Health & Medicine
2007-02-01 16:23:00
Treatment for neck and back pain
QUESTION: What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
ANSWER: Chiropractors have been treating back and neck conditions for over 100 years. By improving the mechanical abilities of the spine regarding alignment and mobility, millions of people have had their lives improved. Now there is a new technology available that has made it possible to treat very difficult spinal conditions that in the past would not have been able to be treated effectively with standard chiropractic care. This new treatment is called Spinal Decompression Therapy. Recent studies have shown it to be a very effective treatment for patients that in the past would have had to consider surgery or injections for their condition. Below are some common questions that I am asked regarding this treatment.
QUESTION: How does spinal decompression therapy work?
ANSWER: Decompression is defined as a reduction in pressure. Decompression therapy is a non-surgical procedure that effectively treats disabling low back, neck, and radiating leg and arm pain.
It effectively relieves pain associated with disc herniation, degenerative discs, and posterior facet syndromes by allowing decompression of spinal discs and facet joints. Decompression therapy causes an unloading of pressure in the spinal joints by creating distraction and proper positioning. Decompression Therapy effectively enhances the healing process and renders quick, effective, and amazing pain relief that enables most patients to return to a more active lifestyle.
QUESTION: Why is spinal decompression therapy effective?
ANSWER: To understand why Decompression Therapy works, you must first understand the mechanics of the spinal joint. Each joint is composed of three weight bearing structures that allow movements to occur. For simplicity, I will discuss the main bearing structure of the joint, which is the intervertebral disc. The disc is the cartilage pad between each vertebrae. Each disc attaches to the vertebra above and below it. This provides the proper spacing for the nerve roots that pass around the disc as they exit the spine from between each joint.
Each spinal disc has a jelly-like center to it. It is often referred to as a "ball bearing" core that is held in position by rings of cartilage tissue. Healthy discs give you flexibility, allowing normal turning, and bending movements, and stress absorption. These movements produce a pumping action that supplies proper disc nutrition and waste removal to the tissue.
Discs can become damaged from trauma, such as lifting or falling. However, another cause of disc changes is spinal misalignments that can cause the tissue to change shape. As a result of disc deformation and loss of normal mobility, the cartilage fibers in the disc begin to weaken. This is the earliest stage of disc damage. In this stage of the process most patients have no symptoms and are unaware that such changes are occurring.
As the disc tissue continues to stiffen and weaken it begins to develop small fissures and tears that over time will allow the fluid center of the disc to rupture outward. Like a blister, disc tissue can bulge. As the soft nucleus of the disc is compressed, it pushes outward where the disc wall is weakest. If this process of distortion continues outward it can eventually begin to produce symptoms of pain in the back or neck. If the disc protrudes far enough out, it can also compress the nerve root causing radiating pain such as sciatica. Muscles are also affected as they tighten to protect and splint the problematic joint. With its cushioning and separating functions gone, movement is painful and surgical intervention was often required with this type of condition in the past. Decompression Therapy is now able to treat this condition without drugs or surgery. Decompression therapy reduces the pressure inside the spinal joints which creates stress and begins the process of the joint weakening. The bulging that is present is essentially pulled back towards the inside of the disc and away from the nerve by creating a “vacuum effect”. This effect is created by the reduction of pressure that occurs when the disc is distracted. Restoring proper pressure inside the disc also allows for proper circulation to the damaged tissues so they can heal and repair more effectively. As the resiliency and strength of the disc is improved it eventually becomes a more stable joint that is better able to absorb the stresses that will be exerted on it every day. Often times when the pain initially begins, patients will say "I didn't do anything." or "I just bent over to tie my shoes". This is often confusing. Once you understand the mechanics of the condition, you better understand that the pain one is suffering from today is the result of problems that started years before.
QUESTION: What is the difference between Decompression and Traction?
ANSWER: Different types of traction have been used for years in the treatment of back conditions. Spinal Decompression Therapy takes the benefits of older traction technology and makes it much more effective. Older traction technology was limited in its benefits because of the body’s own guarding reflexes. When you stretch the spine there is a normal reflex which causes our muscles to tighten and guard against such movement. In fact, in some cases that guarding reflex would actually increase the pressure inside the joints, giving the opposite effect to an already damaged joint. Spinal Decompression Therapy uses a computer program which controls the amount of distraction that is being applied to bypass that guarding reflex. The 3D ActiveTrac table is unique in that it allows the doctor to move the components of the table to accommodate proper positioning to focus the distraction on specific parts of the involved joint. This table is one of the few tables that can perform this function. Not all decompression tables are the same.
QUESTION: Is it right for you?
ANSWER: Decompression Therapy is an effective treatment for patients suffering from herniated or degenerated discs as well as posterior facet syndromes, which respond well to the distraction. A proper examination and case history will determine if a patient is a candidate for treatment. In some cases MRI and X-ray exams may be needed to better assess the condition. Certain conditions such as fractures, severe osteoporosis, and tumors are not candidates for this treatment. Fortunately, the majority of spinal problems are mechanical in nature, and so most post patients suffering from back and neck problems will be able to benefit from this treatment. Once it is determined that the condition is mechanical, you understand that it is necessary to treat the condition mechanically. Chiropractors specialize in the treatment of mechanical spinal conditions.
QUESTION: How often do I have to use this therapy?
ANSWER: On average, patients will go through a regimen of 10-15, twenty minute treatments to receive the full benefits of Decompression Therapy. Many patients notice an improvement following the initial few treatments. The extent and severity of each individual's symptoms will determine the amount of sessions that will be necessary. Following each session, electrical muscle stimulation is applied to help relax the muscles and ligaments and aid in the reduction of inflammation. After treatment, your doctor may prescribe specific exercises designed to help regain control and strengthen the co-contractor muscles, which are responsible for stabilization.
