Spinal Decompression Therapy | What You Need To Know

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If you suffer from back pain, spinal decompression therapy should be on your radar. This treatment can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

What causes spinal compression?

There are many possible causes of spinal compression, including: 

  • Herniated disc
  • Bulging disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Kyphosis

Any of these conditions can lead to the bones in your spine putting pressure on your spinal cord or nerves. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your legs or arms.

How is spinal compression treated?

Your doctor may recommend various spinal compression treatments, depending on the severity of your condition. These treatments can include:

  • Rest
  • Ice or heat therapy
  • Exercise
  • Physical therapy
  • Medications
  • Epidural injections
  • Spinal decompression therapy
  • Surgery

What is spinal decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a type of traction that uses mechanical forces to stretch your spine. This therapy may help relieve the pressure on your spinal cord or nerves by gently pulling on your spine. Doctors use spinal decompression therapy as a nonsurgical treatment for herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other conditions that cause spinal compression.

How does spinal decompression therapy work?

Spinal decompression therapy typically involves lying on a table while it applies pressure to your spine. The spinal decompression table uses airbags, water, or weights to apply the pressure while a therapist or chiropractor carefully monitors the process.

Are there different types of spinal decompression therapy?

There are two different types of spinal decompression therapy, including:

  • Decompressive traction. This therapy uses a motorized machine to apply pressure to your spine. Your doctor will determine the amount of pressure and the duration of treatment.
  • Manual traction. This type of therapy involves a chiropractor manually stretching your spine. Doctors often combine manual traction with other treatments, such as massage or physical therapy.

Is spinal decompression therapy safe?

Spinal decompression therapy is generally considered safe. However, you may experience some mild side effects, such as:

  • Muscle soreness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

These side effects are usually temporary and should go away within a few days.

What are the benefits of spinal decompression therapy?

The benefits of spinal decompression therapy may include:

  • Reduced pain
  • Improved mobility
  • Increased range of motion
  • Decreased pressure on your spinal cord or nerves
  • Improved blood flow to your spine

Additionally, spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that may help you avoid the risks and complications associated with surgery.

If you're considering spinal decompression therapy, talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you. 

For more information, contact a company like Roach Family Wellness.

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28 July 2022

Getting Serious About Your Back Pain

Do you remember the first day you woke up with back pain? If you are like most folks, you probably tried to write off the problem until you realized that the issue was impacting your mobility. Back pain is serious, but not everyone takes the issue seriously at first. Not only can a little back spasm make it hard to shower, walk, or even sit comfortably, but back pain can also be a symptom of a deeper problem. The goal of my blog is to educate the public about back pain, so that you know how to tell when you are really in trouble.