Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a comfortable traction-like therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain that involves no surgery. By cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum-like effect within it.

This therapy is an effective treatment for herniated disc, degenerative disc, facet syndrome, sciatica, post-surgical patients with scar tissue, and soft-tissue spinal stenosis. Research indicates the disc is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Compression increases intradiscal pressure leading to annular compromise and possible extrusion of nuclear material.

Since the disc is an avascular structure, it does not receive fresh blood and oxygen with every beat of the heart. It requires "diffusion" created by motion and "decompression" to restore nutrients and enhance healing. Non-acute low back or neck pain syndrome not related to a disease process or boney canal stenosis is theoretically treatable by decompression. Disc and facet pain could be relieved by early intervention with decompression. Some acute inflammation of the discs however can be reduced by other means, in most cases prior to beginning decompression.

Contraindications are similar to manipulative therapy, however since mechanical stretch creates no impact, mild to moderate Osteoporosis may not contraindicate. Cauda equina syndrome, pregnancy, calcification, severe arthritis and any surgical spinal appliances are all relative contraindications. Spinal decompression therapy will sometimes create good effects relatively quickly.

Some patients feel a sense of relief within six sessions. Full relief, if attainable through this passive treatment, normally requires approximately 20 sessions. "Stubborn" pain syndrome may require more treatment. In some cases, patients will be treated for 10-12 sessions and notice enough relief to allow active rehab to begin in conjunction with their remaining spinal decompression sessions.

Typical treatment frequency is 5 times per week. Our experience suggests decompression is also an excellent supportive or maintenance treatment for those cases where pain relief is marked but prone to exacerbations. Decompression is defined as reduction in pressure. Recumbent positions (both prone and supine) decrease intradiscal pressures in comparison to standing and sitting. However focused, decompression has been shown to reduce disc pressure and enhance the healing response even further.

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