompression therapy is a gentle, non-surgical treatment that can instantly relieve disc-related pressure, stimulate blood flow through your spine, and promote long-term healing. Although you can experience significant pain relief just after a couple of treatments, long-lasting pain relief can be realized after completing your entire treatment cycle.
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Many people that live with pain ask, “Is spinal decompression therapy effective?” Spine decompression therapy, combined with rehabilitation, helps re-educate muscles, ligaments, and tendons, so the discs are protected in a healthier environment in the spine. Many patients have actually stated that they look forward to the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well-tolerated, with the added benefit of treating and relieving their pain.
Is spinal decompression therapy effective, you ask? Non-invasive spine decompression therapy is safe and effective without the usual risks associated with injections, anesthesia, or surgery. Each session of treatment is generally comprised of a series of 15 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles. Treatment slowly and gently stretches the area of the spine while decompressing the discs. This technique often allows for pressure to be relieved from the nerve root and promotes repositioning of the bulging or herniated disc. The frequency the number of sessions prescribed will vary with each patient, taking into account the type of injury to the body, and the severity of the pain.
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Spine decompression therapy has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for chiropractors to use to relieve pain caused by a bulging or herniated disc, as well as pain in the back, legs, neck, and arm. Spine decompression therapy is considered less invasive than spinal surgery, anesthesia, or injections.
Even though spine decompression therapy is minimally invasive, there is still some risk involved. This is why your chiropractor will first give a physical exam, x-ray, and possibly an MRI, to determine if spine decompression therapy is right for you.
