Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

What is it?

Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical treatment option for people experiencing mild to moderate back pain. This back pain can be caused by a degenerative disc disease, such as a bulging disc or herniated disc that is placing pressure on a nearby nerve root.

This type of therapy is used to realign the components of the spine in order to relieve pressure on a pinched nerve that is causing chronic pain and symptoms. By using traction, spinal decompression therapy increases circulation to the damaged disc, allowing it to begin the natural healing process. This may not only relieve disc pressure, but also reduce compression of nearby spinal nerve roots.

How does it work?

In nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy, the spine is stretched and relaxed intermittently in a controlled manner. The theory is that this process creates a negative intradiscal pressure (pressure within the disc itself), which is thought to have two potential benefits:

• Pulls the herniated or bulging disc material back into the disc
• Promotes the passage of healing nutrients, into the disc and fosters a better healing environment.

How long does it take to work?

While many patients experience immediate pain relief, a minimum of 12 sessions are necessary to assess whether or not spinal decompression therapy is the best treatment for your condition. It usually takes about 20 sessions for the spine to heal, reverse the effects of bulging or herniated discs, take pressure off of the surrounding nerves, help retrain the muscles, and prevent further injury.

Each session includes additional treatment modalities, such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, and cold or heat therapy applied before or after the procedure.