Disk decompression therapy, also called decompression traction therapy, is a non-surgical method used to reduce neck, back, leg and buttock pain, according to the Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Institute of Dallas.
Use
According to the Hopkins Clinic, disk decompression therapy is used to relieve pain from a herniated disk (fatty disk protrusion in between your back bones), spinal stenosis (condition of a narrowed spinal canal) and degenerative disk disease.
Procedure
The Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Institute of Dallas says that you will lie prone (face down) as a gentle force is applied to your back, pelvis and neck regions. This is called a distractive force, which decreases pressure on your vertebral disks.
Cost
According to the Hopkins Clinic, a 30-minute decompression therapy session costs about $55 (as off 2009). However, cost is dependent upon location and the physician.
Sessions
Typically, you will need 20 sessions of decompression therapy for 20 to 40 minutes each, according to the Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Institute of Dallas.
Warning
You should not get this treatment if you suffer from osteoporosis (condition of brittle bones), arthritis or have a history of spinal problems, according to the Hopkins Clinic.
