What is Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a horizontal traction therapy applied to the spine in an attempt to create a negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material and create a lower pressure in the disc. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal. As a result, bulging or herniated discs may retract, taking pressure off nerves that will decrease pain, numbness and tingling in your leg.

How is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Procedure Done?

First, the doctor will examine if you are the right candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy. People with any of these conditions should not have non-surgical spinal decompression:

Fracture of spine
Spinal tumor
Spinal infection
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Advanced osteoporosis
Metal implants in the spine
Spinal fusion
Patients with failed back surgery
Any condition that may compromise the integrity of the spine

Spinal decompression therapy procedure:

Patient is fully clothed lying on his/her back or stomach.
Doctor fits a harness around the pelvis and another around trunk.
Doctor specifically set customized treatment to individual needs.
Treatment is about 20 to 30 minutes per session.
Treatment may require 20 to 28 times for 6 to 8 weeks. (Patient should feel a minimum of 10% improvement within 6 weeks).
Physiotherapy (electric stimulation, hot pack, ultrasound) may apply before and after spinal decompression therapy.
It is normal for some patients to experience mild soreness, stiffness, muscle spasm or aches after the therapy session due to stretched ligaments and muscles of the spine and usually last few days.
If patients experience any sharp pain during therapy, immediately press the hand held emergency stop button and notify to doctor.

For more information about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy as well as if you want to find out if you are the right candidate who can benefit from this treatment, please contact our clinic.

Intersegmental Traction Table

An intersegmental traction table is used to mobilize the spine while also stretching the ligaments and muscles. It does this by creating a consistent motion with its dual rollers that goes from the cervical to the sacral column. IST (intersegmental traction) is a form of decompression therapy that relieves the pressure from the spine. This movement of the spine contributes to helping promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disc. As a result, the spinal column is to be more flexible by relaxing the paraspinal muscles and opening up the facet joints of vertebral bone. This allows the patient’s spinal column to be more relaxed and ready for chiropractic adjustment.