Do you experience chronic back pain, tingling in your legs or feet, shooting pains down the sciatic nerve and difficulty finding relief? You are not alone—according to the National Institute of Health’s estimates over one-third of all adults suffer from some form of back pain. Many patients resort to physical therapy as their first go-to for managing their discomfort and restoring movement, but spinal decompression may provide an additional avenue that can act as a complementary approach when attempting to find lasting relief. Let’s explore how these two techniques for combating ongoing issues with the spine differ and why it is important that individuals discuss both options with a qualified chiropractor before making a decision about which treatment is right for them.
As a general rule, both decompression and physical therapy are non-drug treatments for back pain. Decompression uses gentle traction to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, while physical therapy involves exercises and manual therapy to improve strength and mobility. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.
What Is Spinal Decompression and What Are the Benefits Compared to Physiotherapy?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment option for relieving neck and back pain that uses gentle stretching of the spine. This technique helps stretch the spine in order to release pressure on the spinal discs, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues. It can help relieve chronic pain caused by herniated or degenerative discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, arthritis, stenosis, and more.
Compared to physical therapy, spinal decompression offers several advantages when it comes to treating conditions related to the spine. By focusing on gradual stretches instead of aggressive movements like those used in physical therapy exercises, spinal decompression reduces strain on the joints and muscles as well as minimizes any risk of further injury. It is also well tolerated by most patients and can be completed in significantly fewer treatment sessions than physical therapy.
In addition, the decompression process helps promote proper disc hydration and encourages natural healing responses throughout the spine. This increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes while also reducing pain levels more quickly than through traditional methods. Spinal decompression can even help improve nerve function, reduce muscle spasms, and increase mobility to enhance the overall quality of life. It is important to note that not all conditions may benefit from spinal decompression; your doctor will help determine if this type of treatment is right for you.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
The process of spinal decompression typically involves the use of a specialized traction table. This table is designed to apply a gentle stretching force to the spine in order to separate it and create space between vertebrae. During treatment, you will lie on your back while the table slowly increases this pressure over time. The degree of stretch can be adjusted based on your level of comfort and treatment goals.
When used properly, this slow stretching motion helps reduce pressure on the discs, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues of the spine. It also improves circulation in these areas by encouraging nutrients and oxygen to flow freely throughout the region. As a result, inflammation is reduced while mobility is increased for a more successful outcome overall.
What Are the Risks Associated With Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is generally considered a safe and effective form of treatment for the spine. However, it is important to talk with your doctor beforehand to make sure this type of therapy is right for you. Some risks associated with spinal decompression may include increased pain, nerve damage or irritation, muscle spasms, and dizziness. It is also possible that the stretching force applied during treatment could cause further injury in patients who have already experienced trauma to their spine or related areas.
Overall, spinal decompression can be a great choice for relieving chronic neck and back pain without requiring surgery or strong medications. If you are considering this type of treatment, talk to your doctor first to discuss any potential risks and ensure that it’s the best option for you.
The Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy can provide a range of benefits to those suffering from neck and back pain, including improved circulation and range of motion, reduced inflammation, and decreased nerve compression. It is also generally well tolerated by patients and has few side effects compared to other treatments such as surgery or strong medications. By gradually stretching the spine, this type of treatment helps reduce pressure on discs, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues in order to reduce pain levels more quickly than through traditional methods.
In addition to being effective at treating chronic neck and back pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, pinched nerves, degenerative disc disease, and more, spinal decompression therapy also helps to promote proper disc hydration and encourages natural healing responses throughout the spine. This increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes while also improving nerve function, reducing muscle spasms, and increasing mobility to enhance the overall quality of life.
Overall, spinal decompression can be an effective treatment option for many types of neck and back pain. Talk with your doctor today to learn more about this type of therapy and determine if it’s right for you.
How Long Does a Typical Treatment Last?
The length of a spinal decompression treatment depends on the condition being treated, as well as a variety of other factors such as your age, medical history, and lifestyle. Generally speaking, most people will require multiple treatment sessions over the course of several weeks in order to achieve the desired results. Each session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
It is important to note that it usually takes several days or even weeks for you to start noticing a difference in pain levels after beginning spinal decompression therapy. Additionally, depending on your condition, further treatments may be required at later intervals in order to maintain symptom relief. Your doctor will let you know how many treatments you can expect during your course of care.
Ultimately, spinal decompression therapy can be a safe and effective treatment option for many types of neck and back pain. Talk with your doctor to see if this type of treatment could work for you. With the right care, you may find that spinal decompression is just what you need to reduce your pain levels and start feeling better again.
Are There Any Side Effects From Spinal Decompression?
The most common side effects of spinal decompression therapy are mild to moderate and include soreness, aching, or tension in the muscles. However, these symptoms should subside shortly after treatment is complete. Other less common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, and tingling sensations in the extremities. It is important to speak with your doctor before beginning any treatment by
In some cases, there may be certain risks associated with spinal decompression therapy that you should be aware of. These could include increased pain due to overstretching of the spine or nerve damage as a result of an incorrect application of force during treatment. It is important to discuss all potential risks with your doctor before making any decisions about this type of therapy.
Overall, spinal decompression can be a safe and effective treatment option for many types of neck and back pain. Talk with your doctor to see if this type of therapy is right for you. With the help of an experienced healthcare professional, you can find relief from chronic pain and start enjoying life again.