Spinal Decompression Therapy...

Degenerative disc disease is also a common condition treated with decompression therapy. Loss of disc height can be made worse by spinal compression, causing the vertebral bodies to move closer together. This can cause nerve compression and other forms of common back pain. Decompression eliminates the overwhelming pressure on degenerated discs reducing or eliminating painful symptoms.

Facet joint syndrome is yet another condition treated with spinal decompression. Of all the conditions, this one shows the least promising results for permanent pain relief. Conceptually, facet syndrome causes pain due to arthritic changes in the vertebral bones. Decompression helps to create more space between the vertebrae, hopefully reducing painful symptoms.

Forget about old fashioned attempts at decompression therapy. Pulley and weight traction systems have never been proven to do anything, except injure patients in rare circumstances.

Inversion therapy is somewhat beneficial, but is limited because it is not specific and can be awkward to get yourself setup on the inversion table. The modern versions of decompression therapy are 3D Active Trac, Vax-D and the DRX 9000. Another addition to the decompression industry is the Lordex system.

Decompression treatments are an excellent treatment option to avoid surgery and get relief from acute and chronic back pain. Spinal surgery often has poor results for pain relief and has many risks and complications. It is always better to avoid surgery if at all possible. If surgery is necessary, Dr. Augustine will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

If you have tried several unsuccessful treatments for your back pain, consider decompression treatments as a final option before back surgery or other invasive procedures.

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