Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy

Types of Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy comes in surgical and nonsurgical forms. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy involves using motorized tractions to relieve back and neck pain by gently stretching the spine, promoting nerve health and healing. It can treat injured spinal nerve roots, degenerative disk disease, and worn-out spinal joints.

On the other hand, surgical spinal decompression involves procedures like discectomy, laminotomy, foraminotomy, corpectomy, and osteophyte removal to remove or reposition growths in the spine, causing pain.

Risks of Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy

Overall, this therapy technique is extremely safe and comfortable. Patients never leave the doctor with more pain or discomfort than they came in with. Top doctors follow the "DRS protocol" (Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization) while performing this therapy. Most patients do not experience negative side or after-effects after receiving this therapy. The most common 'risk' of receiving this therapy is aching or soreness in the body.

That's because as the body gets accustomed to stretching and decompressing, it experiences some dullness for the first few weeks. During this therapy, your muscles will be lengthened in directions you're not used to. That's why patients experience mild soreness for a few days. Thankfully, after experiencing this mild pain, most patients report experiencing 50% or more relief.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy

Various lower back pain conditions can be treated with spinal decompression traction therapy. Since this therapy is risk-free, most patients find it easy to decide whether they want this treatment. Some key benefits of receiving this therapy are:

• Regular therapy creates negative intradiscal pressure. As the spinal discs receive less pressure, repositioning the mispositioned, herniated, or bulging disc becomes more manageable and less painful.
• The release of intradiscal pressure also gives the spinal discs access to important nutrients. Their health improves after regular therapy.
• Muscles, tendons, and ligaments stretch and become more loose and flexible.
• Bulging disks regain their position as regular therapy draws the gel nucleus toward the discs' centers.
• The tunnels from where the nerves exit the spinal system become bigger. Nerves receive more oxygen and more blood because of this.
• Patients learn how poor posture and gravity affect the spinal joints negatively.

Many patients who have had spinal surgery receive this therapy post-surgery. Spinal decompression specialists can help all patients (even after failed back surgeries). However, people must consult with medical professionals to see if they qualify for this therapy.

Common Conditions Treated with Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy

People with various spinal conditions can benefit from this therapy. This therapy is typically used to treat the following conditions:

• Spine stenosis (narrowed nerve tunnels)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal arthritis
• Nerve compression (Pinched Nerve)
• Bulging or protruding spinal disc
• Sciatica
• Lower back pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain

When Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy May Not Be the Right Treatment for You

This form of decompression therapy isn't suited for –

• Patients with osteoporosis and spondylolisthesis.
• People with pre-existing spinal infections or tumors.
• Ankylosing spondylitis patients.
• Patients who consume blood thinner medication.
• Pregnant women as their abdomens receive a lot of pressure during this therapy.
• Patients with long-standing spinal instability issues (e.g., osteoporosis).
• Patients who have recently received spinal surgery or metal plate implants

Other than these people, anyone can benefit from this therapy. Still, checking with a doctor first is essential.

Steps to Take Before Starting Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy

Here are some steps to prepare for this type of therapy –

• Know What to Expect – You will receive 15 to 30 treatments. Each treatment lasts 30-45 minutes. After four to six-week periods, patients start feeling transformed.
• Wearing a Harness – Patients must wear special harnesses to achieve optimal decompression. These harnesses come with safety switches. Patients can press the switch to stop the treatment whenever they feel uncomfortable.
• Health – Drink a lot of water on the day of the therapy. Post-therapy, perform exercises at home to boost strength and mobility.

What to Expect After Your Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy Session

Most patients report experiencing amazing relief from their pain and symptoms after 12–20 sessions of this therapy. After receiving this therapy, they feel encouraged to exercise and be more mobile. There are no dramatic "recovery periods." Some conditions require more visits. But, patients' ailments never get worse.

Here are some tips for a successful recovery from this therapy- 

1. Follow post-treatment care instructions carefully.
2. Stay active, but avoid high-impact exercises.
3. Maintain good posture throughout the day.
4. Consider stretching or yoga to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
5. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet.