About 80 percent of Americans are dealing with back issues at some point in their lives and Dr. Holland in Downtown St. Louis, MO is here to help. Most men and women feel the occasional soreness or pain, but for others, the discomfort is more chronic. If you’re dealing with back problems that doesn’t seem to go away, it may be time to try spinal decompression therapy.
Spinal decompression therapy is a type of mechanical traction that works by carefully stretching the spine. This type of therapy is non-surgical and gentle, making it a good alternative for folks who want to steer clear of surgery or who have already tried other conservative treatments without success. Spinal decompression can help reduce back discomfort caused by herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and sciatica.
Spinal decompression works by carefully extending the spine. This type of traction relieves the pressure on your discs and nerve roots, which can help lessen pain. The stretch also helps to increase the movement of water, oxygen and nutrients into your discs so they can feel better.
Spinal decompression is mostly done using a motorized machine that carefully pulls on your spine as you lie down on a comfortable table. During the procedure, you’ll be fitted with a harness around your pelvis and another around your chest. The therapist will then adjust the settings on the machine according to your needs.
Many patients state feeling relaxed during the procedure and some even fall asleep. Each session is about 30-45 minutes and usually men and women need 10-20 sessions for maximum results.
Absolutely! Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, light treatment option for back pain. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved. The most regular side effect of spinal decompression is light tenderness in the treated area after each session. This soreness usually goes away within 24 hours. In very rare cases, patients may experience headaches or nausea during treatment.
Most studies have shown that spinal decompression therapy is successful in helping back pain. One study found that 78% of men and women who had spinal decompression therapy reported significant improvements in their symptoms.
If you live in Downtown St. Louis, MO and you're dealing with back problems, spinal decompression therapy might be a good treatment course of action for you. If you'd like to learn more, give our office a call today!