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.