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Chiropractic and
Spinal Decompression
Experiencing lower back pain (LBP) is an
extremely common occurrence and accounts for much lost time from work and
family obligation. There is nothing worse than doing a simple action only to
feel that sharp piercing pain in your lower back that forces you to stop your
life for a moment. Science now
understands that this pain is likely caused by spinal compression. While most LBP does resolve
itself within 1-2 weeks[1],
the odds are high that patients will have another episode of LBP in the future.
LBP can be treated successfully with chiropractic and spinal
decompression.
For years, the most common treatment
options for lower back injuries have been yoga, abdominal exercises, heat
therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, topical analgesics and prescription
muscle relaxants[2]. Sometimes doctors will
provide a shot of cortisone. Only in rare circumstances will legitimate doctors
recommend surgery. Surgery is risky and its results are not consistently
useful, although surgical techniques are getting better.
What is known for a fact is that most LBP
is caused by compression
of discs in the lumbar region of the back. Further, LBP can also be
accompanied by sciatic nerve pain in the lower back area and legs. Discs in the
spine, usually L4-L5 are compressed or “herniated”. This constant pressure is
the source of pain. Often, an episode of LBP resolves itself as the spine is
able to release a minute amount of pressure on its own. The problem is that
this release of pressure is not enough to fully solve the problem of LBP. This
is why most people have another bout of back pain again and again.
Traction:
When you have a herniated disc, it means
that at least two discs are painfully pressed together. The “obvious” treatment is to pull the discs
back to where they are supposed to be so that there is the right amount of
space or “separation” between the discs. This process is called “traction”. It
is a non-surgical option that has been around for decades. What is called
“spinal traction” refers to the separation of the discs, bones and joints in
the spinal area. The idea is that doing this will relieve pain and restore
function. Although this treatment is not
proven to be based on a one to one relationship between disc compression and pain, the literature
shows that most patients experience dramatic relief from lumbar pain and regain
function and range of motion.[1][2]
Spinal decompression
traction devices come in many forms from at home “hanging upside down” to the
new and elaborate DRX-9000 Systems. When
decompression is
provided by a health care professional, the patient will be asked to lie on
their back or stomach, depending on the machine used. Treatment sessions range
from about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the patient. The average amount of
force administered is about 45 kg.[3]
Today, most chiropractors or back doctors
will use a traction device that is regulated by a computer so that the amount
of traction force is documented and regulated accurately. The computer will
determine what angle the force is coming from and keep track of the amount of
time the force is administered. Most patients undergo spinal decompression
treatment for several sessions spanning weeks or even months. After each
treatment, time is allowed for the body to adapt and heal itself.
The bottom line is that
should the usual treatments of exercise and topic therapies fail, spinal
decompression has become accurate and reliable enough to be your next treatment
option. For now, spinal
decompression allows for most people to avoid back
surgery.
Useful links
[3]
http://www.udel.edu/PT/PT%20Clinical%20Services/journalclub/caserounds/06_07/oct06/pellecchialumbartractionrevoflit.pd
http://www.skylinechiro.com
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