What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal cord is through which nerve impulses from the brain travels towards other body parts to signal movement and contractions. It is protected by the vertebral column which is consists of several irregularly shaped bones called vertebrae. Intervertebral discs are located between the vertebra which serves as the shock absorbent system of the spine. These discs are made up of fibrous cartilages that cushions and protects the spinal cord and accounts for vertebral motion like flexion and extension.

One common injury to the spinal cord is known as spinal cord compression. It is particularly due to lesions both outside and inside the spinal cord. Trauma like vertebral dislocation, vertebral crush fracture, herniated disc and metastatic tumor can result to spinal cord compression. It is manifested by paresis or weakness of the extremities, bowel or bladder dysfunction, complicated plantar response, hematoma or bruises, overactive reflexes, local back pain and sensory deficits or sensory loss. It can be diagnosed with the use of magnetic field and radio frequency known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or through X-rays and a contrast media particularly known as CT myelography.

The management for compression varies according to the extent of injury. Intravenous therapy can be started such as Dexamethasone, it can also be dealt with radiation therapy or surgery. The treatment is directed mainly to relieve pain and discomfort. These methods aim to relieve the compression brought about by injury to the vertebral column. The latest method for managing compression is spinal decompression therapy. This method is performed with a mechanical device that functions by loosening the compressed vertebrae.

Spinal decompression therapy is an improved and a higher variation of inversion therapy in its technological aspect. Inversion therapy is performed on a table that allows the back to be relaxed in an inverted position and aims in diminishing the influence of gravity while spinal decompression therapy provides a constant and gentle decompression of the disc with the use of a decompression table. Once strapped, the table moves as it applies a distraction force to the compressed area of the spine. The amount of the distraction force is gradually applied and increased during periods of relaxation and is controlled through a computer.

Spinal decompression therapy differs with traction therapy in the sense that traction therapy requires the body’s normal reaction to the pull directed towards the opposite direction while spinal decompression therapy involves sensitive computer-feedback mechanisms that allows maximum therapeutic results. The equipment is programmed to continuously monitor muscular reaction and designed to compensate by adjusting its distraction parameters.

Increasing number of studies proves that pain can be effectively relieved through spinal decompression therapy but if after the 15^th to 18^th session the pain is still present, further diagnostic examinations are recommended to identify any underlying pathologic conditions requiring immediate attention. However there are also some factors that may alter the outcome of spinal decompression therapy including age, weight, previous surgeries, history of prolonged use of narcotic and steroid medications, use of caffeine and smoking.

Spinal decompression therapy is proven to be safe, comfortable and non-invasive. It can be considered as a good alternative for surgery. However, physician should be consulted first when suspecting any spinal cord injury and should not immediately resort to therapies such as inversion, traction or spinal decompression therapy to prevent further trauma at the affected site.