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Spinal Decompression 101: Everything You Need To Know

Does your back hurt every now and then? Is the pain debilitating?

Given how fundamental your back is in any physical activity — whether lifting something, sitting, or walking — back pain can ruin your day-to-day life. People suffering from chronic back pain are ready to do just about anything to soothe pain and find lasting relief.

Professionals recommend several techniques to patients claiming to deliver the best results. However, spinal decompression is one treatment that has provided promising results and has proven to be effective for many patients.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is an efficient treatment for several spinal conditions and can be performed non-surgically as well as surgically. Non-surgical spinal decompression treatment is extensively used in chiropractic care at Better Backs – Better Living as a non-invasive approach to spinal injuries.

This treatment is especially beneficial if you are suffering from spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a situation in which the spaces between your spine shrink, leading to compressed and pinched nerves that can cause worsening pain or numbness.

This article will cover everything you need to know about non-surgical spinal decompression treatment.

How does spinal decompression work?

  •     Spinal decompression therapy involves stretching the spine using a traction table.
  •     The patient is carefully secured on the table and gently stretched during the therapy. Movement is very minimal, and some patients describe the sensation as a “relief”.
  •     This creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help to relieve pressure and pain. Also, the muscles around the spine relax.
  •     The treatment may reduce pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, increasing blood flow and promoting healing.

Which conditions can spinal decompression treat?

    Herniated disc

A herniated disc happens when the inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through a crack or hole in the tough outer layer. This causes pressure on the nearby nerves, resulting in numbness and pain.

Spinal decompression therapy may help by lessening the pressure on the affected disc, reducing inflammation, and helping it return to its normal position.

    Sciatica

The sciatic nerve stretches from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. When it gets compressed or irritated, it causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the targeted leg.

Spinal decompression reduces the nerves’ compression and pressure on them. Thus, it may relax the nerve and the muscles around it and promote healing.

    Spinal stenosis

When the spinal canal contracts and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, it causes numbness, pain, and weakness. Spinal decompression decreases the pressure (that’s what it is meant for!) and helps the spine to relax.

    Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome occurs when the joints between vertebrae become inflamed and painful, causing back pain and reduced mobility.

Spinal decompression therapy may reduce pressure on the affected joints and increase blood flow to the area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves occur when nerves become compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.

Spinal decompression therapy may help reduce pressure on the affected nerve, allowing it to heal and reducing inflammation.

Who is an ideal candidate for spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression may help treat various conditions related to the spine and neck. But only an experienced chiropractor can tell you whether the treatment is suitable for you or not.

So, search for a ‘chiropractor near me’ and chat with one at Better Backs – Better Living. They will check your condition, might ask you for an MRI, X-rays, or EMG, and suggest the best course to help you manage your pain.

Your chiropractor might also recommend spinal decompression stretches. You can perform those exercises anywhere and at any time for better results. One of the common exercises suggested by chiropractors is – taking your arms above your head, intertwining your fingers, and trying to touch your palms to the ceiling.

When does spinal decompression show results?

Generally, patients getting spinal decompression therapy will experience symptoms of relief after 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, patients may have to undergo regular treatment.

It is also essential to note that some patients might feel relief after one session, while others may need more time. The time of results largely depends on the type and severity of the problem, as well as the body’s coping and healing mechanisms.

Why should you consider spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression offers a plethora of benefits, so let’s discover them.

    Pain management

Pain relief is one of the primary benefits of getting spinal decompression. It may help manage neck, back, and leg pain caused by various ailments.

The treatment reduces pressure on the nerves, creating space between vertebrae and relaxing the spine as well as muscles.

    Better mobility

Spinal ailments usually make the spine stiff. But this treatment may help improve spine mobility and allow patients to move freely (indeed, a feeling of liberation).

Spinal mobility becomes a problem, especially in spinal stenosis. Thus, the best option is spinal decompression therapy from Better Backs – Better Living.

    Non-surgical

Unlike surgical treatments for spinal conditions, spinal decompression is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment option. This means that patients can avoid the risks and complications associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and long recovery times.

Safe for most patients

Spinal decompression is generally considered to be safe for most patients. However, it may not be suitable for those with certain conditions, such as osteoporosis or spinal fractures.

Patients should chat with a chiropractor at Better Backs – Better Living to determine if spinal decompression is a safe and appropriate treatment option for them.

    Less recovery time

Unlike surgical treatments, spinal decompression typically requires little recovery time. Patients can often get back to their daily activities immediately following treatment.

    Long-lasting results

Spinal decompression may provide long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Hence, it is a popular treatment option for those with chronic spinal conditions.

Wrapping up!

The lifestyle of people has altered dramatically in the digital age, leading to more and more cases of neck and back pain. Spinal decompression may be beneficial for such people.

However, directly jumping on the bandwagon is not recommended. Search for a ‘chiropractor near me‘ and consult an expert at Better Backs – Better Living to know the best course of action, specifically personalised for your problem.

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