Spinal Decompression Wilmington DE: What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is performed by a licensed chiropractor to adjust vertebrae via decompression, and ultimately provide pain relief. It is a popular, non-surgical therapy option that is primarily used to treat people with mild to moderate back pain. When you get spinal decompression therapy, pinched nerves in the spine will be relieved as neural canals are opened, while circulation is increased to the damaged disc(s) leaving it nourished and hydrated.  After the therapy, your spine will have more shock absorption with a reduction of pain and muscle guarding. 

Our Wilmington DE Chiropractor, Dr. Mike Francis, is an expert in spinal decompression using both a Leander and Cox flexion-distraction & decompression tables.  Contact today for a consultation, especially if you have injured your back in a motor vehicle accident or work accident.

Pressure on the surrounding nerve endings is reduced, through the use of decompression therapy without any prescription drugs or surgery. You will feel less pressure in the affected areas and it is safe for any age of person since the compression can be custom tailored to the age of the individual.

What is a Spinal Decompression Table?

A spinal decompression table is used in non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, and there are two different types of spinal decompression tables currently available. The first table consists of a cable and pulley system that creates a pull on the patient's body. The second type of table (used by Dr. Francis) consists of an upper and lower body portion that move independently from one another. The latter type of table is much more effective at preventing muscle guarding and can be tailored to a specific direction based on the patients’ injury, which will help you with the best possible outcome as a chiropractic patient. Muscle guarding can be described as a tense state in which the muscles are held in readied position to act - imagine when a runner is at the starting line and is waiting for the signal to begin the initial take-off sprint. The runner holds the required muscles in a partially contracted state so that they can explode upon take-off and use the muscles as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, a decompression table carefully straps the patient onto it using a harness or leg straps. Soft pillows or other props are often used to ensure comfort, while also keeping the spine in the best possible position for decompression. Once the patient is in proper positioning, part of the table begins to pull apart from one another and the pull creates the decompression. The amount of pull, or poundage, varies on the type of decompression that is trying to be accomplished and also depends on the physicality of the person who is being decompressed.  A cervical decompression protocol can be minimal, around 5 pounds as a baseline, whereas lumbar decompression on a larger patient can be upward to 100 pounds.

Technology, multiple directions, and Doctor-guided tension are several important factors when comparing a spinal decompression table to an inversion table. The highest quality spinal decompression tables allow the Doctor to gauge the patient’s muscles to see what kind of resistance is being put on the stretch. That is why decompression tables are usually so successful for patients - it takes resistance into account which helps relieve pressure in the spine. 

How is Spinal Decompression Therapy Performed?

As we have discussed above, Spinal Decompression Therapy is performed on a moveable and/or motorized table that allows the lower half of the table to move, while the upper half stays fixed. The great thing about it, is that you can be fully clothed while during the process.

You’ll either be secured with a harness around your hips that is connected to the lower part of the table, or your feet will be secured to the lower part of the table.

Once secured onto the table, the chiropractor will operate the table to stretch your body and relieve pressure and pain. 

Is Spinal Decompression Painful?

No, most patients do not experience pain during, or after, decompression therapy and it is great for most age groups.  There may be some mild recovery soreness following the initial therapy.

What Are the Risks of Spinal Decompression?

Since Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment for back and spine pain, it has less risks than more invasive treatments. To avoid risks altogether, the following patients should not use spinal decompression:

• Pregnant women because of abdominal pressure.
• Spinal instability, such as spinal degeneration or severe spinal osteoporosis
• Any screws, metal plates or other hardware located at the injured area
• Severe nerve damage

Who Should Not Have Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression?

During your initial consultation, the chiropractor will ask you questions to figure out if you are a good candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression. Patients with any of these conditions should not have spinal decompression:

• Bone fracture
• Tumor
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Advanced osteoporosis
• Spin implants made out of metal

Chiropractic Adjustment Vs. Decompression Therapy

Chiropractic adjustment involves a controlled force to a joint in the spine, to improve the motion and function of the spine.

Decompression therapy uses a motorized table to stretch and rejuvenate the intervertebral discs of the back.

How Does Spinal Decompression Help Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of lower back and neck pain. The way that spinal decompression can help degenerative disc disease is by bringing nutrients, oxygen, and fluids into the targeted disc(s). This helps revitalize degenerated and herniated discs, without surgery.

How Often Should You Have Spinal Decompression?

Patients typically need at least 12 sessions on the spinal decompression table, but more sessions may be needed depending on the patient’s prognosis. Follow-up treatments are also typically suggested, in order to manage pain and maintain a healthy spine and neck.

Does Spinal Decompression Really Work in Treating Lower Back Pain?

Yes, patients begin to see results in as little as one spinal decompression table session.

What You Can Do To Better Your Spinal Decompression Experience?

We’ve gathered some quick tips so that you can have the best possible experience with your spinal decompression therapy:

• During your initial consultation, provide thorough medical history and also give us feedback during your spinal decompression exam.
• While you are having the spinal decompression done to you, let us know any pain or discomfort you are feeling.
• Relax and enjoy the experience - the less tense you are, the better!