Chronic Back Pain

Spinal decompression therapy is a type of nonsurgical therapy that is also very noninvasive. It is used to treat severe and chronic back pain that is a result from different types of conditions. Some of these back pains are caused because of pressure that is exerted by an expanded spinal disc to the spinal nerves. They could also be a result of several arthritic issues. It turns out that there are many different health conditions that could be benefited from this type of treatment. By following this article you will learn of the different health conditions and how decompression treatment can be used.

Herniated disc

Of all the different types of conditions that spinal decompression therapy could help, a herniated disc is the most common. When the spinal disc is herniated, it exerts a lot of pressure on the spinal nerves; this health condition results in a lot of excruciating pain. The decompression treatment will relieve the pressure from the expanded or damaged disk and allows it to go back to its normal size.

Degenerative discs

Degenerative disc disease is another common condition that requires treatment. Vertebral bodies can be compressed when there is a loss of disc height. This is caused by spinal compression. When there is too much compression, the surrounding nerves can be constricted which leads to back pain. Spinal decompression therapy can help to alleviate the pressure on the degenerative discs, helping to alleviate the back.

Facet syndrome

Spinal decompression therapy is also used to help treat facet joint syndrome. The first two problems were due to a compressed disk and the decompression therapy had a higher chance of working. However, facet syndrome is not due to a compressed disk that has a higher chance of failure. Arthritic changes around the vertebral bones cause facet syndrome. Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy can still be helpful and is often recommended because it will still give more space between the vertebral bones, which helps reduce the pain.

How does spinal decompression therapy work?

The first part of this process is by placing the patient over a computer-controlled spinal table, which is also known as spinal decompression machine. There are different modes of this therapy, and depending on what the physician finds on the MRI results, will help them choose the correct mode. The machine applies force to the affected area, and this is where the decompression occurs. This type of negative pressure that is exerted by the machine will help retract the expanded disk to its original size. It also helps reinforce the oxygen which helps regulate proper blood flow to the discs.