Spinal Decompression Therapy
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal Decompression Therapy is performed on a specially designed table in either a face up or a face down position. Spinal Decompression Therapy allows gentle stretching and relaxing of the spine which allows “imbibition”. In the simplest of terms, this is the way a normal disc gets nutrition. This pumping action promotes nutrition intake into the discs, something often lost in damages and degenerative disc conditions. In healthy discs, imbibition occurs naturally with daily motions and body positions and accounts for the increase of disc thickness in the morning and the decrease at night. A disc with poor imbibition, fewer nutrients and hydration, is more likely to become injured and painful. Stretching, or tractioning the spine in a controlled, comfortable manner can help re-establish a more normal imbibition. This can re-supply the disc with nutrients and blood contact that help the disc heal from the inside out. Also the dramatic decrease in pressure in the disc (decompression) can foster the drawing in of a bulge and help take the pressure off a “pinched” nerve.
How long will my treatments last?
The machine applies the gentle force then releases it approximately every minute throughout the session. Total treatment time is usually less than 18 minutes and often just 10 minutes initially. Although most patients report dramatic reduction of their pain within as few as five treatments, an injured spinal disc needs time to heal, and nothing is to say that the pain won’t return. For this reason, we urge you to be regular with your prescribed treatments and office visits. Even though your pain may be gone, you must stay on the treatment plan in order to make sure your spine stays healthy. Over time, as you become more mobile and more able to return to your normal lifestyle, your increased activity is what your spine needs most. With increased activity, you will now be imbibing the discs naturally, like people with healthy discs.
What you can expect from the treatment?
During the treatment you will remain fully dressed. You will be comfortably positioned on the table and fitted with a wrap around harness. This restraint is what allows the unloading of the spine and discs by the traction motor. Once comfortable on the table, the computer controlled traction device is programmed to deliver a gentle stretching force to the spinal vertebra. Most patients report simply feeling a subtle and gentle stretching at their lower back or around their hips.
