If you have chronic back pain and other related symptoms, you know how disruptive to your life it can be. You may be unable to think of little else except finding relief. You may need spinal decompression therapy - either surgical or nonsurgical. Here's what you need to know to help decide what form of treatment may be right for you.
What Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy is a type of motorized traction used to relieve back pain by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine to take pressure off the spinal disks (gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine). Over time, this negative pressure causes bulging or herniated disks to retract, thereby removing the pressure on the nerves and other structures in your spine. This, in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
A qualified doctor of chiropractic will use nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy that they have customized to meet their patient's specific issues, which include:
- Back or neck pain or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg
- Bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disk disease
- Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome)
The doctor may incorporate other types of treatment along with the spinal decompression therapy, such as:
- Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract)
- Ultrasound (the use of sound waves to generate heat and promote healing)
- Heat or cold therapy
Are there any alternatives to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
For some people, other types of treatment may be right, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Limited rest
- Steroid injections
- Bracing
- Chiropractic
Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy right for you?
Ask your doctor whether or not you are a good candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy. It will generally NOT be recommended if you are pregnant, have a fracture, tumor, abdominal aortic aneurysm, advanced osteoporosis, or have metal implants in the spine.
What is the DRS Protocol™?
Our doctors at McKim Chiropractic want to recommend the DRS Protocol™, a non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, for qualifying patients for relief of back pain associated with spinal and disc problems. Before prescribing a course of treatment, patients are given a thorough examination to determine whether they are a candidate for the DRS Protocol™ Therapy.
Call our McKim Chiropractic offices in Nampa, or go to https://www.mckimchiropractic.com for more information about spinal decompression therapy. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Nampa, ID obtain pain-free living.
