If you’re looking for options to treat the pain you experience in your back, neck, and legs, look no further than Cornerstone! Our office offers non-invasive alternative treatment plans for Douglasville, GA patients that can progress recovery without the help of needles, pain medications, or surgery. Instead, your Chiropractor can treat you with manual manipulations like massage therapy. Or, they use machines to help make more slow and precise adjustments. Keep reading to learn more about Spinal Decompression Therapy (SDT), a pain-free alternative to surgeries and extensive therapies.
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Your spinal column consists of bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues. It houses one of the essential parts of your body, the Spinal Cord. The Spinal Cord is responsible for sending messages (like pain responses) to your brain, so your body knows how to react. The bones in the spinal column are referred to as “vertebrae.” Small cartilage “discs” between the vertebrae reduce impact and friction between the bones. If you suffer from a chronic condition or your daily activities cause pressure to build up in the spinal column, this can lead to pinched nerves, slipped discs, and radiating pain in your neck, back and extremities.
Spinal Decompression is the act of creating “zero pressure or removing the build-up of pressure in your spinal column. A surgical procedure can achieve this goal, but the recovery time and physical therapy require considerably more extensive than SDT. Spinal Decompression Therapy is non-invasive and pain-free. With SDT, your chiropractor will use a traction machine with the guidance of a computer to make the adjustments you need.
What To Expect When Undergoing Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Non-Invasive, Painless Treatment
SDT machines incorporate traction tables controlled by computers and assisted by your provider. You will be asked to lie on the table, and someone will attach a harness to your waist so you can remain stationary during the procedure. Once you’re secured to the machine, the computer will help it make calculated motions with the upper half of your body to move it into a more natural position. While this is happening, your spine and the muscles and connective tissues will adjust and may even “pop” into a more comfortable place on their own. Repetition of this procedure helps your spine become accustomed to where it is supposed to be.
Is Spinal Decompression Successful?
Spinal decompression tables are much more precise than manual traction therapy (when the provider uses their hands to adjust your spine). Additionally, your body responds to manual adjustments by pulling the opposite way to compensate, preventing the adjustment from being as effective as it should be. In addition to its built-in features, a compression table can help counteract this reaction.
How Long Does a Spinal Decompression Session Last?
Attending twelve (12) to twenty (20) Spinal Decompression sessions is common, but your provider will let you know how many they believe are necessary to see results. However, you should note that each patient is different, as are their symptoms and recovery time.
How Effective Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
A Treatment Option With Versatility!
Your spinal column consists of connective tissues, vertebrae (small bones), and discs (protective layers between the bones). The discs can slip from between vertebrae, causing pinched nerves and pain from the friction of the bones. Suppose other conventional methods alone have not worked. In that case, you could speak to your provider about combining the use of Spinal Decompression Therapy with your current regimen or switching your treatment plans. Talking with your provider is the only way to know what is best for your condition. They should be able to give you a better idea of the plan they want to follow, how long the treatment will last, and how many sessions you will need.
The Results You’ve Been Searching For
You want to make sure you’re achieving actual results. The goal of this treatment is to provide a healthier environment for our spinal column to move to a healthier position that you can work to support. While SDT provides different results for each patient, it is often reported to reduce pain and decrease flareups of chronic conditions. Some patients have even reported being symptom-free for long periods without need for pain medication or braces. If your provider thinks SDT is worth a try, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
What are the PROS of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
SDT Could Improve Alignment & Relieve Pressure
If your spinal column is in not properly aligned, you could experience severe pressure, fatigue, pinched nerves and radiating pain in your extremities. By undergoing Spinal Decompression, you are giving your body the option to shift into a more optimal position, as naturally as possible.
No Required Recovery Time
Spinal Decompression Therapy is non-surgical and, non-invasive. Your provider will manipulate your outer body to help the inner pieces align. Each procedure should be painless. Why not take the day off?
SDT Could Improve Your Quality Of Life
Proper alignment of the spinal column and reduced pressure within it could have a drastic improvement of your physical health. When you’re feeling better physically, you’ll also notice that your energy level improves, your mood is more positive and your outlook on life is also dramatically altered for the better. If the treatment is a success for you, its a win-win!
What are the CONS of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Since it is a non-invasive therapy, SDT doesn't come with any severe risks. We’ve included a short list of minor side effects to look out for. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your provider as soon as possible. They are generally not a cause for alarm, but your treatment may need to be adjusted.
Possible Side Effects During & After Spinal Decompression Therapy
- Moderate muscle soreness
- Shooting Nerve Pain down arms or legs
- Muscle Spasms
Like we always say, discuss this procedure with your trusted provider before undergoing any treatment. Other patients that may inherit additional risks are:
- Expecting Mothers
- Patient’s with degenerative spinal conditions
- Patients recovering from surgery
If you’re looking for pain relief and help with other back, neck and hip issues, contact Cornerstone Chiropractic. We want to help the residents of Douglasville Georgia feel better and live healthier. We would be glad to schedule your initial appointment, answer your questions and discuss your treatment options.