Back pain and spinal injuries are very common, so common that there is a whole part of the pharmaceutical industry that is dedicated to the relief of it. However, it seems that more and more people are not interested in using traditional methods to treat back pain. If this sounds like you, then you may be interested in a treatment called spinal decompression. Before you decide if this is the right choice for you, there are a few things you should be aware of. Who Does Decompression? – Spinal decompression is performed by a chiropractor, in the office. A chiropractor is a doctor that is specially trained to deal with all aspects of the spine, including the individual vertebra. A chiropractor doesn’t, however, only deal with the spine if there is an injury that has occurred. They can also help other health issues by realigning the spine to its proper and natural position. What to Expect During Decompression – Decompression is a non-invasive medical procedure that can often be used in place of traditional back surgery. However, that does not directly translate into ‘decompression is a walk in the park’. Decompression can take a slight toll on the body and because of this, it is often performed in a series of procedures as opposed to one long session. When you arrive at the chiropractor’s office for a spinal decompression session, you can expect to keep your street clothes on – this is especially nice if you happen to be modest. You will be strapped into a harness type of a device that will help to keep you still and in position during the decompression procedure. Next, you will lie on a table, generally on your back, although being on the stomach is occasionally required. After you are all set, the chiropractor will use a computer to move the table to exact measurements for the maximum benefit. After Care Follow Up – Your chiropractor will likely suggest a list of vitamins that you should take – these are meant to speed up your recovery from the decompression sessions. The list will include vitamin B among other choices that will help the body to recover quickly. Decompression can also cause you to dehydrate slightly – because of this, you will probably be instructed to drink a large amount of water before your procedure as well as immediately after. Even though decompression is not a surgery, it is very important that the chiropractor’s instructions be followed completely and for the duration that is required. To stop the follow up care early or to ignore the care guidelines completely could lead to detrimental results. Insurance and Decompression – While spinal decompression may be gaining in popularity with patients and some physicians, it has not managed to garner such favor with medical insurance companies. Unfortunately, decompression is seen as a type of alternative medicine by the majority of insurance companies. Therefore, getting this type of care covered by your medical insurance could be not only difficult, it can be impossible. If you choose decompression to heal your pain, be prepared to pay for it out of pocket. www.healthsourceofspringfield.com

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that can relieve certain specific types of chronic back pain. Decompression of the spine is achieved with a machine developed using zero-gravity technology developed by NASA scientists who noticed that astronauts’ discs were being regenerated in the weightless environment of space. It works by gently stretching out the spine in both directions, leaving a vacuum of space around the discs and removing the pressure from the discs and vertebrae. The decompression table is similar to traditional devices that used traction to relieve pressure on discs and bring pain relief to patients without surgery. Spinal decompression therapy will only work with certain back pain conditions. Your doctor will give you an examination and determine if you are a candidate for this non-invasive treatment option. Here are a few of the conditions that can be potentially treated using spinal decompression therapy: Herniated disc (also called a bulging or ‘slipped’ disc) – Herniation of a disc describes the abnormal condition of a disc, which can be caused by many things including injury, wear and tear, or poor posture. Degenerative disc disease – The discs of the spine should be supple and flexible like a sponge, but an unhealthy disc becomes brittle and hard and susceptible to injury such as herniation and bulging. Over the course of time or due to an injury, discs can become compressed depriving them of vital oxygen and nutrients. Facet Joint Syndrome – The facet joints are the small joints located in between and behind the vertebrae. They are almost constantly in motion and can simply wear down or become degenerated causing the cartilage to disappear and producing bone spurs and osteoarthritis. This condition causes back pain when the spine is moving. Spinal Stenosis – This condition occurs when the space surrounding the spinal cord becomes narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves of the spine and causing pain, but also weakness and/or numbness in the legs. Spinal decompression therapy has been developed as an alternative for those who would like to avoid back surgery, which carries many risks of complications and is not always effective in managing back pain. Just as there are back pain conditions that could potentially be treated with spinal decompression therapy, there are other conditions which are contraindications for spinal decompression, including but not strictly limited to: ” Pregnancy ” Recent injury ” Un-controlled high blood pressure ” Advanced osteoporosis ” Bone cancer in the spine ” Tumor or infection ” Spinal surgery with metal screws or other appliances Despite the fact that it has been cleared by the FDA, many insurance companies still consider spinal decompression therapy to be an experimental procedure and therefore do not cover the costs. For those whose insurance will not cover this course of treatment it can be very costly. People who suffer from chronic back pain often try many different kinds of alternative therapies in order to avoid back surgery. If you are someone who has already experimented with lots of alternative treatments for your chronic back pain, but you’re still suffering, spinal decompression therapy might be the answer to your prayers. www.HealthSourceOfHoustonMemorial.com