Spinal Decompression

Back pain can be a debilitating experience. Numbness, tingling, weakness, pain and decreased function of upper and lower limbs can be caused by back pain and spinal injury. The pain affects work, sleep and disturbs normal daily activities.

Spinal decompression is a new revolutionary line of technology that is non-invasive and non-surgical, a boon to patients suffering for back and neck pain. It is primarily used to treat disc injuries in the neck and lower back. This procedure is quite safe as only FDA approved equipment are used in this treatment.

Spinal decompression - How it works?


This is an automatic traction procedure that involves stretching the spine. Mechanical decompression works slowly and surely stretching the spine and taking off the pressure from compressed discs and vertebrae in the process. Computer assisted treatment technique is performed by a physician in a computerized spinal decompression table. Here the process can be customized according to individual requirements.

Modern versions of this therapy use Vax-D, DRX9000 and Accu-Spina systems which are state-of-the-art technologies. Cox Technic is again a time tested decompression method used primarily by chiropractors.

Distraction forces are applied to the spinal structure in a precise and graduated manner. The spinal vertebrae are gently separated from each other creating a 'vacuum effect'. It is also known as negative intra-discal pressure.

In the process the strength of the spine is modified and the relocated disc is returned to its original position. When pressure is taken off the spine, effective transference of oxygen, nutritional fluids and water happens and the spinal injuries in turn cure fast.

It is necessary to undergo the treatment for a period of five to seven weeks with each session lasting for half an hour to forty five minutes.

Spinal decompression - conditions treated


This procedure is used to treat back and neck pains caused by conditions such as degenerated disc, herniated bulging disc, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis and sciatic leg ache.

Herniated disc is perhaps the most common spinal condition treated. Decompression takes the pressure off the damaged discs and enables the bulge shrink back to the original size.

Degenerative disc disease is yet another common condition treated with decompression therapy. Nerve compression caused by the vertebral bodies moving closer together is eliminated and painful symptoms reduced in the process.

Facet joint syndrome causes pain due to arthritic changes in the vertebral bones. Although decompression helps to create more space between the vertebrae reducing the pain to some extent, it cannot promise permanent relief for this condition.

Who cannot undergo spinal decompression?


This therapy is not recommended for pregnant women and those with tumors, fractures, osteoporosis, bone cancer, hemorrhages and other ailments and infections. Patients with metal inserts in the spine are also not fit for spinal decompression therapy.

It is recommended to stay fit and reduce the chances of being obese post spinal decompression therapy. Hence, expert nutritional advice is given to enable patients maintain the potency and suppleness of the muscles to a certain extent.

Spinal decompression - Pros and Cons

The biggest advantage of spinal decompression is that there is no surgery here. And hence, no discomfort, no bed rest as with surgery and it costs much less. Spinal decompression should cost anywhere between $100 to $200 per visit and even if it takes about 20 or so visits to achieve the goal, it should cost essentially between $2000 to $4000, way below cost of a surgery.

For a person who has tried other treatment methods including chiropractic and physical therapies and drugs, or a failed surgery, spinal decompression may be the only treatment of choice.

Spinal decompression may be non-invasive and non-surgical but it is not without risks. Adequate physical and diagnostic examinations including X-rays, MRI and others may be needed before spinal decompression can be performed. It is advised to consult with the primary care doctor before embarking on any treatment options like spinal decompression.