Spinal Decompression at Alabama Chiropractic Spine and Joint Clinic
Back pain can interrupt your daily activities and make it difficult to enjoy life. Spinal decompression is one of the strategies a chiropractor can use to help relieve your pain. If you are looking for a chiropractor in Florence, please consider the Alabama Chiropractic Spine and Joint Clinic; we offer not only spinal decompression but other services.
All About Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a specialized type of traction, as noted in WebMD. The anatomy of the spine is such that if the spine is compressed on itself, the cartilage cushions between the vertebrae can protrude into the spinal canal. Nerves can become compressed and irritated, causing back pain and various other symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, irritability, increased stress, poor ability to sleep, lack of focus, muscle weakness, and many others. The therapy helps oxygen, water, and new nutrients move into the discs, which helps promote healing.
Conditions Treated by Spinal Decompression
Chiropractors use this therapy in addition to other treatments such as manual adjustments, massage, dry needling, stem cell therapy, and physical therapy. It may also be combined with electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat or cold therapy. Some of the conditions for which this treatment may be effective include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica – pain, tingling or weakness that runs down the leg
- Bulging (herniated) discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Posterior facet syndrome – worn spinal joints
- Diseased or injured spinal nerve roots.
What’s it Like?
Spinal decompression is performed on a computer-controlled table. You will lie down on the table fully clothed, either face up or face down. The chiropractor will fit you with a harness around your trunk and another around your pelvic area; these are attached to the table. The table slowly and gently applies traction to the harness, stretching the spine. Most treatment sessions last about 30 to 45 minutes. You may have a treatment as often as four times a week for five to seven weeks, depending on your response.
Who Can Have This Treatment?
Most people tolerate this treatment well. Pregnancy is the only hard and fast contraindication to spinal decompression therapy. It may also be contraindicated if you have a fracture or tumor anywhere in the spine. Advanced osteoporosis may be another reason to forgo treatment, as the bones in the spine may be too weak to tolerate the stretching effect. Metal implants in the spine might be dislodged during treatment. If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the treatment might cause bleeding.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment Today
If you suffer from back pain, please contact us for an appointment at (256) 284-7179. Dr. Bailey Carroll can assess your situation and make recommendations for your care.