Spinal Decompression Therapy – Symptoms and Treatment Procedure

The article discusses spinal decompression therapy and how it helps address back pain and other discomfort associated with spinal cord compression.

Low back pain is one of the common conditions affecting most people at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that about 75 to 85 percent of all Americans will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime and these conditions can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction-based treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by pressure or compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure is designed to relieve the pressure on one or more nerves running through the spinal column. Generally, bulging/collapsed discs, thickened joints, loosened ligaments and bony growths can narrow the spinal canal and nerve opening, causing irritation. The procedure can help restore the disc position to normal height by – Reducing extra load on the spine Reversing nerve impairment Mending damaged spinal discs What Causes Spinal Cord Compression?

Gradual wear and tear of the bones of the spine (known as osteoarthritis) is one of the most common causes of this condition. People above the age of 50 suffer more from this condition. Some of the other causes include: Spine injury Abnormal spine alignment (scoliosis) Certain bone diseases Rheumatoid arthritis Spinal tumor Infection Symptoms of Spinal Cord Compression Spinal cord compression can develop quickly or slowly depending on the root cause. Some of the common symptoms include –  Pain and stiffness in the neck, back or lower back  Numbness  Tingling sensation ww.hqbk.com

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 Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks, or down the legs (sciatica)  Cramping or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs 

Loss of sensation in the feet

People with any of the following conditions should not undergo this spinal therapy  Pregnant women  Patients with  broken vertebrae  An artificial disc, or other metal implants in their spine  Advanced osteoporosis  Abdominal aortic aneurysm  Disc space infections  Severe peripheral neuropathy The Procedure Spinal decompression therapy works by using a process known as motorized traction that helps relieve acute pain. It is performed using a spinal decompression machine, which applies a specific force that gently pulls segments of the spine in a longitudinal direction, using precise angles to target specific spinal discs. This in turn creates a vacuum effect within the middle of the disc, which can reduce the chances of disc herniation.

Patients lie down on the decompression table, and the device applies a distraction force to the targeted areas of the spine (compressed disc). This creates a vacuum between the vertebrae by applying negative pressure. As a result, the bulged or protruded disc material retracts back into the disc. The procedure also stimulates blood supply.

A complete and detailed medical evaluation is done before beginning the procedure. As part of this evaluation, the patient’s medical history, X-rays and CT/MRI scans are reviewed.

Generally, patients undergo treatment sessions that last for about 20-25 minutes. But, the number of sessions and treatment duration for each patient will vary and depend on the patient’s condition; and is determined through pre-treatment evaluation.

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