Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a leading, non-surgical alternative that gently decompresses the spine in a safe and controlled manner to greatly increase critical circulation to the discs and joints. Spinal Decompression Therapy is form of traction therapy that involves the specific application of a higher level of force to achieve results. The overall effect is different than a home inversion table or typical traction device.


Research has shown that use of Spinal Decompression Therapy has been able to decrease pain, increase mobility, and produce statistically significant effects in MRI images. One study reported that after spinal decompression therapy, 86% of patients reported pain reduction. 1 The symptoms associated with bulging or herniated discs may be reduced or even eliminated entirely in many cases.

One study reported that after spinal decompression therapy, 86% of patients reported pain reduction.

Spinal Decompression Therapy is safe and effective for a variety of conditions and symptoms including:

  • Back or neck pain
  • Sciatica
  • Numbness & tingling in the arms, hands, legs or feet
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Arthritis of the spine
  • Facet syndrome
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Compressed / pinched nerves
  • Injured spinal nerve roots

How Does It Work?

lady chiropractor

As a new patient in my office, you are evaluated for any of the qualifying conditions or symptoms listed above. A thorough physical examination, orthopedic testing, neurological screening, posture assessment, and range of motion evaluation are performed.


I also look at x-ray or MRI results and compare them with the physical exam findings to pinpoint the root cause of the problems. All of this data is compiled to determine the best application of Spinal Decompression Therapy for your situation. 

 

Lumbar Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal Decompression Therapy for the lumbar spine (low back) is performed with you laying on your back on a specialized table. A support is placed at the small of the back to help maintain the proper curve of the spine. The knees are propped up on bolsters to reduce muscular strain and stress on the low back and pelvis during the treatment.


Two harnesses are placed around your body. The lower harness around your waist is attached to a specialized computer that is motorized to monitor and apply the decompression factors which are based on your exam findings. The upper harness fits snugly under your ribcage and the other end is secured to the top of the table. As the lower harness is pulled while the upper harness is tethered at the top of the table, the targeted joints of the low back are separated to relieve pain, rehydrate and improve circulation to the discs, realign joints, and achieve other desired results.


Spinal Decompression Therapy is safe, gentle, and effective for pain relief and the correction of spinal problems.


The treatment factors for Lumbar Spinal Decompression Therapy are entered into the motorized computer unit that activates the decompression effect. It performs a cycle of intermittent pull forces and continuously monitors and adapts to your body’s response throughout the therapy. Different angles can be set to target any of the 5 different joints of the low back that may be compromised. The total time for Lumbar Spinal Decompression Therapy is 15-20 minutes but is often part of a larger treatment program as prescribed by the doctor.


The treatment settings are always set to a level that is comfortable for you as the patient. It is safe, gentle, and effective for pain relief and the correction of spinal problems. In fact, it’s so gentle that patients often fall asleep during their treatment!


Cervical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal Decompression Therapy for the cervical spine (neck) is performed with you laying on your back on our Pettibon Spinal Rejuvenation Therapy (SRT) Table. Bolsters are placed under the low back and knees for comfort and your head is placed in a harness at the top of the table. This harness also has an attached force gauge so that we can monitor the level of decompression throughout your treatment.


This table also incorporates whole body vibration for better results. Whole body vibration introduces a significant additional stimulus to the nerve system in order to challenge the postural reflexes leading to improvements in balance and postural awareness. It also causes the muscles surrounding the neck and upper back to fatigue up to 50% faster than traditional tables. As the spasmed and splinted muscles relax, the underlying joints are decompressed even quicker. Whole body vibration has been shown to increase endocrine activity, muscle strength, bone density, and reduce back pain.


A typical treatment for Cervical Spinal Decompression Therapy usually lasts 10 minutes but is part of a larger treatment program as prescribed by the doctor. 


Whole body vibration has been shown to increase endocrine activity, muscle strength, bone density, and reduce back pain.


At Trinity Chiropractic, we utilize Spinal Decompression Therapy as part of a broader approach to the correction and stabilization of spinal problems. We can help you achieve maximal results by combining the corrective chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic stretches and exercises, Spinal Decompression Therapy, other rehabilitative procedures, and a progression to home care.

1 Daniel DM. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media?. Chiropr Osteopat. 2007;15:7. Published 2007 May 18.
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