How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, neck pain, joint stiffness, or limited mobility, you already know you should visit an experienced chiropractor. But did you know that these healthcare specialists can do more than just chiropractic adjustments? Many patients seek out an experienced chiropractor to receive spinal decompression therapy. 

Here, we’re taking a closer look at this specialized treatment that is offered by chiropractic offices to provide patients with relief from back pain and limited mobility. If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, call a nearby chiropractor to learn more about what this form of safe and holistic care can do for you. 

What is Spinal Decompression?

As we begin our exploration into this type of therapy, we need to start with the fact that there are two distinct types of spinal decompression: surgical spinal decompression, preferably one done by a Denver chiropractor, and non-surgical spinal decompression.

As one might guess, the major difference between these two procedures is that one requires surgery to treat issues like ruptured disks, bony growths, bulging disks, back pain, and other health problems.

Noninvasive spinal decompression, however, does not require such an invasive approach to treat these issues, and therefore, is a much more common treatment method for patients.

That’s why we’ll be focusing on nonsurgical spinal decompression for this article. Spinal decompression is a type of therapy that utilizes motorized traction that can cause back pain and other health issues. Spinal decompression essentially stretches the spine gently to reposition the musculoskeletal structure.

Relieving pressure

This gentle stretching motion can take pressure off the spinal disks, which serve as a sort of cushion between your spinal bones. When this pressure is relieved, pain often is also relieved with it.

After successful spinal decompression, herniated disks or bulging disks may retract. This takes the pressure off the spine and even improves the functioning and health of the nervous system. Remember that your central nervous system is in the brain and spinal column. With spinal decompression, the spread of water and nutrients throughout your body typically improves, which helps to nourish your muscles, organs, and bones.

This promotes a natural healing process for the body that can reduce pain and also improve recovery from an injury or illness. For many athletes and active people, spinal decompression can also boost your overall performance and improve your overall wellness. 

What are the Top Health Problems That Can Be Treated by Spinal Decompression Therapy?

In general, most patients will pursue spinal decompression to address chronic back pain. But this back pain can be caused by a variety of different issues. This is why it’s imperative to first receive a complete diagnosis from your chiropractor or doctor. This physical evaluation can help them identify the specific cause of your back pain, and from there, begin to develop the most effective type of treatment. Additionally, this may include spinal decompression therapy. Of course, always consult your doctor before beginning any new type of treatment program.

Spinal decompression can be effectively used to treat a variety of health problems related to your back, spinal column, and nervous system. These issues may include:

• Chronic back pain.
• Neck pain or stiffness.
• Sciatica–related pain.
• Degenerative disk disease.
• Joint stiffness.
• Limited mobility.
• Worn spinal joints.
• Bulging disks.
• Herniated disks.
• Injured spinal nerve roots. 

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

Now that we know more about this type of treatment, let’s explore just how it works. Spinal decompression can be performed at a doctor’s office or a local chiropractic office. Your healthcare professional will utilize a specialized motorized table as a key piece of equipment for this type of care.

During a spinal decompression session, the patient will be asked to lie down on the table. The chiropractor or doctor will then place a harness around the hips of the patient. This is then attached to the lower part of the table. The upper half of the table remains static and motionless, while the lower half will then begin to gently slide back and forth.

This slight swaying positioning provides the specialized traction that makes this process work. In general, this is a pain-free type of treatment. Most patients describe the spinal decompression sensation as very relaxing, or in some cases even pleasant.

Some forms of spinal decompression may require the patient to lie down in a slightly different position—this will come down to the specific needs of the patient and what feels most comfortable for them. Some forms of spinal decompression therapy may have the patient lying prone on the table facing down. Others, on the other hand, have the patient face up. As the spine gets gently stretched, the patient should over time feel relief from pain and improved mobility.

As a non-invasive and holistic approach to healthcare, spinal decompression is safe and effective. This is just one of the many reasons why it’s become so popular in recent years. 

Conclusion – How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, it’s time that you found a treatment that is both safe and effective. Visiting a chiropractor can offer much more than just chiropractic adjustments—although they certainly specialize in this type of treatment.

An experienced chiropractic office can also offer a range of additional treatments that can address back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, limited mobility, and more. Some of the most effective types of treatment include spinal decompression.

With both surgical and nonsurgical approaches, spinal decompression has helped countless individuals finally find relief from back pain. It can even improve your mobility and provide a boost to your overall physical fitness.

A much more common option, non-surgical spinal decompression, is a safe and non-invasive approach to care. If you think this type of treatment could benefit your health and lifestyle, reach out to a local chiropractor’s office near you. They’ll be able to help you determine whether spinal decompression can be an effective treatment for your healthcare needs.

Who is the author?

Zach Lundgren has a graduate degree in Rhetoric, Writing, and Professional Communication. He is an experienced SEO writer with an interest in scientific communication and technical writing. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and creative writing.