Spinal Decompression

Traditional traction used to achieve the disc decompression used to treat herniated or ruptured discs, degenerative (desiccated) disc disease, sciatica or facet syndrome can be painful. However, new spinal decompression technologies are being developed to treat these conditions.

It's important, however, to know something about how these new technologies work as well as to know something about the body's anatomy.

To start, the spine is made up of vertebrae, and between the vertebrae there are discs. The discs serve as cushions between the vertebrae. The wall of the disc is called the "annulus." It is made up, rubber band-like layers of fibro-elastic tissue. It surrounds the "nucleus pulposus," which is the term used for the center section of each disc.

Herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative (desiccated) disc disease, sciatica, facet syndrome, and spinal arthritis are all treated in a variety of traditional ways, from exercise therapy to chiropractic, to physical therapy to surgery. These also include traditional traction. However, the recent development of spinal decompression equipment has led to a higher success rate of disc healing than previous treatment options.

It's important to know that, unlike traditional traction, spinal decompression relieves pressure that builds up on the discs and nerves by drawing areas of herniated disc back into place. This is accomplished by creating negative pressure within the disc, referred to as negative intra-discal pressure, creating a vacuum to draw the bulging and herniated disc material back into the disc space.

The procedure also pulls nutrient cells into the disc wall tissue. This then allows the stretched or torn annulus fibrosus tissue fibers to heal. Spinal decompression procedures are used by healthcare professionals specializing in therapeutic procedures that facilitate healing of biomechanical abnormalites of the musculoskelatal system of the human body. Intervertebral discs are commonly treated for abnormal function due to displacement of the nucleus pulpous, the gelatinous center that acts as a ball-bearing joint and shock absorber within the disc.

It is also good to know a something about spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves. This is most often the result of advanced disc degeneration or dehydration (sometimes also called desiccation) that occurs with aging. It can also sometimes be caused by spinal disc herniation or a tumor. Spinal stenosis may affect the cervical spine, the lumbar spine or both. Both cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis result in low back pain as well as pain or abnormal sensations in the legs usually referred to as sciatica.

Keep in mind that if the problem is mild, treatment may be as simple as physical therapy and, for cervical stenosis, the use of a cervical collar. If severe, surgery is often recommended.

However, patients wishing to avoid surgery are encouraged to investigate the new spinal decompression procedures. Chief among them is Vertebral Axial Decompression, or VAX-D. This procedure has been shown to effectively treat herniated discs, bulging discs, (sometimes called "slipped" discs), sciatica, osteoarthritis, and facet syndrome (or facet arthropathy). It also has been shown to effectively treat degenerative (desiccated) disc disease, which means it can help to prevent the development of spinal stenosis.

Back To Home