What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Therapy Sessions

Living with chronic back pain can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when it starts to interfere with your daily life. From difficulty performing routine tasks to missing out on activities you once enjoyed, the constant discomfort can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, traditional treatments like medication or physical therapy may not provide relief, leading to the search for alternative solutions. Spinal decompression therapy aims to alleviate pain associated with various conditions. In this blog, we'll provide a detailed overview of this therapy.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, promoting healing and reducing pain. It involves gently stretching the spine to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help reposition bulging or herniated discs and improve nutrient flow to the affected area.

The therapy works by using a motorised traction device that carefully stretches the spine. This stretching creates a vacuum effect within the spinal discs, encouraging retraction of herniated or bulging discs and increasing blood flow and nutrient exchange in the area. This process can help reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on the nerves and promote the natural healing of damaged discs.

Some of the common conditions that can be treated with spinal decompression therapy include:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: The therapy can help reposition and relieve pressure on discs that have slipped out of place.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Spinal decompression may alleviate pain caused by the wear and tear of spinal discs over time.
• Sciatica: This therapy can help relieve the numbness associated with sciatic nerve compression.
• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal decompression can help alleviate the symptoms of spinal stenosis by reducing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Here’s what you can expect during spinal decompression therapy:

• Initial Consultation: Before beginning the therapy, you'll have an initial consultation with the therapist to assess your condition. 
• Preparation: On the day of your therapy session, you'll be asked to lie down on a spinal decompression table. 
• The Decompression Process: Once you’re comfortably positioned, the therapist will begin the decompression process. 
• Post-Therapy: After the session, the therapist will slowly bring the table back to its neutral position. 
  

Spinal decompression therapy is generally considered safe. However, there are considerations to be aware of. These include: 

• Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness after the session.
• In rare cases, patients may notice a temporary increase in pain after the first few sessions as their bodies adjust to the treatment. 

Individuals with the following conditions should consult with a professional before considering this therapy:

• Pregnant women
• Patients with spinal implants or hardware 
• Individuals with severe osteoporosis

If you're considering spinal decompression therapy or want to learn more about how it might be integrated into your overall care plan, contact us today. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised care that aligns with your specific needs. Get in touch with us at My Chiropractor Mackay City to learn more.