Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression Therapy involves stretching the spine by using a computer enhanced motorized traction table with the specific goal of relieving back pain and/or pain in the upper or lower extremities. This procedure is considered non-surgical decompression therapy (as opposed to surgical decompression, such as laminectomy or micro discectomy).
Spinal decompression therapy utilizes the same basic principles of spinal traction that has been offered by physicians and other appropriately trained health professionals for many years. The effect of spinal decompression is to promote an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated disc issues. Often times degenerative joints in the spine can be effectively mobilized reducing pain and enhancing active range of motion.
With our non-surgical spinal decompression, the spine is stretched and relaxed intermittently in a controlled manner. This creates a negative intradiscal pressure which promotes retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material.
Lowering the pressure inside of the disc will allow an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc. The disc is avascular which means that it does not enjoy the benefits of active circulation. However, as a living tissue it requires nutrients to survive. The pumping effect of spinal decompression helps to promote disc hydration.
During a therapy session utilizing decompression the patient remains clothed and lies on a motorized table. Depending which region of the spine is being treated a harness is placed around the patient and attached to a computer enhanced motor device.
The motorized unit gently stretches and relaxes following a specific treatment protocol depending on the desired outcome for the patient. The patient should not feel any discomfort during or after the treatment. There will be an awareness of the spine being gently stretched. We are able to treat acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions with a high level of success.
While we have seen numerous success stories from our spinal decompression technique, many insurance companies still regard it as experimental and typically do not offer coverage for its use.