If you have back or neck pain that keeps showing up, the problem may be more than tight muscles or everyday soreness. A bulging or herniated disc, irritated nerve, or age-related changes in your spine can create pressure that makes sitting, standing, bending, and even sleeping uncomfortable. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to explore the benefits of spinal decompression therapy, a non-surgical chiropractic treatment designed to relieve some of that pressure and help you move more comfortably.
How Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Work?
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive chiropractic treatment that uses gentle, controlled traction to carefully stretch your spine. During your treatment, you typically lie on a specialized table while a computerized system applies and releases precisely calibrated amounts of tension.
This stretching process is designed to reduce pressure in your spine and create more space between the vertebrae, which may help minimize stress on your spinal discs and irritated nerves. It can also encourage the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the spinal discs, supporting your body’s natural healing processes.
Treatment is customized according to the area of the spine being addressed and your specific condition. Most patients receive a series of sessions rather than relying on a single treatment.
What Conditions Can Spinal Decompression Address?
Spinal decompression therapy may be recommended to alleviate discomfort stemming from several common causes of neck and back pain, including:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Pinched or compressed nerves
- Certain types of chronic neck or lower back pain
Depending on the cause of your discomfort, reducing pressure on your spine may help decrease pain, stiffness, numbness, or tingling while making everyday movement and function more comfortable.
Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression may be worth considering if you have persistent neck or back pain that is interfering with your routine and you’re looking for a conservative, non-surgical treatment option.
However, spinal decompression isn’t right for everyone. Certain spinal fractures, severe osteoporosis, tumors, infections, and other medical conditions may rule out this mode of treatment. That’s why every chiropractic treatment should begin with a thorough evaluation. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Ward will assess your symptoms and spinal health, and review your medical history to determine whether decompression therapy is appropriate for you. He will then develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs, so you can get back to living comfortably and pain-free.