Spinal decompression is primarily the relief of pressure on a pinched nerve. It is normally used for treatment of chronic back pain, prolapsed discs, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis and spondylitis. Spinal decompression can be achieved through surgical, as well as non-surgical procedures. Spinal decompression using minimally invasive surgery involves a surgical procedure with the aid of an operating microscope, where a portion of the herniated disc is removed with a surgical instrument or laser. Invasive surgery involves removal of a portion of the arched bone to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. The modern technique of non-surgical spinal decompression was developed by 1985 by Dr. Allan Dyer who later introduced a non-surgical decompression table in 1991. Although similar, as it is a development of an old concept, there is a great difference between the old system of spinal decompression through mechanical traction that used weights and pulleys and the modern computerized decompression tables. This is a system of mechanical decompression that uses a traction device to reduce the body’s tendency to withstand external force and produce muscle spasms. The entire procedure is controlled through computers and allows application of targeted traction force to decrease pressure on the pinched nerve, as well as within discs. The modern system of spinal decompression not only reduces pressure on the pinched nerve, but also lessens the risk of injury, which was the hallmark of the old fashioned mechanical traction. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a proven and highly effective technique that has shown success rates between 60-85%. Non-invasive spinal decompression reduces pressure on the vertebral joints and retracts the herniated discs. The rest is left to the body’s inherent capacity to self-heal. The theory is that when pressure is reduced, it leads to diffusion of fluids, nutrients and oxygen into the affected area around the herniated disc. This leads to re-hydration of the degenerated disc. When pressure is reduced repeatedly, it aids in the retraction of nucleus pulposus, the jelly like substance found in the middle of spinal discs. Patients need to contact a spine specialist who is qualified to treat lower back pain, herniated discs, and other spinal problems through decompression techniques. Modern techniques of spinal decompression are innovative and provide relief from pain due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and acute and chronic back pain. The therapy can isolate each of the five lumbar vertebrae and distract them from the affected disc by as much as 5-7 millimeters. Treatment may involve up to 20-25 sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes. The entire process may take slightly more than a month. Although the purpose is the same, there is a mild difference between non-surgical decompression techniques and chiropractic manipulations. A chiropractor uses manual therapy that includes manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissues. Non-invasive spinal decompression techniques are highly technical and provide pain relief using modern computerized tables. Complications from spinal surgeries can be severe and sometimes extremely debilitating. The concomitant medication that involves strong drugs too has serious side effects. As compared to surgical procedures, spinal decompression is safer and cost effective.
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