Spinal Decompression FAQ
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy may be exactly what you need to stop chronic back and leg pain. Our doctors at Westport Chiropractic and Acupuncture have the answers to frequently asked questions from patients seeking back pain relief.
What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a tool your chiropractor can use to relieve pressure on pinched nerves caused by slipped or herniated discs without surgical intervention. It involves gently stretching the spine on a motorized, computer-controlled traction table to elongate the spine so herniated, degenerated, dehydrated, bulging, or otherwise-injured discs gradually return to their proper places in the spine.
How does spinal decompression therapy work?
Our chiropractor uses spinal decompression therapy to create negative intradiscal pressure. Lowering the pressure on your spine allows the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of your spine to retract and reposition themselves. The negative pressure on your spine also helps oxygen and nutrients flow to your spine through the capillaries surrounding it.
Is chiropractic spinal decompression one-and-done the way surgery is?
You will need multiple spinal decompression sessions with your chiropractor to help your discs heal. But you won't have to go through the trauma of hospitalization. There's also no risk of surgical infections, because there is no surgery. You only have to devote up to about an hour to each treatment, which can be scheduled at your convenience with our chiropractor, and you are highly likely to start feeling better almost immediately.
What's it like to get spinal decompression therapy?
During spinal decompression therapy, patients are asked to lie down on a motorized table, the lower half of which can move. A harness is placed around the hips, and the lower part of the table is moved back and forth while the top half of the table is stationary in a gentle cycle of decompression and relaxation of the spine.
Does spinal decompression hurt?
All patients feel gentle pressure during their spinal decompression treatments, but pain is rare. Your pain levels should be reduced after even one treatment.