Spinal Decompression is a valuable tool in out expansive arsenal for treating pain emanating from the back and back problems such as sciatica, or herniated or bulging discs.
Back pain can be cause by a condition which results in the narrowing of the spinal column, within which the spinal cord resides, this condition, known as “Spinal Stenosis” can cause great discomfort and pain and really impact the quality of a patient’s life.
Spinal Stenosis slowly develops over a number of years later on in life, usually after fifty years or so, and not only can it cause symptoms of sciatica but also it can cause arm pain, if the nerves in the cervical spine are effected.
“Symptoms of lumbar stenosis often include leg pain (sciatica) with walking, as well as tingling, weakness or numbness in the legs. Arm pain is the typical symptom of cervical spinal stenosis.” _SpineHealth
Unlike Spinal Stenosis, herniated or bulging discs can effect anyone, even young, perfectly fit people who do not have a sedentary lifestyle. While a sedentary lifestyle leads to de-conditioning and in turn a faster degeneration of intervertebral discs and a higher likelihood of herniation from acute trauma.
Disc herniations and ruptures can also be a result of an accident or fall, or can result from very intense or incorrect athletic training as well a longer term causes like, deviated posture. Healthy, active people that are otherwise in great physical condition can have problematic posture and therefore load the spine incorrectly, leading to an increased likelihood of injury, when a sudden fall or injury does occur.
Diagnosing a herniated disc usually requires an MRI and a couple of visits with a health care professional such as a chiropractor. A herniated disc differs form a bulging disc, in that a herniated disc involves the leaking of nuclear material past the weakened disc wall, and a bulging disc still maintains the softer (inner) nuclear material inside, but may lead to rupturing.
Cutting edge treatment of disc herniation and bulges involves a multidisciplinary approach, in which a personalized, integrated protocol is used once each patient’s unique condition is evaluated. Treatment may involve Chiropractic adjustments to manipulate the spine and work surrounding soft tissue and help relieve some pressure and interference from misalignment and soft tissue problems, Physical Therapy to help strengthen weaker muscles and stretch tighter ones, and some patients will require the use of the DRX9000 spinal decompression machine that uses linear traction to allow for much faster healing of the intervertebral discs.
Depending on the specifics of the herniation, spinal disc conditions can be highly treatable, and dont require surgery or huge life altering changes. With some behavior modification, physical therapy and chiropractic care, and a few other integrated treatment protocols, the healing process can be a fairly non-disruptive process.
