What is Spinal Decompression?

Many of my accident clients have neck and back pain. I am seeing more and more of my clients being treated with spinal decompression. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a relatively new technology, approved by the FDA and used primarily to treat bulging or herniated discs in the neck and in the low back, pinched nerves, radiating arm pain, degenerative disc disease, leg pain, facet syndromes, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or even failed surgery.

This revolutionary medical technology stretches the spine and decompresses the discs. It increases the height between the vertebrae to create a negative pressure within a disc and it increases blood flow to the disc allowing the outer layer or the annular bands to start laying down new cartilage fibers. Spinal decompression allows blood to return back to the disc then the disc begins to heal once again. Blood is essential to this whole process because increasing blood flow to the disc allows the natural healing process to occur.

Cold and hot packs can be used to soothe stiff or sore backs. Applying heat can lessen muscle spasms and improve the supply of oxygen through increased blood flow. Cold packs constrict blood vessels and aid with inflammation.

During decompression therapy the patient lies on the spinal decompression table and relaxes while the device applies decompression forces to the injured areas. A spinal decompression therapy system consists of a split table that is programmed by a computer to provide cycling distractive forces along the axis of the lumbar spine. The intensity of intermittent force is increased gradually to help prevent muscles from contracting in reaction to being stretched. With proper positioning, traction can also be applied to an isolated spinal disc.

Studies demonstrate that Spinal Decompression Therapy succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time. The number of treatments can vary but will be determined by a doctor after an examination. In general, therapy can last around 45 minutes per session over the course of 4 to 6 weeks. In almost all cases, treatments are completely painless. Some patients are even known to fall asleep during spinal decompression session.

If you were injured in a car accident, please call us for a FREE consultation. We can be reached at our Fort Worth office at 817.294.1900 or Dallas office at 214.327.8000. We can also be contacted online or toll free at 877.294.1115.