Finding an effective solution for chronic back pain can seem difficult, if not near impossible. When at-home care has failed, you may worry that surgery is the only remaining option. But, before contemplating the considerable risks of spinal surgery, learn if you’re a candidate for spinal decompression.
As a chiropractic treatment, spinal decompression is a safe and non-surgical way to promote spinal healing for relief from stubborn back pain. Continue reading to learn more about this popular treatment and whether you’re a candidate for it.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Non-surgical spinal decompression involves gently stretching the spine to help with pain, tension, and nerve compression.
Typically, the patient lies down on a special traction table that alleviates pressure on the spine. This process is entirely pain-free and promotes circulation to the spinal discs for proper healing.
What Are The Benefits of Spinal Decompression?
Key benefits of spinal decompression for back pain and spinal conditions include:
- It’s a safe, non-invasive treatment.
- No recovery time is required.
- It provides significant back pain relief.
- It’s safe for patients of all ages.
- It doesn’t involve any prescription medication.
- It supports the body’s natural healing process.
Candidates For Spinal Decompression
Patients who are recommended to undergo spinal decompression typically have pain from one of the following conditions:
- Bulging or protruding disc
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Spinal disc degeneration
- Facet joint syndrome
Contraindications For Spinal Decompression
Although non-surgical spinal decompression is safe, comfortable, and drug-free, not everyone is a candidate for it. Contraindications for spinal decompression include:
- PregnancyChiropractic care can benefit women during pregnancy by alleviating back pain, lessening pressure on the spinal discs, and helping to move the fetus into the proper position. However, non-surgical spinal decompression isn’t recommended during pregnancy – manual adjustments are a better option.
- Metal implants in the spineMetal implants don’t behave the same way as natural spinal structures. So, spinal decompression isn’t recommended for patients with spinal implants.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysmWith an abdominal aortic aneurysm, patients are advised to avoid activities and treatments that can place added pressure on the aneurysm, including spinal decompression.
- Spinal fracturesTo heal a spinal fracture, patients need to avoid twisting, bending, and lifting motions so that the damaged vertebra can heal. Stretching the spine through spinal decompression can also exacerbate this injury.
- Metastatic cancerMetastatic cancer is a form of cancer that has spread to the bones. Patients with this condition need to avoid spinal decompression.
- Infection in the spinal disc spaceThis rare condition, known as discitis, causes inflammation of the spinal discs that may be worsened by non-surgical spinal decompression.
To learn more about spinal decompression and how it could work for you, schedule an appointment at Wasserman Chiropractic today.