What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal Decompression Therapy is a modern, non-surgical traction procedure that effectively treats low back, neck, and radiating leg and arm pain. This type of traction is very successful in relieving pain associated with spinal disc herniation, degenerative spinal discs, and facet joint syndromes. This cutting-edge therapy decompresses spinal discs and facet joints by utilizing traction, distraction, and body positioning.
Studies have shown that the spinal disc injury is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Excessive compression forces from daily activities increases internal spinal disc pressure which can lead to spinal disc protrusion, herniation, and bulging of disc material. The treatment aids in the healing of damaged discs and reverses dystrophic changes in nerve. By significantly reducing internal disc pressure, Spinal Decompression Therapy promotes retraction of the herniation spinal disc material back to a normal physiologic position and promotes the intake of fluids, oxygen, and other substances necessary for healing the spinal disc and surrounding tissues.
What happens during the treatment?
Spinal Decompression Therapy using the Air-Flex is a modern, computerized, updated form of traction. The table uses computer technology to control variations in the unloading (traction pull) of the spine, effectively avoiding the body’s muscle contraction response. Your doctor can control how many progressive tension steps you experience before reaching the maximum tension. After lying on the comfortable table, you will be fitted in a support system. The support system helps to stabilize your body. The advanced computer-controlled system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of pull (distraction), allowing us to target the specific spinal discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a computer controlled logarithmic curve to avoid reflex responses which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows decompression of the spinal disc. While lying down on the table, Air-Flex simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps herniated spinal disc material to move toward its normal position, thus, reducing spinal disc pressure and pain. Patients typically describe the treatment as a gentle, painless, intermittent pulling sensation.
We are excited to announce a new, incredibly useful piece of equipment – the Hill Laboratory Air-Flex Flexion Distraction table for Spinal Decompression Therapy. The Air-Flex is a fully functioning chiropractic table that is also capable of Spinal Decompression Therapy. The table also has the ability to do flexion, extension, axial rotation, and traction. We are very excited to have this new tool in our office.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about Spinal Decompression Therapy, or in scheduling a free phone consultation with one of our doctors.
