One of the many treatment options we have at our disposal at Back & Body Medical here in Manhattan is spinal decompression. It’s a form of therapy that uses a machine to gently stretch the spine and decompress the joints. It may sound scary, but in fact it isn’t and the treatment is really good for issues such as disc herniations, pinched nerves and sciatica.
What is Spinal Decompression?
The treatment is FDA cleared and has been available for over a decade. As mentioned above, it’s primary use is for sciatica, disc herniations, bulging discs, pinched nerves and even after surgery rehab.
How does it work?
The spine is gently pulled at specific angles and distances for a period of time. This traction creates a negative pressure which helps bring bulging discs, herniations and nerves back into place and relieve pressure and pain. Experts also believe that the effect also brings back oxygen, nutrients and fluids back where they are supposed to be and be conducive to healing.
Are treatments painful?
Depending on the severity of your condition, the first two or three visits may be a little uncomfortable. Patients with extreme issues have noted this discomfort, but after the initial treatments are out of the way, the therapy can become quite relaxing. We’ve seen some patients nod off and sleep through the duration. Each treatment lasts for 10 to 15 minutes and you are strapped in, but if you ever start to feel uncomfortable, there is a safety switch you can press to stop at any time. In general though, the treatment is relaxing and of course we evaluate and examine you before even getting to the point of treatment.
How long do I need treatment for?
Again, this depends on the severity of your issue, but the average number of treatments are around 20-25 sessions over a month to month and a half period.
How successful is this therapy?
This is the all important question. Success rates are based on a 6/10 pain threshold (10 being the highest) at the beginning of treatment down to a 3/10 at the end. Results show between a 71% and 89% success rate.
Given the treatment is non invasive with little to no side effects, it is an excellent option to try before contemplating back surgery.
To summarize, spinal decompression therapy is great for pinched nerve, sciatica, disc herniations and bulging discs. It gently stretches the spine to allow discs and nerves to return to normal positions thereby reducing pain. It is a very relaxing method of treatment and has a high success rate in pain reduction meaning it is a very viable option to consider before surgery.
If you are in pain, suffer from back pain, neck pain, headaches or whatever, come in and see us, we can help. We also accept insurance and would be delighted to help you out of pain. Call us today or Schedule an appointment.
