Your spinal column does more than hold your body upright and
allow your trunk to flex - it also contains that all-important bundle of nerve
tissue known as the spinal cord. When the spinal cord or any of its major
branches experiences compression, the results can include both serious
discomfort and loss of physical function.
Before you turn to major surgery to relieve a case of spinal
nerve compression, you should know that nonsurgical techniques from a skilled
chiropractor might resolve your pain and other issues easily and noninvasively
through spinal decompression therapy. Check out the following frequently asked
questions about this approach.
How Does Spinal Nerve Compression Affect the Body?
The spinal cord runs through the interior space of the
spinal column, with other structures such as bones, joints, and vertebral discs
nestled close by. This proximity leaves little room for alignment shifts or
other changes in the spinal structure. Even a small alteration can bring these
structures into contact with the sensitive nerves.
In one common example, bulging or herniated discs expand
outward from the spinal column and press against the major nerve roots that
lead to the limbs. This nerve compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling,
or muscle problems in either an arm (in the case of cervical radiculopathy) or
a leg (as in sciatica).
A variety of other spinal problems can also pinch your
spinal nerve tissue. Examples include spinal stenosis (in which the space
around the spinal cord narrows), spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis, and
complications from a failed back surgery.
How Do Chiropractors Relieve Compression in the Spinal
Column?
Chiropractors relieve spinal nerve compression by stretching
or manipulating the spine slightly. In one method known as flexion-distraction
therapy, you lie on a segmented table. As the chiropractor drops one or more
table segments, gravity brings misaligned structures such as herniated discs
back into their proper positions.
Another form of spinal decompression therapy relies on a
state-of-the-art motorized table, typically controlled by a computer to ensure
precise degrees of flexion-distraction force. As you lie harnessed to the
table, the table applies just enough force to create negative pressure between
vertebrae, pulling discs away from nerves.
Not all kinds of spinal problems lend themselves to both
kinds of treatment. For instance, if you suffer from spondylolisthesis or
spinal stenosis, your chiropractor might recommend flexion-distraction therapy
but not computerized spinal decompression. More serious problems might end up
requiring surgery.
Why Choose Spinal Decompression Therapy Over Surgical
Spinal Decompression?
Surgical spinal decompression typically involves the removal
of damaged disks (or the pieces of those disks that press against nerves) along
with the installation of synthetic spacers and/or metal hardware to stabilize
the spine. Major spinal surgery can permanently reduce spinal mobility and
require months of recovery time.
Doctors commonly advise their patients to pursue
conservative care options before resorting to major surgery. Spinal
decompression therapy offers a non-surgical alternative that accomplishes the
same basic purpose for cases that don't actually call for structural repairs to
the spine, with no need for recuperation afterward.
What Can You Expect From Spinal Decompression Therapy
Sessions?
You'll most likely need a series of spinal decompression
therapy sessions to enjoy complete, lasting results. However, whether your
chiropractor administers computer-controlled spinal decompression or
flexiondistraction therapy, you can rest assured that the sessions will prove both
easy and comfortable.
You can expect a spinal decompression therapy session to
last up
to 45 minutes, with your chiropractor scheduling multiple sessions over a
period of five to seven weeks. During this period, you may also receive other
non-surgical supportive treatments such as ultrasound, electric stimulation,
ice therapy, or heat therapy.
If vertebral compression issues have literally placed your
nerves in a pinch, contact
Corner Chiropractic Center today. We can analyze your particular condition and
let you know whether you can benefit from a course of non-surgical spinal
decompression therapy.
