Is Spinal Decompression Right For You?

Recently, we’ve had more and more patients asking us about spinal decompression.  Specifically, they ask whether or not it’s right for them.  Spinal decompression is basically traction, a treatment that stretches the spine in order to reduce pressure or irritation on nerves.  Modern spinal decompression units are much more sophisticated than the old traction tables that were used in hospitals decades ago.  The people post likely to benefit from spinal decompression are those suffering from back and leg pain or numbness, often referred to as sciatica.  Similarly, patients with neck and arm pain may also benefit. This type of radiating pain is usually caused by nerve irritation at some level in the spine.  Creating space at that level can often provide much-needed relief.  For those patients dealing with localized mechanical back or neck pain, most of the research continues to suggest that spinal manipulation, or adjustment is the better treatment option.  It is important to note that spinal decompression may actually be risky for some patients.  If you have been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, or if you’ve had certain types of back surgery, decompression may not be an option for you.  If you’re still wondering whether decompression would work for you, please feel free to contact us.