Spinal Decompression

Non-surgical spinal decompression is an advanced, FDA-approved pain relief technique performed by our experienced chiropractor at Advanced Wellness Centre in Richmond, Virginia. Patients suffering from chronic neck or back pain from a herniated disc are good candidates for this treatment. Some patients can avoid invasive back surgery with the help of chiropractic care and spinal decompression treatment.

Compression of the Spine

An aging spine is susceptible to degenerative conditions known to put pressure on the spinal structures such as the nerve and intervertebral discs. If the disc bulges or herniates, you may experience mild to severe pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and a reduction in mobility. Other common causes of spinal compression are back injuries, whiplash, and stress on the spine from obesity or poor posture.

Who Can Benefit from Decompression Therapy?

In addition to patients who have a herniated disc, our chiropractor may recommend this therapy to patients with the following conditions:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Pain develops when the disc breaks down such as with cracks, fluid leaks, or dried out discs. The disc no longer absorbs the shocks on the spine as it should.
  • Sciatica: Chronic low back pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve that exits the nerve root. The pain may radiate to the buttocks, hips, and legs.
  • Spinal Stenosis: The spinal canal narrows due to aging and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Pinched Nerve: A slipped disc or misaligned spinal joint can pinch a nerve.
  • Facet Syndrome: The spinal joints wear out with aging, resulting in symptoms such as lower back pain and stiffness.

Performing a Spinal Decompression

Decompression therapy performed by a chiropractor begins with a thorough examination to assess if the patient is a candidate for this type of care. If a candidate, the patient is positioned on the decompression table based on the specific condition identified during the exam. They may be face up or down with flexion or extension along with other variables depending on the specific needs of the patient. Decompression therapy can be used in the lumbar spine as well as the cervical spine. This therapy is used to gently stretch the spine causing a decompression effect on the discs. This alleviates the squeezing of the disc and allows it to retract between the segments of the spine. It also moves the disc away from the nerve, thereby eliminating nerve pain as seen in patients with back pain and radicular symptoms like sciatica. Decompressing the spine also helps to increase flexibility and stimulate healing of the nerve, disc, facet joints, and connective tissue. Each treatment session lasts about 15 minutes. Multiple sessions are often needed to get desired results. Many patients combine decompression therapy with other chiropractic care such as spinal adjustments, laser therapy and therapeutic exercise to speed up your healing.

Visit Our Chiropractor in Richmond, VA

Despite being an effective neck and back pain relief tool, spinal decompression is not right for everyone. Our chiropractor will need to examine your spine and check your medical history to determine if this treatment is suitable for you. Contact Advanced Wellness Centre for more information or call (804) 673-9355 (WELL), or schedule an appointment today online.

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