Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy at Lifetime Health and Wellness
When your spinal structures can't function correctly, neither can you. A variety of acute injuries and chronic spinal issues can create compression in the spinal column and impingement of
sensitive nerve tissues. If a longstanding misalignment, herniated disc, or other problem is putting the pinch on your quality of life, rest assured that you can experience all the benefits
of spinal decompression without going under the knife thanks to the non-surgical spinal decompression therapy offered at Lifetime Health and Wellness.
Principles of Spinal Decompression
Spinal nerve roots typically become impinged when a nearby structure pushes up against them. The inflammatory inner "filling" of a herniated lumbar disc, for instance, may inflame and impinge the sciatic nerve, causing the debilitating leg symptoms of sciatica. Aging, dehydrated discs can also flatten and bulge, which not only pinch nerves but also causes inflammation and strain in the spine's facet joints. Taking pressure off of the spinal nerve roots involves re-positioning the structures that are applying that pressure. Surgeons achieve this through major invasive procedures that may include taking out pieces of your spine and/or fusing vertebrae together so they can no longer move normally. Anyone might be hesitant to undergo such procedures, and rightly so -- conservative treatment is always a sensible first strategy that can make more drastic measures unnecessary.
Non-surgical spinal decompression uses flexion distraction force to accomplish its goals. Your chiropractor will have you lie on a special mechanized table that applies tiny amounts of outward pulling force to the spinal column. Negative (vacuum) pressure is created in the spaces between vertebrae as a result, drawing herniated or bulging discs back into their normal alignment within the spine. This relieves nerve root pressure and inflammation, putting an end to the neurological symptoms you've been experiencing. It also encourages a phenomenon called "imbibition" that moves water and nutrients into dehydrated and injured discs.
When Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Recommended?
Spinal decompression therapy can be highly effective at treating sciatica and other nerve compression problems related to bulging discs, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. It can also relieve the joint inflammation and stiffness of facet joint syndrome, including pain from worn spinal joints (posterior facet syndrome). Diseased spinal nerve roots can also benefit from the extra "breathing room" provided by this safe, non-surgical therapy.
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for spinal decompression. If you are pregnant, obese, suffering from nerve damage, fractures, tumors or osteoporosis, we may recommend a different course of natural, non-invasive treatment. A previous spinal surgery may also rule out spinal decompression therapy.
Learn More From Our Chiropractors
The best way to find out whether non-surgical spinal decompression is the smart solution to your symptoms is by talking to one of our chiropractors. Call 303.423.4610 to schedule a consultation and evaluation!