Those who are suffering from back pain along with other health issues that come with that understand how incapacitating it can really be in one’s life. At some point, it will even make you think about nothing else but the pain and trying anything that would give you some form of relief. That’s where spinal decompression therapy comes into the picture! If you’re wondering if it works and if you should give it a go as well, dig in and learn more about it.
People Who Can Benefit From Spinal Decompression Therapy
We all know by now that back pain is caused by a lot of different conditions. But in this case, if your back pain is due to sciatica (leg pain), or neck pain caused by a herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerated disc then this treatment would be highly recommended for you.
However, those people who has osteoporosis or osteopenia, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, spinal infection, spinal tumor, ankylosing spondylitis, any condition that may compromise the integrity of the spine, any condition requiring the patient to take blood thinner medication may not be good candidates for this therapy.
Aside from that, the following patients may not find this treatment suitable for the too:
· Pregnant women
· Patients with broken vertebrae
· Patients who have had spinal fusion
· Patients who have an artificial disc, or other implants, in their spine
· Patients with failed back surgery
· Anyone who has had multiple surgeries without recovery (pain improvement)
This is because this therapy is done by gently stretching the spine to relieve back pain. As you can imagine, this procedure can change the force and position of the spine which then takes pressure off the spinal disks. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
This is why it’s not good for the mentioned patients above. Because instead of giving relief, this therapy that stretches the spine may aggravate their conditions even more.
How Non Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Done
First off, it’s not like a massage that needs direct contact with skin. You’ll be fully clothed during the therapy. Then the doctor will fit you with a harness around your pelvis and trunk. Next, you will be asked to either lie face down or face up on a computer-controlled table that the doctor operates to customize the most suitable treatment for your condition.
You can expect 20 to 28 sessions of therapy over five to seven weeks which will take around 30 to 45 minutes every time. Aside from that, you’ll be receiving other treatments along with spinal decompression therapy. They may happen before or after your therapy depending on the recommendation of your doctor based on your specific condition. The treatments may be:
· Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract)
· Ultrasound (the use of sound waves to generate heat and promote healing)
· Heat or cold therapy
Your doctor may also suggest other self-care methods to make sure you don’t just get the most out of your treatment but to also improve your health while undergoing therapy.
Drink Half Gallon Of Water Everyday
It allows your organs to function properly and keep the disc between the vertebrae of your spine pliable and healthy. You need to keep yourself hydrated not only because it helps you from feeling overheated but also because drinking water helps regain energy and because your body needs liquid to avoid your muscles from drying out which can affect your muscle growth.
Rest
You should know that treatments work best when your body and mind gets necessary rest. Sleep and rest allows our body to recover from all the work your muscles, bones, and joints have been put through during the day. So, overworking means taking that opportunity away from your body, this will only result in inflamed, weakened disc and progressing pain.
Utilize Nutritional Supplements
Now, we all know that no matter how healthy you eat and it can be difficult to get all the nutrients that you need even if you do a specific diet for your condition. Therefore you need to consume supplements to heal your condition. You need the ones that contain the amino acids glutamine, glycine, proline, as well as arginine. Supplements like omega-3 fish oil supplement, MSM supplement, glucosamine, chondroitin, and anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric (curcumin), help heal and repair damaged tissues.
Do Strength And Mobility Home Exercises
Being in pain and having a condition that makes you feel pain every time you move is frustrating. However, it’s crucial that you maintain at least light to moderate daily physical activity even in such conditions. This is because; not doing so will only further deteriorate your condition. Staying active actually helps maintain flexibility, strengthen and protect your back, and keep you on your feet more often.
Moreover, you may want to consider changing some of your lifestyle habits too. Whether it’s your diet, your daily routine, or things that you do for fun, consider changing or adjusting them according to your current health situation. This may not only speed up your recuperation period but also improve your overall health in order to avoid the same issue from recurring in the future. For back and neck pain sufferers, quitting smoking and/or losing weight should be at the top of your list.