Spinal Decompression Therapy - Is it right for you?

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives.  Back pain can be a debilitating condition that can stop you from living a normal, functional, and active life. It can be caused by a variety of conditions or factors, which include but are not limited to herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or sciatica. 

Before you book back surgery or decide you're doomed to a lifetime of lumbar pain, consider spinal decompression therapy. Adults with low back pain generally come to Active Spine and Joint Institute wanting decompression therapy after other doctors have recommended a spinal fusion, discectomy, or laminectomy. In many cases, we are able to help these patients avoid surgery and obtain long-lasting relief from nerve or back pain through our Active Back© program. 

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a nonsurgical, FDA-approved treatment for back pain. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine, which takes the pressure off the discs and nerves in your spine. This allows the discs to heal and the nerves to become uncompressed. At Active Spine and Joint Institute, we use Spinal Decompression as part of our Active Back© program which also includes physical therapy, electric stimulation, and chiropractic adjustments. 

Is Spinal Decompression right for me?

Learn how decompression therapy can help your spine, whether you've got a herniated disc or a painful case of stenosis.

1. It can restore movement, mobility, and function. Even after just one treatment, you’ll find an improved range of motion. 

2. Heal Chronic Pain. While some back pain treatments can help with acute flare-ups or occasional pain, spinal decompression takes care of chronic pain. This is because it addresses the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. 

3. Fast Relief. Most patients experience decreased pain after just one treatment, though you may need additional appointments to see the best results.  This will help your spine retain the correct position, resulting in long-term relief. 

4. Better Sleep. No more tossing and turning when you can not find a comfortable position. You will get a better night's rest. 

5. Improved Circulation. When your spine is decompressed, it helps circulate fluids throughout your body. This can lead to more healing, and increase your immune system.

6. Prevent back surgery.  Patients can prevent or postpone spinal surgery including spinal fusions or discectomy surgeries. This means there is no risk of infection or other complications associated with surgery. 

7. It can help prevent further degeneration of the discs and nerves in your spine.  Spinal decompression can help prevent the discs and nerves in your spine from deteriorating further. Decompression therapy stretches your spine, temporarily expanding the area around it so that discs can return to their correct places. 

8. Affordable.  More affordable than surgery and other invasive treatments. 

9. Time-efficient. You can generally return to work after decompression therapy, even if you visit us on your lunch break. The recovery timeline for spinal surgery can require weeks — sometimes months — of rest. This makes it difficult to perform your job or keep up with household tasks, so many patients prefer decompression therapy.

The treatment isn't ideal for every patient. 

Let us know if you've had back surgery in the past or if you have implants in your body. Patients with fractured vertebrae, tumors, or a history of aneurysms may also want to avoid spinal decompression therapy and should check this out for other treatment options instead.

If you are interested in speaking with our staff about our Active Back program, give us a call at 609-886-8585 to schedule a consultation.  We will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We look forward to helping you get back to an active life!

Click here to receive more information & schedule your consultation.