Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Effective? | Dublin, Ireland

You may have heard of non-surgical spinal decompression and wondered if it’s an effective treatment for back pain. This blog post will explore non-surgical spinal decompression, how it works, and what the research says about its effectiveness.

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a type of mechanical traction that is used to treat back pain. This therapy involves stretching the spine using a machine called a decompression table or traction table. The goal of this therapy is to take pressure off of the spine and relieve pain. 

How Does It Work? 

During non-surgical spinal decompression, you will lie on a table. The table will slowly stretch your spine. This stretch will take pressure off your spine’s discs and allow them to rehydrate and heal. You will typically receive 20-30 minutes of traction followed by 5-10 minutes of rest. This cycle will be repeated 2-3 times during your session. 

Is It Effective? 

Some evidence suggests that non-surgical spinal decompression can effectively treat back pain. A study published in 2009 found that patients who received this therapy significantly improved pain and function compared to those who did not. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Research on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

There is a great deal of research on the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression treatments. Many studies have shown that this type of therapy can be highly effective, with success rates ranging from 71 to 90%. In one study, participants experienced an immediate resolution of their symptoms in 86% of cases.

Other recent clinical trials have shown equally promising results with spinal decompression treatment. In a study published in Neurosurgery, researchers found that 94% of the 34 patients who completed therapy reported resolution of symptoms. Additionally, they found that 86% of those treated for disc syndrome and stenosis experienced a reduction in symptoms, while 80% of those treated for sciatica showed improvement.

Another study published in the journal of neurological research found that vertebral axial decompression was successful for 71% of patients with a single herniated disc. The success rate was higher for people with more than one herniated disc and those whose disc height had dropped to less than 60%. Overall, 72% of patients with herniated discs had improved symptoms due to the therapy.

The American Journal of Pain Management has reported that 86% of patients with herniated discs experienced good to excellent relief from back pain and sciatica symptoms. In contrast, 75% of those with facet syndrome experienced similar results. This suggests that chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for these conditions.

A small, non-randomized study in Anaesthesiology News suggests that spinal cord stimulation may be an effective treatment for chronic back pain. The study found that 52% of patients who responded to therapy experienced a pain level of zero and could resume their normal daily activities and work or retire without back pain as the cause. The results indicate that spinal cord stimulation may be an effective treatment option for individuals struggling with chronic back pain.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, non-surgical spinal decompression is a treatment that uses mechanical force to stretch the spine and relieve pressure on the discs and nerves. This treatment is supported by some research, although more high-quality studies are needed. If you’re considering this treatment for your back pain, be sure to consult with a spine specialist to see if it’s right for you.

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