Using Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Therapy To Alleviate Back Pain

A herniated or slipped disc causes unbearably excruciating pain. The resultant agony can be quite unbearable! There are many ways to try and relieve pain. Complete bed rest, appropriate pain relief medication and controlled physiotherapy applied by a professional can all help in to control back pain to some degree. The effectiveness of these measures depends on the location and severity of the symptoms. Age can also be a factor.

Some desperate measures called for are acupressure and acupuncture. They seem to provide some pain relief.

What is Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Chiropractic decompression involves gently stretching the entire spinal column, using traction. Some other automated processes are also used at times. The goal is to relieve back and leg pain. This procedure is also called nonsurgical decompression therapy as it does not involve any use of surgery.

Chiropractors, like physiotherapists and osteopaths recommend similar spinal decompression devices. Traction or decompression is applied with a similar goal and with the same basic principles. These treatments aim to provide a healing environment for herniated, bulging or degenerating discs.

Chiropractic spinal decompression involves fitting you with a harness that tightens around your pelvis and a second harness attached around your trunk. You lie down on a computer-controlled traction table. A doctor operates the remote computer, and is responsible for customizing the treatment according to your specific needs.
Spinal decompression is essentially a traction therapy that is applied to the spine to provide several theoretical benefits like:

• Creating negative intra-disc pressure to promote retraction or re positioning of the bulging or herniated disc material.

• Creating a gentle but consistent pressure in the disc that causes it to slip back into its original space and regain health This is a lengthy process and you need to maintain patience.

The Clinical Evidence Of The Benefits Of Spinal Decompression

The general theory of spinal decompression is accepted as valid. But, there is a lack of proven evidence supporting the decompression therapy as effective. There are some potential risks to this treatment also. They are not risks that occur suddenly and be monitored carefully. There is insufficient evidence and no documented data that supports that spinal decompression therapy is more effective, or as effective, than less expensive and manual methods involved in treating lower back pain or injured herniated discs.

It is definitely a gentle and slow process. There has been supporting evidence that over a period of time the practice is capable of lessening the intensity of pain. Your chiropractor should be trained and experienced for best results.