Decompression therapy is a nonsurgical means of relieving pain to the lower back and neck and is often referred to as spinal decompression therapy. Decompression therapy is a spinal disc rehabilitation program that slowly and gently stretches the area of the spine while decompressing the discs. This type of treatment is considered to be very safe.
Using this technique in stretching the spine allows a vacuum effect to happen inside the discs. This type of pressure can reposition the retraction of the bulging or herniated disc to the inside of the disc, taking pressure off the nerve root, relieving the patient of pain. Very small steps are taken during each therapy session. The therapy sessions usually take place over a period of four to six weeks and often end with dramatic positive results.
Throughout the cycles of decompression therapy, water, nutrient-rich fluids and oxygen are diffused from the outside of the discs to the inside, promoting healing. Drinking plenty of water enhances the rehydration within the discs, further promoting the healing process. Spinal decompression therapy is a new technology that primarily treats patients with disc injuries in the lower back and neck.
Candidates for this type of therapy may experience pain in other areas of the body. Pain may range from back pain to leg pain, arm pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness or tingling, stemming from herniated discs or a degenerative disc disease. Proper screening of patients is important, and only the best candidates are chosen for this type of therapy. Patients with tumors, fractures, advanced osteoporosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, metal implants in the spinal and those who are pregnant are not likely candidates for this type of therapy.
Patients who undergo this type of therapy are fully clothed during the therapy session and wear a pelvic harness. They will either be lying face up or face down depending on the patient's individual case, their injury and the severity of it, and what the physician decides is best. The patient lies on a computerized controlled table operated by the physician, and each therapy session ranges from 20-45 minutes. Only equipment that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is used.
The costs of spinal decompression therapy can vary depending on the severity of the injury. This type of therapy is not always covered by insurance so methods of payment should be discussed with the physician during the initial consultation visit. Payment arrangements can usually be made directly with the physician's office.