If you suffer from back pain caused by herniated discs, you may have heard of spinal decompression therapy as a possible treatment option. Here is a bit of information about herniated discs and decompression therapy.
What Are Herniated Discs and How Do They Cause Pain?
The spine is made up of vertebrae (bones) that are separated by discs (cushions). The discs act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility. Sometimes, due to injury, aging, or other factors, the discs can bulge or rupture, pushing out some of their gel-like material. When this occurs, it results in a herniated disc or a slipped disc. When a disc herniates, it can compress or irritate the nerves that exit the spine, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, the arms, or the legs.
What Is Decompression Therapy for the Spine?
Spinal decompression therapy is a type of traction therapy that applies gentle force to stretch the spine, creating more space between the vertebrae. The stretching reduces the pressure on the discs and allows them to retract or reposition themselves, relieving nerve compression and inflammation.
Spinal decompression therapy is performed on a special table that is controlled by a computer. The patient lies on the table and wears a harness around the pelvis and another around the chest. The table moves in a back-and-forth motion, alternating between periods of relaxation and stretching.
The treatment session usually lasts less than an hour and may be repeated several times over a few weeks. Depending on the severity of the condition, some patients may experience relief after one or two sessions, while others may need more.
What Are the Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy has several advantages over other treatments for herniated discs, such as:
Who Can Benefit From Spinal Decompression Therapy?
In addition to herniated discs, spinal decompression therapy can help treat other spinal conditions that cause nerve compression, such as:
Contact a local chiropractor in your area to learn more about spinal decompression therapy for herniated discs.
Share28 June 2023
Ever since childhood, I’ve been a driven person. Even as a young kid, I always strived to make good grades. With my schoolwork, I was never satisfied unless I made a perfect score. As an adult, I still tend to be a perfectionist. For instance, I won’t leave my home until every hair is in place on my head. In my career, I work diligently to please my many clients. Unfortunately, my perfectionist nature often causes me to become tense. Whenever I’m stressed about something, the muscles in my neck and shoulders become extremely tight. Sometimes, this issue leads to tension headaches. Thankfully, I know where to go when I begin experiencing muscle tightness. I visit my trusted chiropractor. On this blog, you will discover the methods a chiropractor uses to relieve tension headaches.
