Spinal decompression is treatment to relieve pressure on one or many "pinched nerves" of the spinal column. It can be achieved either surgically or by non-surgical methods. It is used to treat conditions which cause chronic backache such as herniated disc, disc bulge, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
Non-surgical method
A safe and non-invasive form of spinal decompression therapy is performed by a professional qualified to use a decompression machine. By this method, more room is created within the spinal column thus relieving the spinal cord and nerves from pressure. It takes nearly 15-24 treatment sessions to achieve the best results.
The DRX 9000 Spinal decompression machine is widely used to relieve chronic lower back pain. It works by creating space between the vertebrae and damaged spinal discs, helping them to heal.
The Process
When undergoing spinal decompression, you will be made to rest on a therapeutic table that is connected to a computer which sends electronic information to stretch and decompress the spinal structure. A padded harness is worn and during the spinal decompression session, gentle force is applied to the spinal column, focusing on the area for treatment. Pressure is applied decompressing the spine, the intervertebral discs and the joints. You will experience multiple cycles of treatment lasting 2-3 minutes in each spinal decompression session. The machine is monitored by a technician. Even though you may get relief in a single therapy session, you should complete the full treatment cycle plan to gain complete healing of the injured disc.
Surgical Method
Surgical spinal decompression is performed by two procedures:
- Microdiscectomy/micro decompression
- Laminectomy/open decompression
Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure which involves removal of a portion of a herniated nucleus pulposus by a surgical instrument or LASER.
Laminectomy: This is a procedure in which a small portion of the arch of the vertebrae is removed to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. This is performed as a last resort, when conservative treatment fails to provide relief from back pain.
