Spinal Decompression Therapy FAQ

What is spinal decompression therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, therapeutic approach approved by the FDA to relieve back pain and other problems associated with spinal disc injuries. Bulging discs, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, sciatica, and arm pain or leg pain can often be attributed to your spine asserting pressure on your discs. Poor posture, repetitive stress, bad body mechanics or acute injury can cause your vertebrae to compress your discs leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.



How is this therapy performed?

Mechanical spinal traction is the use of mechanical devices that exert a pulling force through a rope and various halters and straps. The traction force results in a gentle separation and gliding apart of neck or low back spinal joints.



What is the purpose of decompression/traction therapy?

The main purpose of traction is to reduce symptoms of neck or low back spinal compression. This is accomplished by allowing increased space for spinal nerves, stretching muscle tissue, decreasing sensitivity and muscle guarding, decreasing intradiscal pressure and increasing blood supply to the disc. Decreasing the pressure of the disc may help retract the disc bulges. Mechanical spinal traction may be appropriate as part of a treatment plan for spinal nerve impingement (also known as “pinched nerve”) due to the following problems: Degenerative Disc Diseases (bulging, herniation, protrusion) Spinal Stenosis
Generalized Hypomobility (tightness and lack of normal spinal motion)
Muscle Spasm



Who can benefit from this therapy?

Anyone who has back, or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc. Also, if you are experiencing numbness, tingling and/or pain in your upper or lower extremities. Keystone Chiropractic utilizes the Triton DTS system to provide relief associated with herniated or bulging discs. Call (503) 908-1001 today to see if this treatment is right for you.