If you have lasting back pain and other related symptoms, you know how disruptive to your life it can be. You may be unable to think of little else except finding relief. Some people turn to spinal decompression therapy -- either surgical or nonsurgical. Here's what you need to know to help decide whether it might be right for you.
What Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression?
Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of traction provided at White Sands Integrative Medical, that may help relieve back pain and sciatica symptoms. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine. This change can take the pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may eventually retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
Doctors have used nonsurgical spinal decompression in an attempt to treat:
- Back or neck pain or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg
- Bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disk disease
- Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome)
- Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots
Other treatments our team may suggest in conjunction with Lumbar Spinal Decompression therapy may be any of the following:
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Stem cell injections
- Limited rest
- PRP Injections
- Bracing
- Chiropractic Adjustment
- Acupuncture
How Is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Done?
You are fully clothed during spinal decompression therapy. There are a few different types of lumbar decompression therapy machines. The one utilized at White Sands integrative Medical is an upright/floating lumbar decompression. You will be seated upright and our staff will fit you in the decompression chair. Other types of decompression machines are on a table where the doctor fits you with a harness around your pelvis and another around your trunk. You either lie face down or face up on a computer-controlled table. A doctor operates the computer, customizing treatment to your specific needs.
Treatment may last 15 to 20 minutes and you may require 18 to 30 treatments over six to ten weeks. Before or after therapy, you may have other types of treatment, such as:
- Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract)
- Therapeutic Ultrasound (the use of sound waves to generate heat and promote healing)
- Chiropractic adjustment
- Physical Rehab
- Massage Therapy
The goal of Nonsurgical decompression is to alleviate back pain, sciatica symptoms and allow the patient to heal and recover without the risks that go along with lumbar surgery. Not everyone is a candidate for this type of treatment. Our medical staff will evaluate you and your condition to make sure nonsurgical decompression is the right treatment for you.
Our Team at White Sands Integrative Medical Can Help
For more information about spinal decompression, contact White Sands Integrative Medical at (850) 226-6728.