How spinal decompression works
The best way to ensure the most long-lasting results with spinal decompression, the Doctor will determine a specific treatment plan based on your individual protocol and needs. The patient’s weight, the seriousness of their problem, the length of their problem and how high their tolerance is, will all be considered in determining the treatment and settings. The patient will lay down on the decompression table and will be strapped in with several belts around certain areas of the body. Then with the combination of the forces of pull, its degree in angulation and the pressure settings the machine will begin to do its job. The traction of the machine will create a negative pressure inside the discs near the spinal cord and create a vacuum that helps draw in the bulging disc. This takes the pressure off the disc as well as any surrounding pinched nerves. While the traction takes place, the disc will begin to receive an increase in oxygen and fluids and therefor nutrients. This will naturally help the underlining condition heal quicker and get the patient out of pain.
What are the treatments like?
Upon arriving at the office for your treatment, the assistant will ask you some questions and get your weight. Then you will be fitted with a harness that is specially designed to create the optimal decompression of area being treated. This would be the cervical spine or the lumbar spine. While you are laying on the table, you will feel the table move slightly as it pulls your body in one direction, this is the decompression in action. The machine will move very slowly while it lengthens your spine, opening up the disc space and relieving the pressure. This usually goes on for 18min- 25 min based on the protocol of the individual patient. Most people feel very relaxed during the treatment and enjoy it, while others might experience some discomfort in the beginning.
Protocol for spinal decompression
While every patient is different, a typical spinal decompression protocol is between 6-8 weeks, usually 2 times a week. Some patients require less while other need more. Usually after just 3-4 treatments most patients notice results. The Doctor will usually recommend ice for the are afterwards as well as rest. The more that the patient can help while they are at home resting then the quicker their recovery is. The majority of patients will get better, they will heal and notice significant changes. Most all patients will notice a significant drop in pain levels.
Who can receive treatments?
- If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc.
- If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc.
- If you have been diagnosed with degenerated disc
- If you have been diagnosed back pain for more than two weeks
- If you have been diagnosed with post-surgery pain.
The best first step is to set up a consultation with the Doctor of Chiropractic and see if you qualify for spinal decompression treatment.
Who cannot receive treatments
- If you are pregnant.
- If you have screws in your spine.
- If your surgery was less than 8 months ago.
- If you have any pelvic/abdominal/metastatic cancer in the bones
- If you have been diagnosed with a Grade 3/4 spondylolisthesis
- Recent compression fracture of lumbar spine
The best first step is to set up a consultation with the Doctor of Chiropractic and see if you qualify for spinal decompression treatment.
Services We Offer
The Services we offer in our Family Wellness Center Office include chiropractic, spinal decompression, physical therapy, wellness care, nutrition, and auto accident care. We provide professional and personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.
