As with everything else on planet earth, humans are subject to gravity, the force that pulls objects toward the dense core beneath the ground. Although two-legged humans stand erect with the spine vertically positioned, earth’s gravity constantly acts on the body to bring it closer. As humans age and experience injuries, the body becomes less able to resist this force and can compress. Instead of giving up to aging and gravity, you can fight to keep your independence and stand strong through a procedure called spinal decompression. In this post, you’ll learn more about how this works, what it can address, and how often it needs to be done to be successful.
How Is Spinal Decompression Performed?
Through a series of movements and stretches, your chiropractor essentially elongates your spine, allowing nutrients and space to come in between the vertebrae and create a more comfortable environment for your nervous system, especially the spinal nerve. As a result of these stretches, any obstructions to the nerve, such as disks, can more easily fit where they belong, alleviating the source of the pain.
What Issues Does Spinal Decompression Treat?
Your spine consists of a complex system of vertebrae or bone, the spinal nerve, and disks or little cartilage pads in between the vertebrae. When every piece remains where it should be, the patient can perform daily functions without pain, stiffness, tingling, or numbness. However, the problems listed below can interfere with a person’s ability to live comfortably:
- Spinal stenosis—narrowing of the spacing of the spine due to bone spurs.
- Sciatica—damage to the sciatic nerve that runs from the base of the spine down into legs.
- Herniated or bulging disk—the padding between vertebrae spills over and irritates the spinal nerve.
- Pinched nerve—compression of various nerves by other structures.
- Degenerating disks—cushion wears out and degrades over time, allowing bone and nerve to become irritated.
How Often Do You Need Spinal Decompression?
In extreme cases, more intensive spinal decompression can become permanent with surgery; however, most of the time, repeated non-surgical spinal decompression can restore function and quality of life without resorting to invasive measures. Depending on the extent of your injury and pain, frequency can vary. Initially, you may need to be adjusted twice or three times per week, but after a month or so, your appointments may be more spaced out to maintain the results. To know how many or often you require treatment, your chiropractor will need to evaluate you and share their recommendation.
In the end, although spinal decompression may not be a quick fix, it allows you to keep time and gravity at bay for your back for as long as possible. With this non-invasive treatment, you can keep living your best and accomplish what you want!
About the Author
Dr. Zinovy Chukhman, otherwise known as Dr. Z, has earned certification in all four levels with the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, which means he has the skills and training to handle even complex chiropractic cases. With various methods at his disposal, like Thompson, Diversified, and flexion-distraction, Dr. Z can treat chronic back pain or symptoms brought on from injuries or accidents. To schedule an appointment at AlignRight Chiropractic in Richardson, call 972-907-2800 or click here.
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