Spinal Decompression Therapy is a traction based, non-surgical alternative for disc related syndromes of the lumbar and cervical spine. Decompression therapy systems gently stretch the spine, relieving pressure from the discs, joints, and muscular tissues, which allows the body to help heal itself. It involves a specialized table with both a lumbar and a neck attachment. The attachments then are clicked into a pulley system that is ran by a computer. The doctor provides the setting based on the patient’s condition.
Common conditions treated:
1. Cervical radiculopathies- pain that radiates into the arm and shoulder that originates from neural compression in the neck.
2. Lumbar radiculopathies- pain that radiates into the leg that originates from neural compression in the low back.
3. Spinal facet joint irritation
4. Cervical and lumbar stenosis
Frequency of treatment:
- Depends upon patient presentation and clinical findings, but typically starts with a treatment frequency of 2 times per week for 2-3 weeks.
What is felt by the patient?
- Typically, some pressure in the tailbone when the low back is treated and pressure at the base of the skull when the neck is treated.
- Sometimes some numbness/tingling into the extremity of the spinal region that is being treated.
Outcome to expect:
1. Centralization of pain. This means that the pain retracts from the leg or arm back to the neck or low back.
2. Elimination of neck and back pain.
3. Improved mobility.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the traction therapy provided at Function First Spine and Sport!
Have a great week!
Dr. Cindy