Role of Spinal Decompression in Treating Back Pain

Role

of

Spinal

Treating Back Pain

Decompression

in

Role of Spinal Decompression in Treating Back Pain Spinal decompression therapy is a traction based treatment to relieve pain and symptoms caused by pressure or compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Back pain affects most people at some point in their lives. The second most common reason for visits to the physician’s office and a top cause of job-related disability in the United States, back pain can occur anywhere in the back. However, the most commonly affected area is the lower back as this area supports most of the body’s weight. Pain in this area can occur due to factors such as trauma, injury, poor muscle tone, medical conditions like sciatica and arthritis, and degeneration and herniation of the intervertebral discs. Multispecialty pain management and rehabilitation centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer several non-surgical treatment modalities to address acute and chronic back pain and related symptoms. One of these options is FDA-approved spinal decompression therapy. This traction-based treatment system eases low back pain by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves.

Symptoms of back pain range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation that would make it difficult for the person to stand up straight or even move. Spinal decompression treatment alternates between gentle stretching and relaxation to realign the spine and relieve pain.

What Exactly is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

In spinal decompression, the spine is gently stretched and relaxed intermittently in a controlled manner to restore the spine’s proper alignment. During the treatment session, patients must lie on their back on a special computer-controlled table.

Using motorized traction performed with special equipment, the decompression procedure works to separate the spinal discs by applying a specific gentle force that pulls segments of the spine in longitudinal direction, using precise angles to target specific spinal discs. Applying a distraction force helps to separate the spinal disc and create a vacuum within it by applying a negative pressure. This vacuum helps to pull the protruded material back in to the disc, thereby relieving pressure between the discs. The vacuum promotes blood flow to the area and provides adequate nutrition and oxygen, which reduces inflammation and encourages healing.

Frequency and Duration of Treatment Sessions The duration of the treatment and number of sessions required will depend on the diagnosis, condition of the patient, and the physician’s recommendations. Each treatment session usually takes just 20-25 minutes. In some cases, patients get relief after a few treatments, while and in some cases, more sessions may be needed over a period of 4-6 weeks to achieve long-lasting pain relief.

Who is not a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for •

Pregnant women

• • • • •

Patients with failed back surgery Patients with spinal fusions Patients with vertebrae fractures Patients with artificial discs or other spinal implants Patients with severe obesity

Pain management physicians offering spinal decompression treatment in a multispecialty healthcare center in Brooklyn, NYC will carefully evaluate patients before starting the procedure. Imaging tests like X-ray and CT/MRI scan may be conducted to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. In a reputable pain management center, spinal decompression therapy will be combined with other nonsurgical treatment modalities such as TENS, heat/cold therapy and physical therapy exercises to improve pain symptoms.