What is Spinal Decompression?

Decompression therapy is a nonsurgical means of relieving pain involving the neck and lower back. Decompression therapy is a spinal disc rehabilitation program designed to slowly and smoothly stretch the spinal area of complaint, thereby decompressing the intervertebral discs. This form of treatment is widely accepted to be safe and effective.

The intervertebral discs separate each bone (vertebrae) of the spine allowing the spinal cord nerve roots to branch outward to the rest of the body unimpeded. Discs also perform the function of shock absorption, lessening in part the constant forces placed on the spine.

A disc is made up of an inner gel-like nucleus and a strong outer annulus fiber pressurizing the entire structure. The decompression (stretching) technique allows a vacuum effect to occur within the pressurized disc thus, retracting any disc bulge or herniation occurring within the affected spinal area. This in turn removes the pressure off the nerve root alleviating any pain the patient is experiencing.

Secondarily, this therapy nourishes the injured and dehydrated disc with water, nutrient rich fluids and oxygen, promoting healing. This result occurs over a series of treatments as decompression therapy has an accumulative effect. Generally speaking, a four to six week time period of regular treatment often produces significant positive results.