What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression is a targeted type of traction performed on a special table that helps stretch specific areas of the spine for a certain length of time. As the spine is stretched, this causes negative pressure inside of damaged spinal discs that stops nerve pinching. This vacuum action enhances the circulation of oxygen and fluids in compressed and herniated discs, helping them to heal again. Over time, and a series of spinal decompression treatments, damaged discs can be restored and re-hydrated, so they resume a healthy composition and stop pinching nerves and causing pain.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
If our chiropractor, located in St. Louis, determines that you are a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy, you will lie down on the padded, computerized spinal decompression table. You will be secured in place, and our chiropractor will guide the system to stretch and release specific parts of your spine that require treatment. Depending on your condition, Dr. Sas will usually schedule you for a series of treatments over a few to several weeks. This treatment often coincides with a combination with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and other techniques that complement each other in the process of your healing and recovery.
What Conditions Can Spinal Decompression Help?
Spinal decompression is extremely helpful for several very painful conditions and can even help patients avoid surgery while getting back to a pain-free, active life. These are some of the most common conditions Dr. Sas and our chiropractic team have been able to alleviate using spinal decompression as a treatment option:
- Upper, mid, and low back pain
- Radiating back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica (pain, numbness, and tingling going from the lower back into a leg)
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet syndrome (worn-out spinal joints)
- Pinched nerves
If you have been struggling with any of these conditions, please schedule an appointment to discuss your needs with our chiropractor located in St. Louis.
Contact the Chiropractor that St. Louis Families Trust
Spinal decompression, chiropractic care and other therapies in our office can help you achieve drug-free pain relief and get you back to enjoying the activities you love with the people you love. Dr. Sas has treated many patients with spinal decompression, chiropractic care, and other active therapies, which have helped them avoid surgery and recover naturally. You owe it to yourself to find out if you would be a good candidate for these treatment options too. Contact us for an appointment today.
Common Questions About Spinal Decompression
Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Safe and Will the Treatment Hurt?
No treatment in our office should hurt. Since we are stretching tight muscles and joints that haven’t been moved in a long time, there can be the sensation of pulling. This is what most patients experience.
Spinal Decompression is extremely safe given a candidate has a thorough examination and proper imaging prior to treatment.
Can Spinal Decompression Be Used When Pregnant?
As we are using a snug harness around the patients’ waist and hips, it’s not recommended for those who are pregnant.
How Long Does a Typical Spinal Decompression Therapy Take?
The average spinal decompression treatment is 20 minutes. If we were to go fast, the already tight muscles would simply rebel and pull even tighter in return. By taking our time, we can allow for relaxation of the musculature and true spinal re-conditioning.
How Soon Should I Expect to Notice Results from Spinal Decompression?
As with anything, healing takes time. A few factors come into play: how long the problem has been hiding under the surface, how severe the initial injury, and healthy muscle memory. Therefore, some patients may begin to notice a difference after a single treatment and some after several depending on these factors.
How Much Does Spinal Decompression Cost?
Every decompression plan we put together is custom. Cost per treatment could vary between $65-$150 depending on what treatment options we find necessary.
Is Spinal Decompression Treatment Covered by Insurance?
We have rarely seen spinal decompression covered by insurance. But, we always do a courtesy benefits check to see what they’ll do.
Sources
Wheeler, Tyler. “Spinal Decompression Therapy: Is It Right for You?” WebMD, WebMD, 17 May 2021, www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/spinal-decompression-therapy-surgical-nonsurgical.
