Spinal Decompression Therapy

In modern medicine, spinal decompression has been utilized as a treatment option to help relieve herniated discs, bulging discs as well as peripheral radiation/sciatica and pain associated with various spine injuries and pathologies.

If you have lasting back pain and other related symptoms, you know how disruptive to your life it can be. You may be unable to think of little else except finding relief. Some people turn to spinal decompression therapy -- either surgical or nonsurgical. Here's what you need to know to help decide whether it might be right for you.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that may help relieve back pain. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

Doctors have used nonsurgical spinal decompression in an attempt to treat:

  • Back or neck pain or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg

  • Bulging or herniated disks or degenerative disk disease

  • Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome)

  • Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots

More research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of nonsurgical spinal decompression. To know how effective it really is, researchers need to compare spinal decompression with other alternatives to surgery.

These include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Chiropractic

  • Physical therapy

  • Exercise

  • Limited rest

  • Steroid injections

  • Bracing

  • Umbilical Cord Tissue

What Is Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Surgical spinal decompression is another option for treating certain types of back pain. But it is usually used as a last resort. If other measures don't work, your doctor may suggest surgical spinal decompression for bulging or ruptured disks, bony growths, or other spinal problems. Surgery may help relieve symptoms from pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, including:

  • Pain

  • Numbness

  • Tingling

  • Weakness

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