1. Take the Pressure off Your Discs
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive method for treating chronic pain emanating from the back and neck. Generally, this pain arises from excessive pressure placed on the discs located between the vertebrae of the neck and lower back. Spinal decompression relieves this pressure by gently increasing the space between the vertebrae. When the disc is relieved of pressure, nutrients, fluid and oxygen flow freely from the exterior of the disc to its interior, allowing the disc to begin the healing process.
2. Treat Your Sciatica and Other Issues
Medical professionals use spinal decompression to treat a variety of conditions. Most notably, spinal decompression treats bulging and herniated discs. It's also relieves secondary conditions resulting from disc problems, such as pinched nerves, sciatica and pain radiating down the arm or leg. Spinal decompression has also been successful in treating degenerative disc disease. Finally, doctors use spinal decompression to treat facet syndromes, which manifest as discomfort in one or more of the back joints.
3. The Method Behind Spinal Decompression
When you go in for your first spinal decompression treatment, you are fitted for a pelvic brace and a thoracic harness. Patients lie down on a specialized table, face up or face down, depending on the doctor's recommendation. Patients are fully clothed during the procedure. While lying on the table, the doctor adjusts the table using a computer. Each session takes about 30 to 40 minutes and most people undergo approximately 25 treatments over the course of six weeks.
4. Avoid Spinal Decompression Under Certain Circumstances
Prior to recommending spinal decompression therapy, doctors conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the patient's eligibility for treatment. Doctors typically won't recommend treatment if they uncover certain conditions, such as bone fractures, severe osteoporosis (osteomalacia), myelitis, anklyosing spondylitis, metal implants or abdominal aortic aneurism. In addition, doctors don't recommend spinal decompression treatment for women who are pregnant.
5. Seek Out a Practitioner and Pay for Therapy
Before commencing with spinal decompression therapy, find a qualified medical professional. Locate trained professionals in your area by contacting the American Spinal Decompression Association. Review the cost of treatment before starting a treatment plan. Your insurance companies may not reimburse for spinal decompression therapy. Contact your insurance company to determine their reimbursement schedule. If they don't reimburse, talk to your doctor about the cost of treatment and payment options. Cost varies significantly depending on the extent of treatment needed.
