Spinal Decompression Therapy for Fixing Back and Neck Pain

spinal stenosis

Many people have heard of different forms of treatment for back pain. From Swedish massage to deep tissue massage to having chiropractic adjustments done, it seems that everyone is suffering from back and neck pain and needs the latest treatment. Spinal decompression therapy, however, is a lesser known option for people suffering from back and neck discomfort. It was approved by the federal government in 1996 and has been proven to be safe and efficient for the vast majority of people who undergo the treatment.

Spinal decompression can effectively address a number of ailments, including arm and leg pain. Herniated or bulging discs in the spine and sciatica can also be treated, along with degenerative diseases like spinal stenosis and arthritis. Chronic tightness in the muscles from a lifelong habit of hunching over a computer can also lead to back pain, which this type of treatment can help alleviate. Thus, many causes of back pain can be treated with spinal decompression therapy.

Many causes of back pain can be found in an active lifestyle with improper warming up or cooling down. How many of us know people that simply put on running shoes and go for an hour-long jog with no stretching? Or people who play pick-up basketball games in incorrect shoes or go to the gym and use improper form on many of their exercises? All of this can lead to back and neck pain issues down the road for even the most active of us. Thankfully, spinal decompression treatments can help address these conditions.

This type of therapy is designed to stimulate more blood flow to the spine and discs and create the conditions under which a herniated or bulging disc can begin the healing process. As the therapy uses traction, the muscles in the back can relax without the danger of cramping or spasms. Many patients feel no discomfort during the procedure, and some even fall asleep while the spine decompression process is going on. The increased blood flow promotes healing by delivering oxygen-rich blood to the areas being worked on.

Spinal decompression is often part of a holistic therapeutic program. Some problems with the back may need to be addressed with other treatments, such as ice, heat, or compression. Patients may be given exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the back and neck, or to increase the flexibility and overall mobility of the joints. Traditional chiropractic adjustments may also be used for some patients to assist in the process.

Due to the fact that spinal surgery is often no more effective than alternative forms of back pain treatment, spinal decompression therapy should be an option considered by many people in pain. In fact, this kind of treatment is often used when surgery fails to fix a herniated disc and may be used after an operation in certain circumstances to promote heating. Spinal decompression has been proven to be a safe and effective process for men and women suffering from back pain, as well as a viable alternative to spine surgery.