First thing first, what exactly is Spinal Decompression? If you are not sure about this term, we will tell you what it means.
Spinal Decompression is a treatment for pain emerging from bulging, degenerated, and other disc-related issues. This pain mainly occurs as a result of nerve-pinching due to spinal compression. The spinal decompression process involves stretching the spine with computer-aided technology. It can either be surgical or non-surgical and many clinics, such as Neuragenex New Lenox, IL, offer treatments. Your doctor would recommend which one to choose.
If left untreated, other issues can occur, such as paralysis and problems with the bladder. In short, you should not ignore the pain in your lower back or neck area.
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The Procedure of Spinal Decompression
The procedure is relative to what technique you fancy. In this section, we will talk about the process of non-surgical Spinal Decompression. It is also known as Spinal Decompression Therapy.
As stated earlier, this process is computer-aided. The physiotherapist would ask you to lie on the computer-controlled table, either facing upwards or downwards. Then a pair of straps are tightened around your pelvis and upper trunk. These straps are attached to a computer through which doctors do the remaining work.
If you experience an increase in pain around your arm or neck area, tell your doctor. The doctor might choose to discontinue the treatment in that case.
The process generally takes around 30 minutes; You may need multiple sessions based on the results.
Surgical v/s Non-Surgical Treatment
Surgical Spinal Decompression would be the last thing for treating your back pain. It consists of various procedures such as Corpectomy, Diskectomy, and others.
Diskectomy
Diskectomy is the process of removing a portion of the herniated disk. Diskectomy is a surgical process.
Corpectomy
Corpectomy is a little similar process, but it involves removing part of the vertebra and the disks.
Remember, surgical treatments are relatively expensive and carry more risk. Therefore, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is comparatively safer. In surgical treatment, you would have to live in the hospital for 4-5 days under the supervision of medical staff. It will take around 4-6 weeks before you can get back the proper functionality and mobility. Remember, the numbers provided are just an estimate.
One rare after-effect of this surgical procedure is that you might experience difficulty urinating after the operation. This condition is rare and temporary. In some cases, there can be nerve damage that will affect the function of the bladder or legs. You should promptly report your doctor in such a case.
Once you are at home, it is necessary to increase your activities gradually until your recovery.
For Whom This Treatment is Not Recommended?
Not every treatment is for everyone. Likewise, this treatment is not for everyone. Your doctor would advise you better. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is not a good choice, if:
- You have a rod in your back
- Lady is pregnant
- You have tumor
- You have fracture
- There is a disc infection
- Few other reasons your doctor would tell
Is Spinal Decompression Safe?
Spinal Decompression is a safe treatment in many cases; Spinal Decompression therapy is FDA-approved. But no treatment is risk-free. This therapy carries its own risk which includes, infection, blood clots, bleeding, etc. There is also a risk of nerve or tissue damage and allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Please bear in mind that you may not experience relief in pain in some cases.
Things to Consider Beforehand
As stated earlier, Spinal Decompression Therapy is generally safe. It is important to tell your doctor about your medical condition and history. If you do not follow this protocol, you will have to endure the loss incurred.
There are some risks involved in this treatment which we have discussed already.
If you have to go through a surgical procedure, know that your body will need stitches. These stitches can be dissolvable which will dissolve five days after your operation.
Chiropractor Care
If you have always preferred a more natural approach to heal, seeing a chiropractor in NYC could be the best move for you. This soothing therapy is a long-term remedy for your troubles. It includes activities that will help you manage your discomfort while simultaneously improving your flexibility. Your chiropractor can guide you through muscle-strengthening exercises that will aid in the prevention of future injuries and diseases. You can also try the encouragement of self-healing, which strengthens your immune system. It can only support your treatment as a whole.
Post Therapy Position
For a week or two, you may experience achy soreness before your body gets used to it. As with any other case, you adapt with time so does your body. It might take you more than this before you can get proper mobility of your back parts.
Another possible outcome can be an increase in pain, which you should immediately report to your doctor.
Studies related to Spinal Decompression
There have been numerous studies on Spinal Decompression Therapy.
In a study conducted in 1998, this treatment was effective in 71% of cases. In another study, it was revealed that it took around 8 weeks to get rid of pain after the therapy.
Spinal Decompression can be slightly too severe of a disease to deal with if not taken care of properly. However, once you know the symptoms, starting with its treatment is the better option. Using hot or cold compresses to ease pain, reduce swelling, and relax sore joints can help briefly. So instead, go for a walk the next time you are feeling a touch too fatigued. It will honestly make a big difference!
Conclusion
Spinal Decompression Therapy is a quick and effective way of getting rid of back pain. It has two variants: Surgical and Non-Surgical.
Non-surgical therapy is a computer-controlled procedure. Your doctor would diagnose you and advise you on which treatment to take. The recovery time of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is way less than a surgical one.
Also, no treatment can be risk-free same is the case with this treatment. And you need to be aware of the scenarios where this treatment is not applicable.
This treatment is FDA-approved if that matters.
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