Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Treatment - Colchester
Back on Trac Spinal Decompression table
In this post we’ll cover Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression:
What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
How does decompression therapy work?
What conditions does spinal decompression treat?
Who is not a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
3 Spinal health exercises to do at home
What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy helps rehydrate and nourish spinal discs through a series of gentle, timed pulls. This decompression creates space between vertebrae, promoting the intake of water and essential nutrients in a process called “imbibition.” The center of spinal discs are made out of a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus which is composed of 70-90% water.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression allows your discs to rehydrate, resulting in stronger and more stable discs.
When a spinal disc dehydrates or desiccates the following occur:
Decreased spinal mobility / flexibility
Increased stiffness
Discs are more prone to injury: Disc protrusions / bulges / herniations
Decrease in disc height, spinal nerves may be compressed
Increased neck pain or low back pain
Radicular symptoms such as numbness, tingling, shooting pain / sciatica or muscle weakness
Herniation of the inner disc material (nucleus pulposa) compressing a spinal nerve
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
Spinal decompression works by creating negative pressure within the discs, effectively and gently pulling the vertebrae apart. The key difference with non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is the use of a specialized table that sustains this traction for several seconds. This sustained pull enhances the negative pressure and promotes greater disc rehydration.
The benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression include:
Pain relief
Imoproved mobility
Promotes healing
Increased disc strength and stability
Decreased radicular symptoms (pain traveling down arms or legs)
Prevention of future disc-related problems
Disc resorption (decreasing the actual disc protrusion)
What Conditions Can It Treat?
We see incredible results with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for a variety of conditions, including:
Disc Injuries (Herniated discs / disc bulges / disc prolapses)
Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear on your discs that happens over time
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that cause put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
Sciatica: Pain that shoots down one or both legs
Facet Joint Syndrome: Pain in the joints of your spine
Post-Surgical Pain: Pain following spinal surgery
What are the Benefits?
Non-invasive: No surgery, no incisions, no anesthesia!
Painless: Many people find the treatment relaxing.
Quick: Each decompression session lasts between 15-20 minutes.
Safe: Non-surgical spinal decompression is a safe and low risk treatment.
Effective: We have seen countless patients in our office find lasting relief from back and neck pain.
Who is not a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression?
Recent Spinal Surgery (6 months or less)
Advanced Spinal Osteoporosis
Suspicion of Spinal Infection
Pregnancy (Prenatal treatment here)
Radicular symptom coming from other conditions such as:
Spinal Tumors
Fractures
Spinal Instability
One of our doctors (Dr. Sean) getting the benefits of continued Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Here are 3 simple spinal health exercises to do at home
Hanging from a bar
If you have no issues holding on to a bar, this is a simple exercise to promote global spinal traction. Hold the bar with both hands, and let your body hang. Make sure your feet are not touching the floor. Feel your legs being pulled down with gravity and focus on feeling the low back relax. Once you feel your spine relax it will start to decompress lightly. Hold this for 10-15 seconds and then repeat. Do this exercise 2-3 times to allow gentle spinal traction.
Cat Cow Pose
Kneel on all fours. Take an easy breathe in and round your back, pointing your head towards the floor. Slowly breath out and curl your back lightly and gently lift your head to look ahead. Perform 8-10 repetitions. Cat cow pose is a gentle yoga pose that can improve spinal mobility when done consistently.
Hanging from the side of a bed/sofa
Place a pillow under your stomach and lay on the side of a sofa or bed. Let your legs hang towards the floor while your upper torso is supported by the bed or sofa. This will gently traction your low back.
Spinal Decompression Therapy at Mahoney Chiropractic Group
At Mahoney Chiropractic Group, we believe in creating a personalized treatment plans for each patient. We start with a thorough consult and evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression. If you are a candidate, we design a treatment protocol with a combination of decompression therapy and chiropractic care for optimal results.
FAQs About Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It varies based on your individual condition & spine! Most people need a series of treatments, typically spread out over a several weeks. We'll discuss this with you during your consultation.
Q: Is it covered by insurance?
A: It depends on your insurance plan but the majority of insurances do not chip in for non-surgical spinal decompression.
Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: While spinal decompression therapy is very safe, not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. Pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, and those with recent spinal surgeries (6 months or less) are not candidates for spinal decompression. We do a thorough examination to determine if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy.
Q: How do I know if it's right for me?
A: The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation! We'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and health goals and perform a thorough evaluation to determine if non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is the best option for you.
Ready to find lasting relief from neck or back pain?
Reach out to us today at Mahoney Chiropractic Group in Colchester, Vermont to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression and how it can help you get back to living your life to the fullest!