The 5 Common Misconceptions About Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression, often mentioned to as traction, is a non-surgical therapy designed to alleviate back pain and discomfort associated with various spinal conditions. Despite its growing popularity as a treatment option, there are several misconceptions surrounding your spine. So today, we aim to answer all these misconceptions and clarify what decompression of spine involves, who can benefit from it, and how it can bring change in your back pain relief.

Misconception- Spinal Decompression is Painful
It’s Only for Severe Cases
Results Are Temporary
Anyone Can Undergo Spinal Decompression
Surgery is the Only Option for Severe Back Pain
Who Can Benefit From Spinal Decompression?

What Is Spinal Traction/Decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal discs. This technique focuses on applying negative pressure to the discs to promote pulling or repositioning herniated or bulging discs. Decompression of spine can relieve pain and support the body’s self-healing process by reducing pressure on spinal nerves.

How And What Happens During Traction?

During a the decompression session, the patient is secured to a specialized table. The table is attached with a computerized system that balances the amount of traction applied to your spine. By this traction, your spinal discs are decompressed, allowing oxygen, nutrients, and fluids to flow back into the affected areas.

Common Misconceptions About Spinal Decompression

1. Spinal Traction/Decompression is Painful

Reality: decompression of spine is a gentle and balanced process of reducing pain and discomfort. Sometimes, patients might feel a stretching sensation during their therapy session, But the process is not painful. Because the ultimate goal is to make your pain vanish.

2. It's Only for Severe Cases

Reality: The truth is spinal traction is beneficial for multiple conditions, but it’s not limited to extreme or emergency cases. Various cases, such as chronic lower back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, and bulging discs, are also treated with the help of decompression of your spinal.

3. Results Are Temporary

Reality: When processed correctly, the results of spinal decompression therapy can be very effective. This therapeutic approach is specifically designed to get to the root of your pain and provide healing within the affected area. At Creekwood Physiotherapy, we have seen and treated patients with worse spinal pain. Later, they explained their journey and told us how they not only felt relieved but also experienced a sustained sense of well-being.

4. Anyone Can Undergo Spinal Decompression

Reality: While spinal traction/decompression is suitable for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals with certain fractures, and those with advanced osteoporosis may not need spinal therapy. This is why consulting a qualified healthcare or a professional therapist is necessary.

5. Surgery is the Only Option for Severe Back Pain

Reality: Spinal traction provides a non-surgical option for individuals experiencing severe back pain. It is often recommended before going for a surgical option. Many patients find relief through spinal traction/decompression without undergoing invasive procedures.

Who Can Benefit From Spinal Decompression?

Herniated or Bulging Discs:- People with herniated or bulging discs often feel the pinch on their spinal nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Luckily, decompression therapy steps here to help, easing this pressure and helping the disc material retract, giving much-needed relief.

Chronic Lower Back Pain:- If you’re stuck in the never-ending chronic lower back pain, spinal therapy could be your plot twist. It tackles the root causes behind the pain without any invasive moves, offering a valuable option for those wanting a non-surgical escape.

Sciatica Sufferers:- Sciatica can be a real pain in the… well, the sciatic nerve. Enter decompression therapy for your spine – it’s like a gentle and smooth massage for your nerves. Taking off the pressure often brings relief to the radiating pain that comes from sciatica.

Degenerative Disc Disease:- For those battling with degenerative disc disease, where your spinal discs decide to age faster than you do. Here, spinal traction aims to pump the brakes on the degeneration process and ease the pain that comes with it.

Those Seeking Non-Surgical Options:- If the thought of surgery makes you break into a cold sweat, Don’t worry. Creekwood Physiotherapy’s traction therapy is here for you, offering a non-surgical escape route. It is a safer and more relaxed journey for those looking to sidestep the risks and downtime of surgery.

Conclusion

Spinal traction/decompression, often clouded by misconceptions, is a valuable and effective therapy for those seeking relief from back pain. It offers a non-surgical approach to address a range of spinal conditions, allowing patients to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.