What Is Spinal Decompression?

If you suffer from chronic pain, spinal decompression therapy may be the answer. A nonsurgical form of chiropractic care, this treatment aims to promote optimal health and wellness by stretching the spine, thereby relieving pressure on the spinal discs.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

During spinal decompression, you’ll don a harness that fits snugly around your trunk, head, or limb and then climb onto a mechanized table. Depending on the source of your pain, you might lie down on your back or your stomach.

For the next 10-15 minutes, your provider will make minor adjustments to the table that are designed to stretch your spine gently. For added effectiveness, your provider may recommend preceding or following the therapy with electrical stimulation, heat application, or cold therapy. 

Generally speaking, it takes multiple sessions to experience dramatic results. Most patients undergo between 4-20 treatments over time to achieve the best results.

What Does Spinal Decompression Treat?

Spinal decompression therapy has a number of applications. It’s most often used to relieve back or neck pain caused by disc injury and nerve compromise. It can also treat degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, knee, and hip issues.

Evidence indicates decompressing the spine and subsequently relieving pressure on a compressed spinal nerve can promote the body’s natural healing process. This therapy may be most effective when combined with other aspects of chiropractic care, especially if the compression is severe. 

To see if you’re a good candidate for spinal decompression, turn to Ezell Chiropractic. Located in St. Charles, this clinic is led by one of the top ten chiropractors in Missouri. A St. Charles native, Dr. Glenn Ezell is proud to help members of his community achieve much-needed relief through comprehensive chiropractic care. To grab our new patient promotion, click here. To make an appointment for quality chiropractic care, call (636) 486-7044.