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What is Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Therapy Used For?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Those who are suffering from chronic back pain and other related symptoms can attest how disruptive and debilitating the condition can be. Many of those who have back pain report they can think of little else except for finding relief for the pain.

Fortunately, nowadays, you can always rely on your chiropractor to provide effective and lasting relief for back pain. One of the primary treatment options chiropractors use to treat back pain is nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy.

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

The spinal column has 23 vertebral disks. These jelly-like cushions are situated between the bones in the spine. During nonsurgical decompression therapy, the spine is gently stretched. The vertebral disks are also pulled apart.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of motorised traction that can help relieve back pain. It works by gently stretching the spine. The gentle stretching can change the position and force of the spine.

The change will create negative pressure in the spinal disks and take the pressure off of it. As a result, herniated or bulging disks may retract and take pressure off the nerves and other structures in the spine. This also helps promote the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks to help them heal.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy is used to treat the following:

  • Neck pain

  • Back pain

  • Sciatica (tingling, pain, and weakness that extends down the leg)

  • Herniated or bulging disks

  • Degenerative disk disease

  • Posterior facet syndrome (worn spinal joints)

  • Diseased or injured spinal nerve roots

  • Pinched or compressed nerves

How Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression is Done

The doctor will fit the patient with a harness around the pelvis and another one on the trunk. Patient will lie face up or face down on a computer-controlled table. The doctor will operate the computer and tailor the treatment to the specific needs of the patient.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy can last from 30 to 45 minutes. Typically, 20 to 28 treatments spread over 5 to 7 weeks is needed. However, your doctor will determine the duration of the treatment depending on the severity of the injury.

Many patients who have tried the procedure reported it was a very relaxing experience.  Some patients even report falling asleep during the procedure.

Depending on the extent of the injury, other treatment alternatives may be recommended to complement the treatment and facilitate the healing process. For instance:

  • Ultrasound (using sound waves to generate heat and promote healing)

  • Electrical stimulation

  • Cold or heat therapy

  • Exercises (may also be recommended to help increase mobility and flexibility and strengthen injured areas)

While considered very effective, nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy is not considered the ideal treatment option for everyone. Check with your doctor if you are a good candidate for the treatment.

For starters, nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy is not ideal for pregnant women. People with the following conditions are also not advised to have nonsurgical decompression therapy:

  • Tumor

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm

  • Fracture

  • Advanced osteoporosis

  • Metal implants in the spine

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The calf muscles are attached to the calcaneus or the heel bone by the Achilles tendon
Bodyinjury

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinitis

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

The calf muscles are attached to the calcaneus or the heel bone by the Achilles tendon.

The Achilles tendon is also used when walking, jumping, running, and standing on the balls of one’s feet.

In some cases, continuous and intense physical activities (i.e. running, jumping, etc.) can result to an inflamed Achilles tendon.

This painful inflammation is known commonly as Achilles tendinitis.

What are some of the causes of Achilles tendinitis?

In most cases, excessive exercise and walking are considered the likely culprits.

That being said, it does not come as a surprise that the condition is very common among athletes.

However, in some instances, factors that are not associated to exercise have also been known to contribute to the risk.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis and infection have been believed to be correlated to the condition.

Basically, repeated activities that put strain and stress to the Achilles tendon can cause the condition to manifest.

Other likely causes of Achilles tendinitis can include the following:

  • Exercising without proper warm-up.
  • Engaging in sports that entail hasty stops and direction changes like football, tennis, basketball, etc.
  • Doing repeated exercises and other physical activities that put a strain on the calf muscles.
  • Wearing ill-fitting footwear.
  • Wearing high heels for really long periods.

What are the risk factors for Achilles tendinitis?

Certain factors have been known to increase one’s risk of Achilles tendinitis

Certain factors have been known to increase one’s risk of Achilles tendinitis including:

  • Age – Achilles tendinitis is more likely to happen more often as one ages
  • Sex – the condition is more common among men than in women
  • Physical problems – more stress and strain is placed on the Achilles tendon when one has a flat arch. Tight calf muscles and obesity can also put unwanted strain to the tendon.
  • Training choices – running on hilly terrains and wearing worn out footwear has also been known to increase the possibility of Achilles tendinitis.
  • Medical conditions – people with high blood pressure and psoriasis are more predisposed to the condition compared to their healthier counterparts.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis?

Primary symptoms of the condition include pain in the posterior part of the heel and swelling.

The pain becomes especially evident when running or walking.

Other likely symptoms include stiffness and tenderness of the affected area, limited motion range, and tightened calf muscles.

When the skin on the heel becomes overly warm, it can also be a telltale indicator of the condition.

How is Achilles tendinitis diagnosed?

For the condition to be diagnosed accurately, the doctor would ask a few questions regarding the pain and the swelling.

The doctor will also likely ask the patient to stand on the balls of the feet.

This is performed so the doctor can assess the range of motion and flexibility.

To gauge where the pain and swelling is most intense, the doctor will have to palpate the area directly.

When necessary imaging tests may be ordered but most of the time, they are considered unnecessary.

What are the treatment options for Achilles tendinitis?

There are plenty of treatment options available for patients suffering from Achilles tendinitis.

Treatment approach can range from medications (ibuprofen), steroid injections, and surgery.

The following might also be recommended:

  • Lessening physical activities
  • Stretching and strengthening the calf muscles
  • Physical therapy
  • Icing the affected area after exercise and when in pain
  • Wearing of a brace or compressive elastic bandage to keep heel movement to a minimum
  • Elevating the area affected to reduce swelling
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin
  • Getting steroid injections
  • Engaging in sports that is not strenuous

If the condition will not respond to treatment options that are not invasive, surgery might be recommended.

Oftentimes, surgery will be performed to repair the tendon.

When left untreated, the condition can complicate and may result to an Achilles rupture.

For proper management of Achilles tendinitis, visit www.bjios.sg right away!

 

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