Spinal decompression therapy explained

By Ester Marsh

For the Salisbury Post

Question: I have heard about spinal decompression therapy, can you explain what that is?

Answer: Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical therapy to relieve back pain and other problems associated with spinal disc injuries. It relieves nerve compression often associated with low back pain and sciatica through the use of a decompression table.

You are strapped to the table so that when it moves, it applies a distraction force to the targeted area of the spine (the compressed disc). A computer controls the distraction force, which is applied in between periods of relaxation. This gently pulls the spine apart, making it longer and creating a small vacuum between the vertebrae which pulls the disc back into shape.

Treatments are, in most cases, painless, and some individuals get immediate relief from their pain once decompression takes place. In addition to traction, it is important that you follow the specific home exercises prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist to minimize the stresses on the disc and start an appropriate strengthening and stabilization program when prescribed.

Spinal decompression therapy came around 1987 when Dr. Allen Dyer invented a treatment table called the VAX-D to treat low-back pain. It did not become available in the U.S. until 1996, when it was approved by the FDA. In 2000, a new and greatly improved version of decompression therapy which could target all areas of the spine, including the neck, became available with studies showing great success.

Each session lasts 30-45 minutes, with most cases 4-6 weeks in duration. This therapy is promoting the diffusion of water, oxygen and nutrients from the outside of the discs to the inside of the discs. Non-surgical decompression therapy seems to be very effective at treating bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, radiating arm pain, degenerative disc disease and leg pain, just to name a few.

Certain people are not candidates for this therapy, including those with tumors; abdominal aortic aneurysm; fractures; metal implants, screws or plates in the spine and the discs; advanced osteoporosis; pregnancy; and certain conditions that compromise the spine and the discs.

As with any medical facts or fads, do your homework. Talk to your doctor and to numerous spine specialists. There is actually an American Spinal Decompression Association which is an affiliated group of physicians who have passed internal certifications in the proper delivery of spinal decompression therapy.

Since I have a plate and a screws in my neck with my surgical spinal decompression (which was a great success) I am not a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. But I believe with lots of homework and a doctor you feel great about, spinal decompression therapy might do the trick for you.