Spinal Decompression Treatment is a type of traction therapy that involves stretching of the spine, using a traction table to relieve back and/or leg pain while promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. This procedure is nonsurgical (as opposed to surgical spinal decompression) and patients like to turn to spinal decompression therapy because they can get pain relief without drugs, injections, or surgical intervention.
How Does Spinal Decompression (DOC) Work?
At our Chiropractic clinic in Las Vegas, NV, we utilize the DOC Decompression system for our spinal decompression treatments. DOC Decompression is currently the most sophisticated decompression system available today for th treatment of chronic neck and back pain.
The DOC Decompression system works by slowly lengthening and decompressing the spine causing negative pressures within the disc. This type of pressure then creates a vacuum that helps reposition bulging discs and protruding disc material back into its original position(s). Ultimately, the goal is to realign the spinal discs, allowing nutrients and oxygen to flow back into damaged or injured discs, take pressure off any pinched nerves that have been affected, and relieve the patient’s pain.
Candidates for Spinal Decompression Therapy
Most patients suffering from back pain related to bulging or herniated discs are usually an ideal candidate for decompression therapy, but only a trained doctor of chiropractic or other healthcare practitioner specializing in the musculoskeletal system can make this determination. A number of individuals look to spinal decompression therapy after they have failed to find relief from other treatments, including surgery, but this is not a prerequisite.
There are some patients with specific situations that would not be ideal for this type of therapy, including:
- Pregnancy
- Metastasized cancer
- Spinal fusion
- Broken vertebrae
- Patients spinal implants or artificial discs
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal tumors
It is vital that patients are fully examined and a medical and health history taken before treatment with a decompression table.
What to Expect from a Spinal Decompression Session
During your visit, one of our professional doctors will conduct a physical exam to understand your condition better and pinpoint the exact areas of damage. After reviewing our findings, we will determine Decompression is the preferred treatment or if another form of therapy will work better.
In a typical spinal decompression session, patients will be adequately and comfortably fitted within a pelvic harness. Once in place, the table will begin to move gently and the patient will notice a gradual lengthening of their spine. The therapy is designed to be safe and relaxing as the discs are gently decompressed and relieved of tension and pressure. Mild discomfort may be felt in the first few sessions of those with extensively damaged discs, but generally, patients express no pain during the treatment.
The DOC Decompression system also has an integrated computer system capable of sensing the patient’s guarding reflex and is responsive to the patient’s limitations and tension, gently pulling and relaxing on the spine only when needed.
To discuss spinal decompression with someone in our office, please contact us at (702) 252-7246 or set an appointment today.