Chronic back pain is a common problem that many people struggle with on a daily basis, and it can be a disruptive kind of discomfort in more ways than one. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor posture, muscle strain, or a herniated disc. Treatment for chronic back pain often includes pain medication, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles.
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. With that in mind, some people turn to spinal decompression therapy—either surgical or nonsurgical—in hopes of finding some relief. But what is spinal decompression therapy, and is it right for you?
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment that is used to relieve pain in the back and neck. The therapy works by gently stretching the spine, which takes the pressure off of the discs and nerves. This can help to relieve pain, and it can also help to improve the function of the spine.
Spinal decompression therapy is usually done with a machine that is specifically designed for this purpose. The machine will slowly and gently stretch the spine, and the patient will lie on the machine for a set amount of time. The therapy is usually done for a series of sessions, and the number of sessions will depend on the severity of the pain.
What Can Spinal Decompression Therapy Treat?
Spinal decompression therapy can be used to treat a variety of different conditions. The most common condition that is treated with this therapy is herniated disks. However, it can also be used to treat other conditions, such as the following:
- Bulging disks;
- Degenerative disks;
- Pinched nerves;
- Sciatica;
- Spinal stenosis;
If you have any of the conditions mentioned above, you should speak with your doctor to see if non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is the best course of action for you.
Nonsurgical vs Surgical Spinal Decompression: What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of spinal decompression: surgical and non-surgical. Both types of decompression aim to relieve pressure on the spine, but they do so in different ways.
Surgical spinal decompression is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a small section of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. This type of decompression is typically only recommended for people with severe spinal cord compression who have not responded to non-surgical treatments.
Non-surgical spinal decompression, on the other hand, uses traction to stretch the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Nonsurgical decompression is typically recommended for people with mild to moderate spinal cord compression.
Both surgical and nonsurgical spinal decompression can be effective treatments for spinal cord compression. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to nonsurgical treatments.
Who Should Not Have Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be a candidate for this treatment:
- Fracture
- Tumor
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Metal implants in the spine
If you are considering spinal decompression therapy, be sure to discuss all of the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
The Bottom Line: Determining if Spinal Decompression Therapy is the Right Solution for Your Back Pain Problems
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you may be considering spinal decompression therapy as a possible treatment option. This therapy involves stretching the spine using a mechanical device and is effective in relieving pain for some people. However, it is not suitable for everyone.
Before you decide to try this therapy, it is essential to talk to your doctor to see if it is the right solution for your particular back pain problem.
If you are looking for spinal decompression in Royal Palm Beach, you can find a variety of treatment options at Cobblestone Spine and Joint Institute. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team of expert chiropractors!
