Back pain, and more specifically lower back pain, is one of the most common ailments of human existence. If you have suffered with lasting and chronic back pain, you are fully aware of just how debilitating the pain can be. Even moderate cases of back pain can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Spinal decompression therapy in Sandy, UT (either surgical or non-surgical) is sometimes the only course of relief for many people, who suffer from chronic back pain. Here are some facts to help you decide, if spinal decompression therapy is the right thing for you.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Surgical spinal decompression therapy is usually reserved as a last resort and is an option for treatment in specific situations. When other treatments are exhausted, a doctor may recommend surgical spinal decompression therapy for bony growths, ruptured or bulging disks, or other spinal issues. The surgery would be used in an effort to relieve symptoms related to pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. Common symptoms include:
- Spinal Weakness
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy in Sandy, UT is a treatment that gently stretches the spine through the use of motorized traction. The treatment helps remove pressure from spinal disks and changes the position of the spine. Spinal disks are the gel-like cushions in between the bones of the spine.
Through continued use of decompression therapy herniated or bulging disks begin to retract. When the disks retract, it relieves pressure on the nerves and other parts of the spine. Also, when the disks retract, it allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to flow into the disks, which aids in healing.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is used to treat the following spinal ailments.
- Weakness, tingling, or pain shooting down the legs (known as sciatica)
- Degenerative disk disease
- Herniated or bulging disks
- Posterior facet syndrome (worn spinal joints)
- Radiculopathy, which is diseased or injured spinal nerve roots
The Details of the Procedure
During the procedure, the patient is fitted with a harness around the trunk of the body and another around the pelvis. Depending on the need, the patient will either lie face down or face up on a table controlled and monitored by a computer. The physician is able to customize the therapy to fit the patient’s needs, when operating the table through the computer.
The average therapy session lasts anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The average number of treatment sessions is between 20 and 28 treatments spread over 4 to 7 weeks. It is not uncommon for other treatments, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat therapy, or cold therapy to be associated with decompression therapy.
Check With Your Doctor to See if Spinal Decompression Therapy in Sandy, UT is Right For You
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for decompression therapy, so consult with your physician. Normally, women, who are pregnant, are not good candidates. Patients with the following ailments are also not good candidates for decompression therapy:
- Fracture
- Tumor
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Metal implants in the spine
The majority of human beings suffer from (or will eventually suffer from) back pain. Sometimes this pain can be chronic and debilitating. For many people non-surgical spinal decompression therapy in Sandy, UT is exactly the cure they need for what ails them.
Ken Andersen is the owner of Andersen Chiropractic, LLC in Sandy, UT. He and his staff work tirelessly to provide top notch care in a friendly and comfortable environment. For more information on Spinal Decompression Therapy and the other services provided, please visit http://drkenandersen.com/services/