The Basics Of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a form of mechanical spinal traction, or the separation of the bones, joints, and discs of the back. This nonsurgical intervention is believed to relieve pressure on the nerves in the back, helping reduce pain and enhance function.

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Spinal decompression applies the same principle of spinal traction offered by chiropractors and similarly trained health professionals. The goal is to kickstart healing for bulging, herniated, or degenerating discs, through ways such as creating a lower pressure in the disc that will provide an influx of healing nutrients and substances into the affected area.

The spinal cord connects the brain to the entire body and transmits important messages to direct a broad range of human functions. The normal adult spine consists of 33 vertebrae or protective bones, each cushioned from the bones above and below them by discs acting as shock absorbers and “cushioning” the vertebrae whenever the body works, bends, stretches, and exercises. With time and stress the discs can become flattened, hardened, or injured. Nerves passing through the vertebrae are squeezed and pinched by the structures that originally protect them, leading to severe pain.

During therapy for the lumbar spine, the patient lies fully clothed on a motorized table, the lower part of which is mobile. A harness is positioned around the hips and attached to the table’s lower half near the feet. This lower part where the patient remains harnessed slides back and forth, providing traction and relaxation.

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Depending on the decompression therapy, the patient could be in the prone position on the table, lying face down, or lying supine, or face up. There’s a resulting stretch in the spine, but not pain during or after the procedure.

Dr. Karl Jawhari, DC was a teacher assistant at Life University in Marrietta, GA. He has taught colleagues updated and effective chiropractor techniques utilized by the industry today. Read more on this site.

Be Careful Of These Mistakes And Avoid Bad Posture

Although many factors contribute to back pain, there are very few that will directly lead to severe conditions. Physical trauma and obesity are some causes of major back problems. Another cause that may advance the severity of back pain is constant bad posture.

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Fortunately, bad posture can be corrected easily if a person knows he’s doing it. If he’s sitting or lying down the wrong way, he should feel it after a few minutes. 

If a person is injured in sports, figures in a car accident, or slips and falls, he most likely will experience back pain. His natural reaction to back pain is to hold his body in a position opposite to the position that’s causing him pain, expecting relief. This opposite position is most likely a bad posture. What he should do is hold his body in a neutral position and consult a healthcare specialist. 

Sitting the wrong way may lead to back problems. This is a very common problem among office workers, who don’t notice it until it’s too late. People should sit in an upright position with the computer screen level to their faces. This prevents any hunching and neck extensions. 

Other causes of bad posture are wearing uncomfortable clothes for the sake of fashion and constantly carrying heavy load. It’s very important that people let their bodies rest once they feel a strain or a pull, so as to prevent aggravating the condition. 

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Dr. Karl Jawhari is a teacher’s assistant at Life University in Marrietta, GA. He is also the author of “How Hormones Are Making You Fat” and the co-author of “Neck Pain, You Don’t Want It, You Don’t Need It” as well as the “The Little Black Book of Fitness.” Check out this page for more on Dr. Jawhari.