If you’re suffering from disc compression that is causing pain throughout your back or neck, decompression therapy is a very gentle option that may help you to take pressure off of your spinal discs. This method goes above and beyond what manual stretching can do. Please reach out to us at Dorsa Chiropractic to book your decompression therapy appointment in Denver, CO!

What is spinal decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical modality that relieves low back pain, leg pain and other symptoms associated with a disc herniation or bulge. The mechanical device works by gently imposing a traction pulling force on the low back to relieve pain associated with bulging or herniated discs. This can also be a great tool to manage pain associated with sciatica, spinal nerve root problems, or arthritic spinal joints. The light traction increases space within the disc to allow for fluid to re-enter the disc in order to heal itself quickly and efficiently.

What is the difference between spinal decompression therapy and surgery?

Spinal decompression surgery, such as laminectomies and discectomies, should be considered as a last treatment option as they present with a large risk of complications or failure. On the contrary, spinal decompression therapy should be considered first as a treatment option as it’s safe, affordable and a very effective alternative for low back pain. Spinal decompression therapy uses a table to traction the low back and each session lasts approximately 20 minutes. A total of twelve sessions is usually recommended to get the desired outcome, and follow up visits may be necessary to manage pain. During each session, the patient will be strapped onto the table around the torso and waist, and traction will pull a specific percentage of your body weight to maximize the stretch. In some instances, patients will not feel significant relief following their first spinal decompression therapy treatment, but rather relief is noticeable following a specialized treatment plan. With research on spinal decompression therapy, it is evident that there are benefits for people suffering from low back pain, either acute or chronic.

 

Who is a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy?

Someone suffering from low back pain or tightness related to a herniated disc can be a great candidate. However, it is important to be examined by a doctor of chiropractic in order to make this assessment. There are some conditions that would not make a patient a good candidate for decompression therapy, these conditions include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Cancer
  • Spinal Tumor
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Artificial disc
  • Osteoporosis
  • Broken vertebrae

What are some alternative therapies for spinal decompression?

There are many different ways to address herniated discs or low back pain, some are more efficient than others. If you feel like spinal decompression therapy might not be the best fit for you, there are alternative solutions we can discuss. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Chiropractic manipulation
  • Physical therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Acupuncture
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Steroid injections
  • Invasive surgery

Depending what the root cause of the problem and pain is, these alternative solutions may not be effective. It is critical to get evaluated by a medical professional, like a chiropractic physician, in order to discuss what option is best for you. It is also important to be under the guidance of a medical professional because they will be able to give you complementary care to aid in healing, such a cryotherapy, exercises, stretching and supplement recommendation.