Introduction

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to make people with problems in their spine feel better and enhance the recovery or healing process. Thus, this kind of therapy has been in great usage in conditions related to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and pinched nerves by just gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure from the spinal discs and nerves. These therapies can be done in two ways: surgical and non-surgical.

This article focuses on nonsurgical spinal decompression, but a brief description of its surgical counterpart will be included for clarity and context.

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression is either a motorized or manual process that creates negative pressure inside the spinal discs. This relief in pressure, occasioned by the gentle stretching of the spine, can facilitate the retraction of bulging or herniated discs, which in turn can stop pressing on nerves and other spinal structures. It has been designed with the view to treat all manner of conditions of chronic back pain and discomfort and offers a different route from surgery for many people.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non Surgical Spinal Decompression Non Surgical spinal decompression consists of the use of a mechanized traction device for slow and methodical stretching of the spine. The patients lie on a table, and the machine applies focused force so as to elongate the spine. This helps in drawing pressure off the discs and nerves. Generally speaking, this is a very safe pain-free treatment that presents no downtime afterward, because of which it has considerably appealed to the people suffering from less serious conditions affecting the spine.

Mechanism of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

• Pressure Reduction: The treatment has the creation of negative intradiscal pressure, which could result in the retraction of herniated or bulging discs. This, in turn, decreases weight within the nerves surrounding it.
• Encourages Healing: Relieved pressure stimulates the natural healing process by allowing oxygen, water, and nutrition into the disc.
• Pain Relief: Generally, as tension on nerves and discs is released, there is improvement in pain relief and mobility to enhance the quality of life.

Common Conditions Treated

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is best for:

• Herniated or bulging discs: This helps in the manipulation to pull the disc back into its original position.
• Degenerative disc disease: Restores space between vertebrae.
• Sciatica: Takes the pressure off of the sciatic nerve.
• Facet syndrome: Relieves pain in the small joints of the spine.
• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis includes the decompression of the spinal cord and nerves to alleviate pressure.

Procedure Overview

• First Consultation: The practitioner will first have to assess the patient’s spine through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to see if he or she qualifies for spinal decompression.
• Treatment Sessions: The patient next lies on a decompression table with harnesses attached to the pelvis and torso. The machine will alternate during the session between gentle traction phases and relaxation phases, allowing the spine to be stretched in a very controlled manner.
• Duration: A treatment session may last from 20 to 45 minutes. The type and number of treatments differ with the disorder and the seriousness of the condition but can require as many as 15-30 sessions, usually given over several weeks.
• Postoperative Care: After discharge, patients are taught to perform certain stretches and some strengthening exercises to immensely benefit from the therapy and avoid recurrence of spinal problems.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

• Non-invasive: It is a non-surgical alternative for curing pain in one’s back.
• Minimum recuperation or recovery time: The patients can easily go about with their daily activities almost immediately after the session, unlike surgical options.
• CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT: The machine allows adjustments according to the need and condition of the patient.
• Less expensive: although many sessions may be needed, it is usually inexpensive and fast compared to surgery.

Surgical Spinal Decompression

Such patients may be advised about surgical spinal decompression if the non-surgical option fails to relieve them, especially in the case of severe spinal conditions. There are quite a number of types of surgical decompression:

• Laminectomy: This is the removal of part of the vertebra to take pressure off the spinal cord.
• Discectomy: This is a surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disk that is pushing on a nerve.
• Foraminotomy: a procedure wherein the spinal canal is enlarged to give more room to the nerve roots.
• Spinal Fusion: A surgical procedure that joins two vertebrae together to remove the motion causing pain.

Surgical spinal decompression is often reserved as a last resort because of increased risk and longer recovery time. However, it may also be indicated for patients with severe, debilitating conditions of the spine.

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Adverse Reactions And Side Effects

Non-surgical spinal decompression is generally considered risk-free; however, it could be plagued with muscle spasms, temporary increase in pain, or discomfort during the procedure. Indications for Spinal Decompression Therapy are patients diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis, fractures, spine tumors, or metal implants within the spine.

Treatment on one’s own without consulting the professional opinion of a healthcare expert may not be appropriate or safe to address the condition being treated.

Who Benefits from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy works in patients who are having chronic lower back pain or neck pain because of disc problems. Most ideally, it is highly recommended for such patients with the following conditions:

• Individuals with disc herniation: People with herniated discs, particularly the ones in whom the discs are not significantly degraded. 
• People with Sciatica: It has proved effective in decompressing the nerves to alleviate pressure in sciatica. 
• Patients with facet joint pain: Facet joint pain patients, the treatment relieves the strain off these little stabilizing joints. 
• Those who are looking for alternatives to surgery: Patients who will prefer a non-invasive solution before going into surgical options. However, this is not for everyone. 

This is contraindicated in pregnant women, in patients having metals implanted within them, and also in those suffering from any form of fracture or infection in the spine. The patient should first be presented to a specialist to assess his or her condition before therapy. 

Conclusion 

Spinal decompression therapy is a very effective and non-invasive treatment that has benefited many who have continuous back pain, herniated discs, and other spinal ailments. This treatment works by relieving pressure on the discs and nerves through gentle stretching of the spine to facilitate healing and give relief in the long run. 

Used either as a stand-alone application or in conjunction with a comprehensive pain management plan, spinal decompression can be very beneficial for those looking to avoid surgery. When those conservative means no longer work, there is still the possibility of surgical decompression for those who do not improve from the conservative methods. Non-surgical decompression does, however, tend to be the first line of defense because it holds minimal risks and a very high success rate.