What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive treatment for individuals who suffer from neck pain and low back pain. The therapy utilizes a customized treatment table to gently decompress the structures of the spine. Decompression is achieved through repeated cycles of lengthening and relaxation. Conditions that frequently respond well to spinal decompression include:
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet syndrome
- Chronic neck and back pain that failed to respond to physical therapy, chiropractic, injections
- Continued pain following spinal surgery
- Sciatica
How does decompression therapy work?
As the table pulls and releases, there are pressure changes in the intervertebral discs, surrounding soft tissues, and joints. These pressure changes produce rehydration of the discs, which aids the natural healing process. Because the intervertebral discs have a poor blood supply, rehydration through decompression therapy has been clinically shown to reduce healing times. A 2006 study published in the medical journal Spine confirmed that disc distraction enhances hydration in the degenerated disc and may improve disc nutrition via the vertebral endplates.
Decompression therapy provides lasting results.
Research studies have demonstrated that decompression therapy provides long-lasting pain relief. A 2008 prospective study followed 296 patients with disc degeneration or herniation through treatment and follow-up. The results demonstrated continued pain relief and functional improvement at 180 days post-treatment. Another study from 2003 showed 91% of patients had resumed their normal activities and remained pain free 4 years after completion of treatment.
