Dear Dr. Shoshany,
I’ve been suffering backaches for the past year, and I’m tired of the constant twangs of pain. My family doctor suggested I look into Back Surgery, but I don’t have the time or the will to go through with it. What is Spinal Decompression, and is it the best treatment for my chronic pain?
Sincerely,
Hurting in NYC
Spinal Decompression Therapy sounds pretty scary, but the procedure is anything but daunting. Spinal Decompression is a non-invasive surgery that works on the discs in your spine without causing you to go under the knife. Best used for treating chronic back pain, the advanced therapy is a series of relaxing sessions where you’ll feel far less pain and be on the road to healing.
The treatment is useful against:
- Back pain
- Sciatica (a compressed spinal nerve root in the lower back)
- Facet syndrome
- Degenerative discs
- Herniated Discs
- Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
Now that we’ve got medical jargon aside, let’s get down to the real business of Spinal Decompression. By decompressing and lengthening the spine (gently, of course), negative pressure is created within the spinal discs. This negative space acts as an intradiscal vacuum that pulls extruded disc material back where it’s supposed to be. Further, this negative prssure causes nutrients, oxygen and fluids into the space to create a healing environment for the spine. Ultimately, the negative space forces the body’s repair mechanisms to activate so that your injury can heal.
Spinal Decompression is not a good option for people who are:
- Pregnant
- With retained surgical hardware (like titanium rods and fusion cages)
- Sufferering of a recent vertebral fracture
- With severe osteoporosis
- Victim of a rare condition
Still have some reservations about Spinal Decompression? The results we typically see are a remission of symptoms and a return to physical activity, sometimes within a few sessions. Many patients will notice less pain after their first few sessions. Although the relief from pain might make you think you’re okay, be sure to stick with it. To avoid recurring symptoms, the regimen must be carried for its full length, regardless of how great you’re feeling.
Interested in Spinal Decompression Therapy? Contact Dr. Shoshany at Living Well Medical for more information.
