Most people will experience some sort of back pain at some time in their lives. Chronic back pain can be extremely debilitating while affecting a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Back pain can restrict mobility, affecting quality of life.
There are several types of back pain. Some people experience muscle aches, while many others report a burning, stabbing or shooting sensation. In some cases, back pain may radiate down the leg or worsen with twisting, bending, lifting, walking or standing.
In these situations, you should seek out a chiropractor for lower back pain in Santa Rosa who can help alleviate these symptoms.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Many people use spinal decompression therapy to help manage their back pain. This process involves stretching the spine using a traction table or similar motorized device to take the pressure off the vertebrae.
When the pressure is released, herniated, or bulging disks can retract. This reduces pressure on the nerves in the back. In turn, this helps promote the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids so they can get to the disks and heal them.
Chiropractors use spinal decompression therapy to treat a number of health problems including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, worn spinal joints, bulging or herniated disks, and damaged spinal nerve roots.
Spinal decompression may not be right for you if you are pregnant, have a tumor, fracture, advanced osteoporosis, or metal implants in your spine.
Spinal decompression is also not advisable if you are on blood thinners or have metastatic cancer that has spread to the bones. Your doctor will ask you several questions and evaluate your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for spinal decompression.
Many chiropractors use spinal decompression in conjunction with other treatment procedures.
Spinal Decompression is Safe
When performed by a trained chiropractor for lower back pain in Santa Rosa, spinal decompression therapy is safe and effective. It is non-invasive and drug-free and the majority of people do not experience any major side effects. Many experts consider spinal decompression a safer and better alternative to spinal surgery and other invasive procedures.
How is Spinal Decompression Done?
The patient is provided with two harnesses. They are required to wear one harness around their pelvis and the second harness around their trunk. The patient is asked to either lie face down or face up on a computer-controlled table.
The chiropractor uses the computer to customize treatment to the specific needs of the patient. A typical treatment session lasts 30-45 minutes. Many patients require 20-28 treatments over five to seven weeks.
Before or after therapy, a patient may require other types of treatment including heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.
Spinal Decompression is Effective
In some cases, spinal decompression therapy can eliminate the need for surgical intervention. Research has shown that spinal decompression can help relieve back pain, improving patients’ quality of life.
According to a recent study, around 86% of the participants experienced an immediate improvement in their symptoms, 84% remained pain-free for 90 days after treatment, and 92% showed improvement.
Benefits of Spinal Decompression
Here are some notable benefits of spinal decompression therapy:
- Helps alleviate back pain
- Improves range of motion and flexibility
- Can prevent surgery and future injuries
- Increases blood flow and facilitates the movement of nutrients to the spine
- Reduces the pressure on the intervertebral disk
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
How long it will take to see results will primarily depend on your condition. Some patients experience pain relief after the first few sessions while others may start seeing results after 4-6 weeks.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
The ideal candidate for spinal decompression is someone who:
- Is at least 18 years of age
- Has been grappling with back pain for more than three weeks
- Has been diagnosed with a herniated, bulging, or degenerated disk
- Has recurring pain from a failed back surgery performed six months ago
There Are No Serious Side Effects of Spinal Decompression
The vast majority of people do not experience any serious side effects after treatment. Since spinal decompression therapy stretches muscles, many patients experience a dull, achy soreness for the first week or two. As the body becomes accustomed to being stretched and decompressed, these symptoms usually subside.
If you experience pain or discomfort during a treatment session, your chiropractor will stop immediately to prevent potential injuries and complications.
Spinal Decompression Can Be Used for Patients Who Have Had Surgery
Spinal decompression is often used to treat pain after a surgery. Many patients with a failed back surgery use spinal decompression to manage their symptoms. After a failed microdiscectomy or laminectomy, a patient’s body may still respond favorably to spinal decompression.
Toth Chiropractic is committed to helping people grappling with debilitating back pain break free from the shackles of pain. Dr. Toth is one of the most reputable chiropractors for lower back pain in Santa Rosa. He offers a healing touch to people struggling with chronic back pain. To learn more about him, call our office at (707) 526-1390.