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All You Need to Know About Spinal Decompression Therapy

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

In essence, spinal decompression therapy involves the stretching of the spine using a traction table or a similar motorised device. The goal of the therapy is to relieve leg or back pain. This procedure is also known as nonsurgical decompression therapy and is often carried out by a seasoned chiropractor.

If you’re a candidate for nonsurgical decompression therapy, this article will provide an overview of the procedure. It will also give you an insight into its role in the treatment of leg, lower back, and neck pain.

Theory of Spinal Decompression

Nonsurgical decompression therapy makes use of the basic principle of spinal traction offered by trained health professionals like osteopaths and chiropractors. Both decompression and traction therapy are used with the goal of relieving pain as well as promoting optimal ealing for degenerating, bulging, and herniated discs.

Spinal decompression therapy is also a type of traction therapy that’s applied to the spine in an attempt to achieve the following benefits:

  • Promote repositioning or retraction of the bulging or herniated disc material.

  • Cause an influx of healing substances and other nutrients into the disc.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy is Carried Out

In nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy, the spine is relaxed and stretched intermittently and in a controlled manner. The theory is that this process will create a negative pressure within the disc itself (intradiscal pressure). This is believed to have 2 potential benefits:

  • It pulls the bulging or herniated disc material back into the disc

  • It facilitates the passage of healing nutrients into the disc and fosters a great healing environment

Spinal Decompression Sessions

During spinal decompression therapy for the lumbar spine (low back), patients will remain clothed and lie on the motorised table. A harness is then placed around the hips and is attached to the lower table situated near the feet.

The upper part of the table will stay in a fixed position. The lower part (where the patient is harnessed), will slide back and forth to provide both relaxation and traction.

The patient’s position on the table often differentiates one decompression therapy from another. For instance, some devices will have the patient in a prone position, lying face down on the table. Other devices on the other hand will have the patient lying supine and face up. While patients feel a stretch in their spine during a decompression therapy session, they won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

Decompression therapy usually consists of a series of 15 to 30 treatment sessions. Each session will often last around 30 to 45 minutes each and is spread over a 4 to 6-week period. Decompression therapy is often conducted in the practitioner’s office.

Some decompression therapy sessions can include additional treatment modalities like ultrasound, electric stimulation, and heat and cold therapy (applied after or during the procedure).

Spinal Decompression Therapy Indications

Spinal decompression therapy is often the treatment alternative for sciatica (leg pain), neck pain secondary to bulging, degenerated, or herniated discs, and several types of lower back pain.

Spinal Decompression Therapy Contraindications

Stretching the spine in order to relive back pain is not ideal for all people. The following are individuals who are not considered good candidates for the procedure:

  • Those with broken vertebrae

  • Pregnant women

  • Those who have had spinal fusion

  • Those with an artificial disc or other implants in the spine

  • Those who have had a failed back surgery

  • Those who have had multiple surgeries

Spinal decompression is also not ideal for individuals with the following medical conditions:

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Spinal tumor

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Osteopenia

  • Osteoporosis

  • Spinal infection

  • Conditions that compromise the spine’s integrity

  • Patients who are taking blood thinner medications

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Bodyhealth

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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What is Spinal Stenosis and Who are At Risk?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Spinal stenosis occurs when the small spinal canal containing the spinal cord and the nerve roots becomes compressed. The compression can cause “pinching” of the nerve roots and the spinal cord and can result in cramping, weakness, numbness, and pain. Depending on the location of the narrowing, symptoms can be felt in the legs, lower back, shoulders, arms, or neck.

Typically, the narrowing can be attributed to “wear and tear” arthritis or osteoarthritis. Other likely reasons include bulging of the discs that separate the vertebrae and thickening of the ligaments found in the back. Symptoms of the condition often starts gradually but typically worsens overtime.

Who are at risk?

Spinal stenosis can affect both genders and is observed to be common among those aged between 50 and 70. However, the condition can also occur in young people who have experienced spine injury or who are born with a narrow spinal canal.

For people born with a small spinal canal, the condition is called “congenital stenosis.” For spinal narrowing secondary to age-related changes, the condition is called “acquired spinal stenosis.”

Spinal stenosis can also be attributed to certain medical conditions such as bony spurs, osteoarthritis, spinal tumours, ankylosing spondylitis, and Paget’s disease.

What are some of the common symptoms?

Some of the common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

  • Weakness, numbness, cramping, and pain in the feet, thighs, or legs

  • Abnormal bladder or bowel function

  • Pain that travels down the leg

  • Loss of sexual function

  • Partial or complete leg paralysis (severe cases)

How is the condition diagnosed?

To diagnose and determine the seriousness of the condition, certain test might be recommended, including:

  • X-ray of the spine – done to check for bone spurs, osteoarthritis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

  • Computed tomography (CT) scan – can take detailed images of the back as well as the spinal canal.

  • Electromyogram (EMG) – done to check the condition of the nerves going to the legs.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – can take pictures of the nerves as well as the spinal cord.

  • Blood tests, X-rays of the knees and hips, as well as circulation in the legs to rule out other possible conditions with similar symptoms.

What are some of the treatment options available?

In most cases, conservative treatment is the first option considered. However, in cases where the pain is disabling and severe, surgery might be recommended.

Nonsurgical treatment options

  • Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy – NSSD is considered one of the most effective treatment options for people with spinal stenosis. Computerised and modern machines can help target the areas of the spine and can decompress them to relieve any pressure on the nerves. This treatment option is also considered more potent when combined with other conservative treatment approaches.

  • Chiropractic – specific spinal manipulation where manual or instrument-assisted techniques are used work by helping the joints return to their normal motion range. Good motion has also been known to help reduce pain, minimise muscle spasms and tightness, and improve one’s overall health. Motion can also help the formation of scar tissue that leads to stiffness is minimised.

Surgical treatment options

Surgery for spinal stenosis may involve removing bony overgrowths so pressure and pinching of the spinal nerves is relieved.

  • Spinal fusion – for those with spinal instability or slippage, two or more vertebrae may be fused together permanently using screws to give the spine more stability.

  • Surgical spinal decompression (laminectomy) – in laminectomy, the lamina or the back portion of the vertebra is removed so the nerves and the spinal cord are exposed. Thickened ligaments and bone spurs are also removed.

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What is Spinal Stenosis and What are the Treatment Options Available?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Anatomy of the Spine

The spine is made of 24 movable bones known as vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by discs, which act as shock absorbers and prevent the vertebrae from rubbing together.

In the middle of each vertebra is a hollow space known as the spinal canal. The spinal canal contains the spinal cord and nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels. The spinal nerve root canals are surrounded by ligaments and bones.

Spinal Stenosis in a Nutshell

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition characterised by the narrowing of the bony canals where the nerves and the spinal cord pass. The condition can develop gradually over time and can also refer to:

  • Narrowing of the spinal and nerve root canals

  • Stiffening and thickening of the ligaments

  • Overgrowth of the bone and bone spurs

  • Enlargement of the facet joints

While common in the lumbar area, stenosis can also develop along any areas of the spine (lumbar, thoracic, and cervical). Typically, every spinal canal narrows down to some degree with age. However, most people don’t experience any symptoms from a small amount of narrowing.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of the condition typically develop over time. However, it can also occur as a sudden onset of pain. Patients may feel a sharp and severe pain or dull ache in different areas, depending on which part of the spinal card has narrowed. The pain can come and go or can occur when performing certain activities such as walking.

Possible Causes of Spinal Stenosis

As one gets older, the bones will undergo degenerative changes that are considered part of the ageing process. Such osteoarthritis is considered one of the common causes of spinal stenosis. However, the rate at which these degenerative changes takes place will vary among different people.

Also, as one ages, the cushioning disc between the vertebrae can start to dry out and shrink. There is also a tendency to lose bone mass. At the same time, bone spurs can also develop. With age and due to stress and strain, the facet joints can also get enlarged. The larger the facet joint becomes, the less space there will be available for the spinal nerve. All of these above issues can collectively contribute to onset of spinal stenosis symptoms.

Stenosis may also be the result of other degenerative conditions like spondylosis or spondylolisthesis, dislocation, traumatic injury, and vertebral fracture. The condition can also occur due to systemic conditions affecting the spine like ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

No medications or treatments can totally cure spinal stenosis. However, non-surgical conservative treatment is the first step to controlling symptoms of the condition for most people. However, in some cases when there is severe and disabling pain or difficulty walking, surgery may be recommended.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Some of the best conservative treatment options for spinal stenosis include:

Spinal decompression therapy

Non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD), or spinal decompression therapy, is a very effective treatment option for patients with spinal stenosis. Modern, computerised machines may help to target areas of the spine which are being compressed by slipped discs and other swollen tissues and slowly decompress them to relieve pressure on nearby nerves. This treatment is especially effective when combined with other conservative treatment approaches.

Chiropractic

Specific spinal manipulation is a treatment option where manual or instrument-assisted techniques are applied to the spine in order to return the joints to their normal range of motion. Good motion can help remove muscle tightness or spasms, reduce pain, improve the function of the nervous system as well as overall health. Motion also minimises the formation of scar tissue which leads to stiffness.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can recommend proper lifting, walking, and posture techniques. They’ll also encourage patients to stretch and increase the flexibility of the spine and legs.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery for spinal stenosis can involve removal of the bony overgrowth to relieve pressure as well as the pinching of the spinal nerves.

Surgical spinal decompression (Laminectomy)

In a laminectomy, the back portion of the vertebra (lamina) is removed to expose the nerves and spinal cord. Bone spurs and thickened ligaments are also removed. Overgrown facet joints situated directly over the nerve roots may be trimmed to provide more room for the spinal nerves.

Spinal Fusion

For patients with slippage or spinal instability, two or more vertebrae may be joined permanently together with screws to give the spine more stability. This procedure may often done at the same time as a laminectomy. This may protect the segment which has been damaged; however, may contribute to increased stiffness and affect other segments later on.

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