How Does Decompression Work?
Spinal decompression
therapy in conjunction with additional modalities (techniques) effectively relieves
the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, by
repairing damaged discs and reversing dystrophic changes in nerves.
Spinal decompression addresses the functional and mechanical aspects of
discogenic pain and disease through non-surgical decompression of
lumbar intervertebral discs. Studies verify the significant reduction
of intradiscal pressures into the negative range, to approximately
minus 150 mm/HG, which result in the non-surgical decompression of the
disc and nerve root. Conventional traction has never demonstrated a
reduction of intradiscal pressure to negative ranges; on the contrary -
many traction devices actually increased intradiscal pressure, most
likely due to reflex muscle spasm. The spinal decompression table is
designed to apply distraction (stretching) tension to the patient's lumbar spine
without eliciting reflex paravertebral muscle contractions.
The video below shows why decompression therapy works.
By significantly reducing intradiscal pressure, spinal decompression promotes retraction of the herniation into the disc and facilitates influx of oxygen, proline and other substrates. The promotion of fibro elastic activity stimulates repair and inhibits leakage of irritant sulphates and carboxylates from the nucleus. The most recent trial sought to correlate clinical success with MRI evidence of disc repair in the annulus, nucleus, facet joint and foramina as a result of treatment and found that reduction of disc herniation ranged between 10% and 90% depending on the number of sessions performed, while annulus patching and healing was evident in all cases. Here is a link to view the research done on spinal decompression.
What Are The Treatments Like?
Basically,
you lay down and the spinal decompression computer simulates an
anti-gravity effect on your back that helps herniated material return
to its normal position and stop the pain. Patients describe the
treatment as gentle, painless, intermittent pulling of your back. Many
patients actually fall asleep during treatment!
After lying on the comfortable spinal decompression bed, you will be fitted with an automatic shoulder support system. The automatic shoulder support system helps to stabilize your upper body. The advanced computer system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of distraction, an air bladder system acts as a fulcrum to the angle of pull, allowing us to target specific discs…that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a logarithmic curve to avoid proprioceptor response, which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows separation of the vertebra, minimizing the effect of gravity.
How Long Are Treatments And How Many Do You Need?
At Spring Wellness, patients
typically undergo 20 to 25 treatment sessions. Each treatment lasts
between 15-25 minutes. This, of course, depends on your individual case
and is determined by a thorough evaluation. Following each session, a
cold pack and electric muscle stimulation may be applied to help pain
relief and speed the healing process. It is important to note that many
patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few treatments.
Some after just one. The really good news is, this treatment is not something you
have to continue to do for the rest of your life!