What is Spinal Decompression? How it Works & How it Helps...
What is Spinal Decompression? How it Works & How it Helps....
If you’re struggling with back or neck pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with daily discomfort caused by spinal issues, especially herniated discs, sciatica or degenerative disc disease. But here’s the good news: there’s a safe, non-surgical treatment that’s helping people feel better without the risks of medication or surgery. It’s called spinal decompression.
At Burlington Spinal Decompression, we use this gentle, proven therapy every day to help our patients get real relief. So, what is spinal decompression? How does it work? And who is it right for? Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, honest and easy to understand.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive procedure that gradually extends the spine with a specially designed motorized table. The idea is to reduce pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, allowing your body to repair itself.
When your spine is squeezed, whether due to injury, aging or bad posture, the discs can bulge or herniate. This causes pressure on adjacent nerves, resulting in pain, numbness or even weakness in your back, neck, legs or arms.
Spinal decompression produces room in the spine, which helps to relieve this pressure.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
During a spinal decompression session, you will lay down on a specialized decompression table. A harness is gently wrapped around your hips or upper body, depending on the area being treated.
The table then stretches your spine in gradual and precise cycles, pulling and relaxing in a controlled manner. This movement causes negative pressure inside your spinal discs, causing herniated or bulging discs to retract back into position.
This gentle pulling action:
- Takes the pressure off compressed nerves.
- Increases circulation to the disc.
- Helps nutrients, oxygen and fluids reach the damaged area.
- Encourages healing and rehydration of the disc.
That being said, most sessions last about 20 to 30 minutes. Many patients find the experience as calm and even soothing, with some individuals even falling asleep during their session.
What Conditions Can Spinal Decompression Help Treat?
Spinal decompression is used to address a variety of common spine-related issues, particularly disc and nerve abnormalities. It could be an excellent fit for you if you’re dealing with:
Herniated or Bulging Discs
When the soft part inside a spinal disc slips out, it can press on nearby nerves and cause a lot of pain. Spinal decompression gently pulls the spine to help that disc move back into place, taking pressure off the nerve and easing the pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we become older, our spinal discs naturally wear. This can cause pain, stiffness and limited motion. Decompression therapy helps restore space and enhance fluid flow to these discs, potentially alleviating symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, your body’s biggest nerve, becomes pinched, usually due to a disc condition. It produces discomfort, tingling and numbness that spreads down your leg. Decompression relieves pressure on the nerve and reduces inflammation.
Spinal Stenosis
This disorder causes narrowing of the gaps within your spine, which can put pressure on your nerves. Decompression may help to open those gaps and relieve nerve discomfort.
Chronic Back and Neck Pain
If you’ve tried various therapies without success, spinal decompression may be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for, without surgery or medication.
What Makes Spinal Decompression Different from Regular Traction?
You might be wondering, “Isn’t this just like regular traction?” Not quite. While both involve stretching the spine, spinal decompression is much more advanced. It uses precise computer-controlled technology to adjust the force and angle of the stretch, allowing for targeted, customized treatment. This gentle approach helps avoid the muscle tension or discomfort that can happen with traditional traction.
If you’re struggling with back or neck pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with daily discomfort caused by spinal issues, especially herniated discs, sciatica or degenerative disc disease. But here’s the good news: there’s a safe, non-surgical treatment that’s helping people feel better without the risks of medication or surgery. It’s called spinal decompression.
At Burlington Spinal Decompression, we use this gentle, proven therapy every day to help our patients get real relief. So, what is spinal decompression? How does it work? And who is it right for? Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, honest and easy to understand.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive procedure that gradually extends the spine with a specially designed motorized table. The idea is to reduce pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, allowing your body to repair itself.
When your spine is squeezed, whether due to injury, aging or bad posture, the discs can bulge or herniate. This causes pressure on adjacent nerves, resulting in pain, numbness or even weakness in your back, neck, legs or arms.
Spinal decompression produces room in the spine, which helps to relieve this pressure.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
During a spinal decompression session, you will lay down on a specialized decompression table. A harness is gently wrapped around your hips or upper body, depending on the area being treated.
The table then stretches your spine in gradual and precise cycles, pulling and relaxing in a controlled manner. This movement causes negative pressure inside your spinal discs, causing herniated or bulging discs to retract back into position.
This gentle pulling action:
- Takes the pressure off compressed nerves.
- Increases circulation to the disc.
- Helps nutrients, oxygen and fluids reach the damaged area.
- Encourages healing and rehydration of the disc.
That being said, most sessions last about 20 to 30 minutes. Many patients find the experience as calm and even soothing, with some individuals even falling asleep during their session.
What Conditions Can Spinal Decompression Help Treat?
Spinal decompression is used to address a variety of common spine-related issues, particularly disc and nerve abnormalities. It could be an excellent fit for you if you’re dealing with:
Herniated or Bulging Discs
When the soft part inside a spinal disc slips out, it can press on nearby nerves and cause a lot of pain. Spinal decompression gently pulls the spine to help that disc move back into place, taking pressure off the nerve and easing the pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we become older, our spinal discs naturally wear. This can cause pain, stiffness and limited motion. Decompression therapy helps restore space and enhance fluid flow to these discs, potentially alleviating symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, your body’s biggest nerve, becomes pinched, usually due to a disc condition. It produces discomfort, tingling and numbness that spreads down your leg. Decompression relieves pressure on the nerve and reduces inflammation.
Spinal Stenosis
This disorder causes narrowing of the gaps within your spine, which can put pressure on your nerves. Decompression may help to open those gaps and relieve nerve discomfort.
Chronic Back and Neck Pain
If you’ve tried various therapies without success, spinal decompression may be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for, without surgery or medication.
What Makes Spinal Decompression Different from Regular Traction?
You might be wondering, “Isn’t this just like regular traction?” Not quite. While both involve stretching the spine, spinal decompression is much more advanced. It uses precise computer-controlled technology to adjust the force and angle of the stretch, allowing for targeted, customized treatment. This gentle approach helps avoid the muscle tension or discomfort that can happen with traditional traction.
Simply put, spinal decompression is a smarter, safer and more effective way to relieve pressure on your spine and nerves.
What Does the Research Say?
Stated by Healthline, nonsurgical spinal decompression is considered safe with very few risks. While research is still developing, some studies suggest decompression therapy can greatly reduce symptoms of disc compression.
For example, they showcased a 2022 study of 60 people with herniated discs in their lower back. The researchers split participants into two groups: 30 received decompression therapy and 30 did not. The group that got the therapy saw clear improvements in their symptoms, while the group without treatment showed no noticeable change.
While earlier studies say more research is needed, spinal decompression still shows strong potential as a safe, low-risk way to relieve pain without surgery.
What to Expect at Burlington Spinal Decompression
When you come to Burlington Spinal Decompression, you’re getting a team who truly cares. Here’s what the process looks like:
Consultation and Evaluation: We’ll talk about your symptoms, medical history and goals.
Custom Treatment Plan: If decompression is a good fit, we’ll create a personalized plan just for you.
Gentle, Comfortable Therapy: Sessions are done in a relaxing setting with your comfort in mind.
Progress Tracking: We monitor your results closely and adjust as needed to help you get the best outcome.
We also combine decompression with other supportive therapies like chiropractic care, rehab exercises and lifestyle tips to help you get better faster, and stay better longer.
FAQ: Spinal Decompression Therapy
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Most people start with a series of 12 to 20 sessions over several weeks, depending on the severity of their condition.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Not at all! Most people find it relaxing. There’s no pain, no cracking and no needles involved.
Q: When will I start to feel better?
A: Some feel relief after just a few sessions, while others take a bit longer. We’ll keep track of your progress and adjust your care as needed.
Q: Is it covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies by provider. We’re happy to help you check and discuss affordable care options if needed.
Is Spinal Decompression Right for You? Find Out at Burlington Spinal Decompression
If you’re tired of living with pain, frustrated with quick fixes or looking to avoid surgery, spinal decompression might be exactly what your body needs. Find out if it’s right for you by calling our clinic or filling out a contact form with your information.