Non-surgical spinal decompression is an innovative treatment method that is designed to offer relief from back pain that results from bulging or ruptured vertebral discs, sciatica and injured nerve roots. It is gaining in popularity because it offers the possibility of pain relief for patients without the need for surgery.
What Happens During Treatment?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is performed by having the patient lie facing up or down on a computerized table. The physician attaches harnesses around the waist and upper body of the individual and carefully controls the movement of the table so that it can stretch the spine according to the patient’s individual requirements. The therapy usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, and most patients follow a treatment program that includes approximately 25 treatments that are done over a span of about six weeks.
How Does it Work?
During treatment, the spine is stretched, and negative pressure is created in the discs that may help bulging discs to retract. If the treatment is successful in correcting the bulges, pain relief may be found when the nerves that were being compressed by the bulging discs are released. Additionally, if the spinal problems are corrected, the spine may receive a better flow of blood. Increased blood flow contains oxygen and other nutrients that are crucial to promoting healing.
What Else Should I Know?
Patients who are undergoing non-surgical spinal decompression may also receive other therapies that are designed to enhance their treatment such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold and heat applications, and they may be performed before and after the decompression treatment. Individuals who have certain medical conditions should not receive treatment including pregnant patients, people with fractures and individuals who have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as decompression, therapy and electrical stimulation may not help to bring a patient relief from his or her pain. When this is the case, other surgical options such as surgical decompression, artificial disc replacement or other minimally invasive spine surgery options may be recommended.
If you are living with spine pain and are curious about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Hyun Bae at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. He is a pioneer of motion-preserving spine treatments and can provide you with options that reduce risk and recovery time when compared to traditional surgical options. Call 310-828-7757 and schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation today.