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:
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.
