How many spinal decompression treatments

More and more chiropractic clinics are adding spinal decompression as an alternative to surgery for patients suffering from herniated, bulging, degenerated, and slipped discs. Even when physical therapy, chiropractic, pain pills, and shots have failed, most patients still receive dramatic pain relief in 4 to 6 weeks of spinal decompression.

Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of force of pull, angle in the degree of pull and varying the time in order to create a negative pressure inside the discs of the spinal cord.

This reversal of pressure creates a vacuum inside the disc that helps to draw in bulging disc material back into place, taking the pressure off pinched or irritated nerves.

Spinal experts believe that nutrients, oxygen, and fluids are drawn into the disc to create an environment conducive to healing for both herniated and degenerated discs.

Based on your individual needs, such as body weight, tolerance, level of severity, and duration of symptoms, your spinal decompression specialist will determine a specific treatment plan to ensure the best and longest-lasting results.

Spinal decompression therapy is also referred to as non-surgical decompression therapy, since it is often used as a safe, affordable, and extremely effective alternative to spinal surgery. The distinction between surgical and non-surgical spinal decompression is an important one, as surgical spinal procedures are often considered a last option, while spinal decompression therapy is a safe treatment at any stage of back pain.

The most common spinal decompression surgeries are laminectomy and microdiscectomy , which present a greater risk of complication or failure. A spinal decompression table is the main tool used in non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.

There are two main types of spinal decompression tables: one with cable and pulley systems that create pull on the patient's body, and decompression tables that consist of an upper and lower body portion that move independently from one another.

The latter type of table is much more effective at preventing muscle guarding, and is what we recommend for the best possible patient outcomes.

Patients are strapped to the table using a harness, with other props such as pillows used to keep the patient comfortable and the spine in the correct position for decompression. Once the patient is in place, the table program is enacted and the two parts of the table begin to pull apart from one another. The poundage of the pull depends on the type of decompression as well as the physicality of the patient and can range anywhere from just 5 pounds for a cervical decompression protocol to pounds or more for lumbar decompression on a larger patient.

The difference between spinal decompression tables and other methods of decompression like inversion is the technology involved. As the muscles resist, the table reduces the poundage of the pull until the muscles relax, then begins to pull again.

By taking resistance into account, a decompression table is able to more effectively relieve pressure in the spine and ultimately provide relief. Spinal decompression tables use computerized technology to create negative intradiscal pressure in the spine. A decompression table has two parts which move independently of one another.

As the decompression table stretches the spine, negative pressure is created within the spinal discs, which can result in the retraction or repositioning of the disc material, leading to pain relief. In addition, the lower pressure within the disc can cause an influx of healing nutrients to the disc, to promote further relief even when the patient is not on the table.

One of the hurdles to effective decompression with manual techniques is the fact that the body naturally resists the stretch, known as muscle guarding. The correct spinal decompression protocol for an individual will depend on the symptoms he or she is experiencing. In addition, follow-up treatments may be prescribed as needed to manage pain. If the patient is a good candidate, the doctor can put together a recommended decompression protocol designed for that specific patient and diagnosis.

Each spinal decompression table session is approximately 30 minutes in duration. During this session, the patient is strapped into the table using a pelvic harness. The theory is that this process creates a negative intradiscal pressure pressure within the disc itself , which is thought to have two potential benefits: Pulls the herniated or bulging disc material back into the disc Promotes the passage of healing nutrients, into the disc and fosters a better healing environment.

Spinal Decompression Session During spinal decompression therapy for the low back lumbar spine , patients remain clothed and lie on a motorized table, the lower half of which can move.

One difference between various decompression therapies is the patient's position on the table: Some devices place the patient in the prone position on the table, lying face down e. VAX-D Some devices have the patient lying supine, face up e. DRX The patient should not feel pain during or after the decompression therapy although they should feel stretch in the spine.

Editor's Top Picks. Untreated bone spurs or bulging discs can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal decompression helps to relieve pain and discomfort.

This is one of the most common spine conditions, and our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine your exact cause. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, spinal decompression therapy may be the relief you have been searching for. We will complete a comprehensive evaluation and customize a treatment plan created specifically for you.

Life does not stop — even if we may need it to. Yet back pain does not need to dictate your life. After your first treatment session, you will wonder what took you so long! Home About Us Overview Dr.