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What Is Decompression Therapy?

Living with chronic pain can be frustrating, as well as exhausting. It can suppress your appetite, make you lose sleep, and even keep you from doing the things you love. When your life revolves around your pain, it’s time to find a solution. If you’re experiencing chronic back or limb pain caused by bulging, herniated, or degenerative discs, it might be time to ask your doctor, “What is decompression therapy?” Many people find this nonsurgical procedure relaxing and look forward to their treatment because of the healing benefits they experience.

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What Is Decompression Therapy?

At Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture, our patients often ask us, “What is decompression therapy?” Spinal decompression therapy is a nonsurgical treatment for low-to-moderate back, neck, and radiating limb pain. It’s recommended and used by chiropractors, osteopaths, and other health professionals to relieve your pain and promote an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerated, or herniated discs.

During therapy, your chiropractor will stretch and relax your spine intermittently in a controlled manner to manipulate its intradiscal pressure. Releasing and manipulating this pressure benefits your back in two ways. First, it promotes the retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material. And second, it causes an influx of healing nutrients and other substances to enter the disc, aiding in the healing process (source).

How Does Decompression Therapy Work?

Sessions usually last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes and are performed in a licensed practitioner’s office. Depending on the severity of your pain, your doctor may recommend as many as 20 to 28 treatments over a span of several weeks.

You are fully clothed during spinal decompression therapy. Your chiropractor will fit you with a harness around your hips and another around your torso, and you will either lie face down or face up on a motorized table. Then, your doctor will stretch and relax your spine as needed via remote control. The length of your session and the intensity of the treatment will depend on your specific needs.

Decompression therapy can be performed by itself to treat pain or in combination with other restorative therapies, like ultrasound therapy and cold laser therapy. It can even be recommended in addition to more extensive treatments, like acupuncture treatment. Ask your doctor or chiropractor for a therapy plan that meets all your needs.

You may feel your back stretching or pulling during therapy. Your spine may even pop as it decompresses. However, the treatment should not cause any sharp pain or unbearable discomfort. If you do feel pain at any point, immediately communicate it to your doctor. Decompression therapy is a safe practice that many of our patients find effective in relieving their chronic pain.

Is Decompression Therapy Right for You?

Ask your doctor whether or not you are a good candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression. Decompression therapy could be a good option for you if you experience low or moderate spinal pain and wish to avoid surgery. It’s often recommended for patients experiencing pain due to one of the following conditions:

  • Back, neck, or radiating limb pain
  • Bulging, herniated, or degenerative discs
  • Sciatica
  • Degenerative/Arthritic spinal joints
  • Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots
Treatment Benefits

With decompression therapy, you may be able to naturally address the root cause of your pain and get your life back on track. By addressing the structure of your spine and its intradiscal pressure, decompression therapy can provide the following benefits:

  • Noninvasive solution to pain
  • Safe alternative to pain relievers
  • Improved circulation
  • Ability to absorb nutrient-rich fluids where it matters most
  • Improved flexibility, mobility, and strength when combined with physical therapy

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Still, you might be wondering, “What is decompression therapy, and how can it work for me?” If you have any questions regarding this treatment, call Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture at 417-887-8075 or schedule an appointment today. Our experienced staff will work with you to find a therapy plan that best meets your needs. We aim to find natural, noninvasive solutions for your pain or discomfort. Let us show you how we’re redefining the standard of health and wellness. We look forward to your call!

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