What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment for back pain and to promote nourishment of spinal discs. It works by gently pulling on the spine and taking pressure off of the spinal discs and other neural components, which can lead to pain relief and improved function.
What is the setup?
Spinal decompression therapy involves a specialized traction table and a motorized device that can stretch the spine.
Two types of spinal decompression can be performed: cervical and lumbar. Cervical decompression refers to decompression of only the neck. Lumbar decompression targets the lower section of the back. The setups for lumbar and cervical decompression are different, but each will last 15-20 minutes.
Cervical The operator will connect a cervical attachment to the motorized device. The Saunders attachment is designed to cradle your neck for a comfortable decompression session. The cervical attachment consists of 2 wedges that will hug each side of the neck, a knob to tighten the wedges and a Velcro strap to provide stability. You will be lying on your back with your legs supported for optimal comfort. The operator will customize settings specifically for your needs and begin your healing process. Most sessions range from 15 to 20 minutes, but the duration can be customized based on your circumstances.
Lumbar For lumbar decompression, your position will depend on whether flexion or extension of the spine brings you the most relief. You will be asked to lie on your back if spinal flexion is more comfortable and on your stomach if extension is more comfortable. Once you are on the table, a harness will be secured around your pelvis and an additional harness around your torso to anker your upper body. If you are on your back, a stool will be placed under your legs for optimal relaxation of your spine. If you are on your stomach, a cushion will be placed under your ankles to take tension out of your spine. Two armrest attachments will be placed on each side of you for additional stability. The operator will customize settings specifically for your needs and begin your healing process. Most sessions range from 15 to 20 minutes, but the duration can be customized based on your circumstances.
What are the benefits of spinal decompression?
Pain relief
Improvement function
Promotion of natural healing
Which conditions can spinal decompression help?
Degenerative disc disease
Slipped or herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Sciatica
Lower back pain
Neck pain
scoliosis
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
Spinal decompression therapy could be for you if you are dealing with any of the previously listed conditions, and your doctor believes it may be beneficial.
You should NOT undergo spinal decompression therapy if you have any of the following conditions:
Pregnant
Broken vertebrae
Spinal implants
Osteoporosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal infection
Spinal tumor
Ankylosing spondylitis
References
Amjad, F., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022, March 16). Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8924735/
Ralph Gay, M. (n.d.). Potential candidates for spinal decompression therapy. Spine. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/potential-candidates-spinal-decompression-therapy
RxWellness. (2024, February 23). Top benefits of spinal decompression therapy - rxwellness. Chiropractor Near Me – RxWellness Spine & Health. https://www.rxwellness.net/benefits-of-spinal-decompression-therapy/
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