Q: What is spinal decompression therapy?
A: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, also known as spinal decompression, is a proven method to treat back pain, neck pain, and sciatica that are caused by bulging, herniated, and degenerated discs or facet syndrome. Those suffering from certain types of stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal and foramen) and even post-surgical patients have reported considerable pain relief from NSSD treatments.
Q: How does it work? Is it only for lower-back pain?
A: Spinal decompression gently lengthens and decompresses the spine, making negative pressures within the discs. This exchange of pressure creates an intradiscal vacuum that helps to reposition the bulging discs and pull extruded disc material back into place, taking pressure off of the pinched nerves.
Spinal experts believe that nutrients, oxygen and fluids are drawn into the disc to create a rejuvenated environment favorable to healing.
Because spinal decompression is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure, there are no side effects following treatment and not a trace of pain caused by the treatment.
The short-term and long-term benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression prevail over the typical approaches to treating severe back pain.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: The length of care is dependent upon each individual patient. The average is 12 to 24 treatments.
Q: What type of person would benefit the most from this treatment?
A: NSSD can benefit patients who suffer from protruding and herniated disc in their neck and low back. It also will help with certain kinds of stenosis or narrowing of the intervertebral foramen (nerve holes).
Q: Who should avoid it?
A: Patients who should not have spinal decompression are those with severe osteoporosis or unstable spondylolisthesis (type of common spinal fracture that results in instability-our facility offers alternative treatments for this condition). This is not an exhaustive list and it is imperative that you are thoroughly screened for your safety.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Many patient see results within a few visits; some take a little longer.
Q: Why would someone choose spinal decompression over other treatments for back pain?
A: The main reasons for utilizing spinal decompression are low risk, high effectiveness, low costs, and non-invasive. Frankly, no one should consider invasive procedure before being evaluated by a multidisciplinary team who are interested in keeping you off the surgery table. Most therapies for disc problems are aimed at the alarm system (pain) and not the underlying cause. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a wonderful therapy for the right condition; it is not the best treatment for every back problem. It is important to be evaluated by a team that offers multiple treatment options. Be a wise consumer and do your research.
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering spinal decompression?
A: All decompression systems are not the same, so do your research and pick a qualified facility with medical supervision. Make sure you are under the care of a licensed doctor who designs a specific program with measured outcomes. It is best to go to a center that offers other treatment options, like care with a chiropractor. Not every patient who suffers from neck and back pain can benefit from spinal decompression, so go where you have choices of care.
If you have any unique questions, do not hesitate to post your questions here, or e-mail me at info@vanspinaldecompression.com
For further information, visit us at www.vanspinaldecompression.com or simply call 604-984-4601.
