What Is Spinal Decompression?

Chiropractic care encompasses an ever-evolving landscape of new treatments, discoveries and methodologies. Among the recent advances of chiropractic care is spinal decompression therapy. What is spinal decompression, you ask? Today, we’re exploring this new chiropractic treatment and its potential benefits for spinal health and recovery.

What is Spinal Decompression’s Main Goal?

While it bears a somewhat intimidating name, spinal decompression is nevertheless exactly what it sounds like: a non-surgical spinal distraction therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine and create negative pressure within the discs. Despite the term “distraction therapy”, spinal decompression doesn’t involve trying to keep your spine from doing its job; on the contrary, it helps your spine work better. 

Spinal decompression works thanks to a harness-like structure which is worn over the clothes and adjusted to fit the specific needs of the patient. Lying on a specialized table, the patient receives treatment thanks to the chiropractor controlling the harness and table’s position over a period of 30-40 minutes. Unlike surgical spinal decompression, receiving this treatment is completely non-invasive and may help patients living with back pain, without the risks that accompany surgery.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

Spinal decompression essentially relieves pressure on your spine. In more technical terms, the vacuum created by the procedure can literally pull painful, protruding disc material – or, the gel-like substance between the bones – back into the spine. This is due to negative pressure, or suction, which occurs when pressure is removed from the spine. 

Spinal decompression may also help with issues such as injuries, back pain, and even sciatica pain. The vacuum created within the spinal disc also accelerates blood flow, which can in turn accelerate healing in the spine. This may make it a particularly effective solution for injury healing, and has even caused it to be referred to as “spinal rejuvenation therapy”.

How Do I Know If Spinal Decompression is Right For Me?

There is no definite way to know whether spinal decompression treatment is right for you without a chiropractor’s opinion. If you are recovering from a back injury or suffering from back pain, booking a free consultation with a chiropractor is a good first step to take. Your chiropractor will advise on what kinds of treatment could help, as well as how frequently you can schedule your visits.

Contact Dr. Lanoue and his team of Mississauga chiropractors to schedule your free consultation!

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