Back pain is a very annoying and frustrating thing, isn't it? Sometimes this pain is so bad that you can't even do your daily tasks properly. There are times when you feel tired of things like sciatica and pain that goes down your legs. So, at times like this, finding some relief is the biggest thing for you. Today, we are talking about a treatment method that can help such people. That is Spinal Decompression Therapy. There are two methods of this: one is done without surgery, and the other is done with surgery. Let's talk about both of these in detail.
What is non-surgical spinal decompression treatment?
Simply put, this is a treatment that uses a special machine (motorized traction) to help relieve back pain. This involves applying very gentle, controlled traction to your spine.
Think of it like pulling a rubber band in both directions, reducing the pressure in the middle. This reduces the pressure on the discs, which are like the gel between our vertebrae. This creates a negative pressure inside the disc.
As a result, bulging or herniated disks are helped to return to their normal position. This relieves pressure on things like the nerves in the spine. Not only that, but this process also allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to flow into the disk. This helps the disk to heal and become healthy again.
Who is this treatment most suitable for?
Doctors typically recommend this non-surgical treatment to treat the following conditions:
| Disease condition/symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Back or neck pain, sciatica | Pain, numbness, or weakness that travels down the leg. |
| Bulging or herniated disks | The disc between the vertebrae is bulging or damaged. |
| Degenerative disk disease | Disc wear and tear due to age or other reasons. |
| Worn out spinal joints (Posterior facet syndrome) | Pain caused by the wear and tear of the small joints in the back of the spine. |
| Damage to the nerve roots of the spinal cord | Problems caused by nerve root compression or disease. |
However, research into the effectiveness and safety of this treatment is still ongoing. Therefore, to know how effective it really is, it needs to be compared to other alternative treatments, such as painkillers (NSAIDs) and physical therapy.
How is the treatment performed?
You can remain completely clothed during this treatment. The doctor or a trained medical staff will put two straps (harness) around your waist and body. Then, you will be turned face up or face down on a special computer-controlled table. The doctor will use the computer to adjust the treatment to your specific condition .
Typically, one treatment session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. You may need between 20 and 28 treatments over a period of about 5 to 7 weeks. You may also have other treatments before or after this treatment.
- Electrical stimulation: Using an electric current to cause certain muscles to contract.
- Ultrasound : Uses sound waves to generate heat to aid in the healing process.
- Heat or cold therapy.
Who should not have this treatment?
This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, so it's best to discuss this with your doctor to determine if you're a good candidate for this treatment. This treatment is especially not recommended if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are pregnant
- If there is a fracture in the spine
- If there is a cancerous tumor
- If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- If you have advanced osteoporosis
- If you have had metal implants in your spine
What is surgical spinal decompression?
This is another option. But it is usually used as a last resort . That is, when nothing else, such as medication or physical therapy, has helped. Your doctor may recommend this surgery for serious spinal problems, such as herniated discs or bone spurs. This surgery can relieve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness by reducing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves inside the spine.
What types of surgeries are there?
There are various types of surgeries to reduce pressure on the spine. These may be done in conjunction with another surgery to stabilize the spine (spinal fusion).
| Name of the surgery | What simply happens |
|---|---|
| Discectomy | Removing a damaged part of the disc to reduce nerve compression. |
| Laminotomy / Laminectomy | Removing a portion of the vertebrae to widen the spinal canal and reduce compression. |
| Foraminotomy / Foraminectomy | Enlarge the openings through which the nerve roots emerge, removing bone and other tissue. |
| Osteophyte removal | Removal of abnormal bone growths. |
| Corpectomy | Removal of the main part of the vertebra (vertebral body) and the disc between it. |
What are the risks of surgery?
Like any surgery, this one has risks.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Nerve or tissue damage
Another risk is that back pain may not completely resolve after surgery . It can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly who will truly benefit from spinal decompression surgery.
Take-Home Message
- Non-surgical spinal decompression is a treatment that uses a machine to compress the spine and relieve back pain. However, it is not suitable for everyone.
- Spinal decompression surgery is a last resort when all other treatments have failed. It also has inherent risks.
- If you have back pain, do not decide on your own treatment based on articles on the Internet. This article is only for your information.
- Most importantly: Before choosing any treatment, discuss the pros, cons, risks, and all other options available to you with your doctor and make an informed decision.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment