Many treatment options are available for spinal conditions and chronic back pain, but one recent treatment shows great promise for relief without surgery. Spinal decompression therapy eases symptoms of many conditions without surgical intervention, making it ideal for many patients. When you struggle with a painful back or spinal condition, you might wonder if decompression therapy is right for you. Explore some of the conditions it eases before you talk with a care provider.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the disc that separates the vertebrae in your back becomes compressed, damaged, or deteriorated. Compression and damage typically occur as a result of injuries, though deterioration often happens with age. These conditions create vulnerabilities and put patients at risk of herniated disc pain from even a minor strain or injury.
Decompression therapy helps to create more space for the disc by separating the vertebrae, allowing that disc material to retract back to its proper location. Creating space between the vertebrae eases the pressure on surrounding nerves, relieving pain in the process.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Although disc deterioration is traditionally associated with age, sometimes discs deteriorate sooner as a result of strain, injury, or wear and tear. This is more common in individuals with physically demanding careers or hobbies, those who suffered a car accident, and people who struggle with obesity.
There is no way for the disc to naturally regenerate, though surgery would allow for artificial replacement. If you hope to avoid spinal surgery and the potential complications that come with it, spinal decompression therapy may help ease your pain and discomfort by separating vertebrae, reducing strain on the nerves, and allowing the disc to properly align where it should be. This helps you regain some range of motion and reduce your pain.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to radiating pain from your lower back or hip that radiates into your thigh. In many instances, sciatica pain interferes with daily life, making even routine walks and standing up painful. This persistent pain results from compression of a nerve in your lumbar region. As with any kind of compression, that pressure leads to discomfort.
Spinal decompression therapy can reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve, which eases the pain that you feel in your back, hip, and leg. Reducing that compression also eases inflammation in the nerve, so you should notice a significant difference in your level of discomfort.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing along your spine, which creates pressure on your spinal cord. Most people affected by spinal stenosis develop the condition later in life, though younger individuals may develop it as a result of a car accident or injury to the spine.
This narrowing along the spine results in pain in the back as well as numbness and tingling in your legs or feet. You may experience cramping and other pain in your legs or feet as well. This often leads to difficulty walking or standing comfortably.
Decompression therapy creates more space within the spinal canal to ease the pressure on your nerves. When the nerves experience less pressure and compression, you feel less pain and numbness. You may regain mobility and independence as well.
Spinal injuries and conditions create serious risks for long-term complications, mobility challenges, and chronic pain. For many patients with chronic back pain and conditions like these, surgery is a last resort beyond pain management. When you want a different option, spinal decompression therapy can help. For more information, reach out to us at Pain Healing Center. We are happy to help you. Let us know of any questions or concerns you may have.
Dr. Benni is a Comprehensive Pain Management Doctor based in West Central Florida. With over 10 years of exerience as a Certified Pain Specialist, Dr. Benni is passionate about providing Comprehensive Pain Management Services to guarantee the best Quality of Pain Care to his patients in Tampa, and Brandon Florida. To reach out, submit a new patient form appointment request here.
The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.