First of all, you may be asking, “What is spinal decompression therapy?” This may be a question you need answered if you are suffering from chronic pain in your lower back. To put it in simple terms, spinal decompression therapy is a safe and effective back surgery alternative, used to relieve back pain and other problems associated with spinal disc injuries.

Traditional treatments for back and spine problems include surgery, medication, or chiropractic care. Spinal decompression therapy is an alternative FDA-approved treatment option that has shown very good results. It is non-invasive and provides gentle decompression of the disc through the use of a decompression table that applies a distraction force to the targeted area of the spine (the compressed disc). A computer controls the distraction force which is applied in between periods of relaxation. This gently elongates the spine, creating a small vacuum between the vertebrae which then helps pull the disc back into shape.

Although spinal decompression therapy is minimally invasive, there are still certain risks involved. Your chiropractic doctor may ask you to undergo a physical exam, MRI and X-rays to determine if spinal decompression treatments are correct for you.

What are the risks of spinal decompression therapy? Spinal decompression should not be used:

• For pregnant women because of pressure on the abdomen.
• With patients who have spinal instability, such as severe osteoporosis or degeneration of the spine. 
• If a patient has had spinal surgery with the implantation of screws, metal plates or similar hardware unless the bone is fused together. 
• For patients with severe nerve damage

The doctors at McKim Chiropractic offer the DRS Protocol™, a non-surgical spinal decompression therapy which relieves back pain associated with spinal and disc problems. Before prescribing a course of treatment, patients will be given a thorough examination to determine whether they are a candidate for the DRS Protocol™.

Call McKim Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and find out more information about the DRS Protocol™. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Nampa, ID obtain pain-free living.