What Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression?
Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that helps relieve low back and neck pain. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
Nonsurgical spinal decompression is an option along with chiropractic care to treat:
- Back or Neck pain, Sciatica which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg, and arm pain that originates from the spine.
- Bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disk disease
- Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome)
- Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots
How Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Done?
You are fully clothed during spinal decompression therapy. The doctor fits you with a harness around your pelvis and another around your trunk. You either lie face down or face up on a computer-controlled table. A doctor operates the computer, customizing treatment to your specific needs.
Treatment may last 30 to 45 minutes and you may require 20 to 28 treatments over five to seven weeks. Before or after therapy, you may have other types of treatment, such as:
- Chiropractic manipulation
- Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract
- Heat or cold therapy