St. Louis Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy slowly elongates the spine, taking pressure off disc bulges and pinched nerves. The neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine) are the most common areas treated with decompression.

How does spinal decompression work?

Decompression, sometimes called traction, is a type of stretch applied to the spine. However, the stretch lengthens the spine from each end rather than bending forward, backward, side to side, or twisting. When the spine is gently decompressed, it relieves spinal nerve pressure by creating more space between the bones. Intermittent traction (slowly going in and out of the stretch) provides additional benefits of improving blood flow and facilitating a healing response.

Some advocates of spinal decompression claim that it can return bulging discs to their proper position. They describe a suctioning effect that pulls the disc's fluid back towards the center. The repositioning of disc material has not been confirmed through research; however, decompression and traction are still considered highly effective therapies for pain relief and faster healing.

What's the difference between decompression and traction?

Spinal decompression and traction share the goal of opening the space surrounding nerves to relieve nerve pain and promote a healing response. They are also similar in that they have the same direction of stretch.

Spinal decompression and traction are frequently used interchangeably due to their similarities. However, a key difference is that traction typically implies the therapist is applying the stretch manually or with a traction device. Decompression therapy is more appropriately used when the force is measured and provided through computer automation.

Another way to think about it is that traction is more hands-on, and decompression involves a computer-controlled system.

Which is better, spinal decompression therapy vs. traction?

Both therapies are effective solutions for low back pain and neck pain. The most critical consideration is for the stretch to be applied, then backed off intermittently. Intermittent traction involves gradually taking pressure off the spine and reducing the force in cycles. The easing in and out of decompression helps nourish the injured areas.

Proponents of decompression argue its superiority because computer systems intermittently decompress the spine. However, traction therapy can be applied intermittently, with excellent success.

Spinal Decompression Chiropractor in Kirkwood, MO

Chiropractic spinal decompression

Dr. O’Guin and his team of highly trained chiropractors have been using traction and spinal decompression therapy in Kirkwood, MO, for over 15 years. Their method of blending traditional chiropractic care with spinal decompression and physical therapy makes them an excellent choice for receiving care for low back pain, neck pain, disc bulges, and sciatica.

Spinal decompression for a herniated disc

A spinal disc is a spacer between the spine that helps with movement and absorbing shock. Without discs, our spines would be a long block of bone incapable of movement. The inside portion of the disc is a fluid similar to the consistency of honey. The outside layers are collagen, similar to cartilage and ligaments.

Disc bulges, sometimes called disc herniation, are when the inside fluid leaks through the outside wall. Once this happens, there is an inflammatory response that causes pain. The nerve next to the disc also becomes inflamed and swollen. Spinal decompression is used to alleviate pressure from the swollen nerve. The gentle back-and-forth elongation of the spine additionally acts as a pump, flushing inflammation and nourishing the surrounding area.

Spinal decompression for sciatica

Sciatica is the term used for pain in the back of the butt and leg along the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is a disc bulge or disc herniation in the lumbar spine. When a disc herniation irritates the nerves in the low back, it radiates pain along the sciatic nerve pathway.

When sciatica is caused by a pinched nerve in the low back, a spinal decompression session can help with pain and healing. However, there are other causes of sciatica, such as piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is when the piriformis muscle in the butt pinches or irritates the sciatic nerve. Spinal decompression treatment is not a good option for sciatica caused by piriformis syndrome since it does not address the central area of injury.

What is Cox Flexion Distraction?

Cox flexion distraction is another form of traction used to reduce pressure on discs and nourish the spine, especially in the low back (lumbar spine). Flexion-distraction is unique because it can traction (elongate) while also flexing and side bending the spine. Additionally, myofascial release (A type of massage therapy) is commonly used during cox flexion distraction facilitating greater muscle relaxation.

Some conditions, such as spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, get more significant benefits with the multiple stretch options and soft tissue release with the flexion-distraction technique.

How long does spinal decompression last?

The total duration of spinal decompression therapy can vary depending on your condition and the specific treatment plan prescribed by your chiropractor or physical therapist. Typically, twenty minutes is allotted for the traction. However, forty minutes may be recommended if other physical therapy or chiropractic modalities are going to be incorporated.

How often should you do spinal decompression?

The frequency of spinal decompression sessions depends on the specific condition being treated and your response to therapy. A typical trial phase often consists of three sessions per week for two to three weeks. During this time, your chiropractor will monitor symptoms and decide if more sessions will be beneficial. If progressing appropriately, a second phase of care may be recommended for continued success. After the initial course of treatment, some patients might benefit from occasional maintenance sessions, though this varies widely based on individual needs and recommendations from a healthcare provider.

Is spinal decompression safe?

Spinal decompression, a non-surgical therapy aimed at relieving back pain and promoting healing in the spine, is generally considered safe for many patients. It involves using a traction table or similar motorized device to gently stretch the spine, alleviating pressure on compressed discs and nerves. While most patients experience pain relief and improvement in function without side effects, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before undergoing spinal decompression, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions like osteoporosis or spinal tumors. As with any medical treatment, the safety and effectiveness of spinal decompression can vary depending on the individual's specific health situation.

What is the Y Strap?

The Y-axis traction strap is a neck traction device with a cushioned chin strap that comfortably cradles the head. On the opposite end, the Y strap has a handle in which a chiropractor can apply a lengthening stretch. Intermittent traction with the Y strap can treat disc bulges, pinched nerves, neck arthritis, and degenerative disc disease.

Y strap adjustment

Some chiropractors also use the Y strap technique for spine adjustments. More traditional chiropractic adjustments use side bending and rotation to adjust the spine. Y-axis manipulation applies an elongation stretch to the neck using the y-axis traction strap. Y strap adjustments are not better or worse than other chiropractic techniques. It has more to do with patient preference.

Top-rated spinal decompression therapy in St. Louis

We are St. Louis Chiropractors who offer spinal decompression treatment. We also utilize cox flexion-distraction and offer Y strap adjustment. During the first visit, patients receive an evaluation to assess the condition and discuss the best treatment options.

In addition to decompression, our team offers myofascial release, stretching, neurodynamics, chiropractic adjustments, and sports rehab. Each therapy has a unique value for treating chronic pain. However, combining several treatments collectively gives more profound results to your chiropractic care.