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.
Generalized Hypomobility (tightness and lack of normal spinal motion)
Muscle Spasm
Who can benefit from this therapy?