Basics
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical technique used to treat back pain, particularly pain that is due to disc injuries in the lower back and neck. Equipment is used to apply force to various areas on the spine and create distractions at various graduated points along the spine. Through the outside, the vertebrae are gently separated, which creates a vacuum between the sections, called negative intra-discal pressure, report doctors at the American Spinal Decompression Association. The negative pressure produces a space that allows the herniated disc to be separated from the nerve or the thecal sac or both.
Positioning
For treating herniated or bulging discs in the lower back, the patient lies on his stomach or back on a decompression table. Padded straps are attached to the midsection and lower back to hold the patient in place during the treatments. Soft rubber pads are placed below the patient's neck as the he lies on his back to treat damaged discs in the neck.
Visits
Spinal decompression is performed over a series of visits lasting about 45 minutes because each treatment only moves the disc microscopically. The entire procedure can take anywhere from four to six weeks. After each visit, when the patient combines spinal decompression with relaxation techniques, relief is felt. The cumulative effects work to provide pain relief and eventual healing by promoting oxygen, water and nutrient-rich fluids to slowly move into the damaged area. Between the gradual relief of the pressure and the infusion of healing fluids, the degenerated disc can repair itself.
Specialists
Spinal doctors and chiropractors typically provide spine decompression treatments. Pain clinics and other specialized providers must utilize equipment such as the DRX9000, manufactured by Axiom. The machine slowly cycles through a series of pushing and pulling movements to counter the spasms felt by the patient. The level of the traction can be adjusted according to the needs of the patient.
Risks
Not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression. Anyone with advanced osteoporosis or metal rods in the spine should not receive spinal decompression treatments. People with tumors or fractures should not undergo the therapy.
Costs
According to a report by Dr. Anthony Abbruzzese in the May 2008 issue of Disabled World, spinal decompression treatments cost an average of $100 to $200 per visit, for a total cost of about $2,000 to $4,000. Most insurance companies do not cover the treatments, although providers say that the costs may work out to be less than co-insurance payments required for back surgery and there is no recovery period required.
