If you’ve heard of spinal decompression therapy but are not entirely sure of what it is, it is important to understand the process to see if this treatment is right for you. A gentle pulling action is conducted through the spine to create an elongating effect. This form of therapy is generally targeted towards the spine’s discs, and the goal is to create negative intradiscal pressure.

Spinal decompression therapy is effective because the negative intradiscal pressure will have a number of positive effects on compressed discs, which are avascular in nature, meaning they do not have a direct blood supply to bring the necessary nutrients and remove waste. Discs rely on the diffusion to bring the nutrients in and to take the waste out to the blood vessels nearby, so if this process is inhibited, it can cause accelerated disc degeneration, pain and even the loss of function. Spine decompression therapy can help discs by bringing in more nutrients, while the negative pressure that is created throughout the process draws in fluid. It can also promote the retraction of bulging or herniated discs, so there are a number of benefits to this treatment.

While decompression therapy is proving to be effective, there is still a lot of research being conducted to prove that this therapy is as good as or better than other types of treatments. Preliminary data does suggest that it does work when treating certain types of low back disorders, and researchers are working hard to provide more evidence. Many individuals who suffer from chronic lower back pain will see a significant difference and will experience a decrease in their pain levels, as will patients with herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome. Results are not guaranteed but the success rate is very high, so spinal decompression therapy is worth considering if you suffer from pain or disability.

It is generally found that spinal decompression therapy is an effective way of treating certain lower back disorders like herniated discs, chronic lower back pain and facet issues. If you are experiencing any of these, consult your physician or a reputable physiotherapist to see if this treatment is right for you. Spinal decompression therapy is not suitable for everyone, so you need to make sure you are a suitable candidate before you proceed with this treatment. Patients with severe osteoporosis, compression fractures, unstable spondylolisthesis and certain bone defects of the spine will not be considered suitable candidates, so you have to first consider your condition and medical history.

In some cases, spinal decompression can be more effective if it is combined with other types of therapy like rehabilitation programs, for example, and the experts at Core Physical Care can discuss this matter in more detail with you. Our physio clinic will help decrease and eliminate your pain; we have a spinal decompression program via active therapy and manual therapy, so if you are considering in home physiotherapy and are anywhere in the GTA, give us a call today!