Since 2008, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has become an integral part of our clinic's comprehensive spinal rehabilitation program.
This therapy is especially effective for back pain caused by herniated or degenerative discs or compressed spinal nerves or joints. Sciatica or pain in the leg, radicular arm pain, neck pain, or back pain are some good examples.
Essentially, spinal decompression reduces the pressure on the affected spinal areas. Even a small reduction in spinal loading to an irritated joint or nerve can result in significant improvement in symptoms. Even more valuable is that spinal decompression therapy reduces the pressure to the disc. By reducing intradiscal pressure, water, oxygen, and restorative nutrients such as collagen are drawn back into the disc, allowing it to heal.
It is also for this latter reason that all patients are prescribed supportive nutritional protocols as part of their decompression program.
What makes an effective spinal decompression care plan?
First, having the right diagnosis — is it the disc? Is it the facet joint? Is the nerve being pinched somewhere, in the glut or piriformis muscle? And secondly, identifying complicating or contributing factors. Where many clinics fall down is the idea that only mechanical structures in the back cause lower back pain. Hormone disorders, persistent adrenal fatigue, GI or kidney irritation, weak muscular integrity, nutrient deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders are just some of the contributing or complicating factors — these must be addressed.
For this reason, spinal care plans at our office begin with a comprehensive integrative medical examination and a full functional assessment, including x-rays done on site and lab work if indicated. This assessment is designed to get to the root of your dysfunction.
Spinal decompression isn't a stand-alone fix. It works because it is paired with adjustments, stabilization, and anti-inflammatory nutrition.
Lastly, spinal decompression care must be supported through spinal adjustments, supportive stabilization exercises, and as mentioned earlier, a supportive anti-inflammatory nutritional protocol.
