How to Treat 4 Causes of Lower Back Pain with Spinal Decompression Therapy in Lake in the Hills

How to Treat 4 Causes of Lower Back Pain with Spinal Decompression Therapy in Lake in the Hills IL

Chiropractor Lake in the Hills IL Spinal Decompression Therapy

Lower back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States. On any given day, 25% of adults struggle with acute back pain, and millions suffer from chronic back pain. There are several causes of lower back pain, including disc injuries, muscle sprain or strain, and degeneration of the spinal joints. Issues involving the spine and discs can be treated with a safe, non-invasive procedure called spinal decompression therapy in Lake in the Hills IL.

Spinal decompression therapy is sometimes referred to as motorized traction. This is partly accurate. Like traction, it manipulates the spine, but unlike manual traction, it can create negative pressures within the spine. During treatment, the patient is comfortably secured to a specialized table and can stop treatment at any time with the push of a button. The computer-operated table can stretch the spine using precise increments that aren’t possible during manual traction.

Spinal decompression is one of the safest treatments available. The most common side effect is temporary muscle pain. This happens because the muscles have been stretched in a new way, similar to when you begin a workout routine. Muscle pain typically resolves after the first couple of sessions.

Here are four common causes of lower back pain and how decompression therapy treats each.

1. Herniated and Bulging Discs in Lake in the Hills IL

Chiropractic Lake in the Hills IL Neck X-Ray

Does your back pain involve a burning, tingling, numbness, or pain that radiates into your legs? If so, it may be caused by a disc injury. Discs are fluid-filled structures that sit between the vertebrae. They cushion the spine from shock during movement and help it move smoothly. Since they absorb this wear and tear, they are prone to injury. Improper lifting or trauma from a fall or car accident can cause the disc to shift and bulge between the vertebrae. Bulging discs can put pressure on nerves. If the disc tears, the disc's fluid irritates nerves and tissues and may cause burning pain.

As mentioned above, spinal decompression creates negative pressure between the vertebrae. This means it creates a vacuum of sorts. Negative pressure can suck bulging discs back into place and bring blood flow to aid healing and cleanup of disc fluid. It also relieves pressure on nerves.

Most patients notice a difference in their pain after their first few sessions. After completing the full regimen of treatments, patients typically experience long-lasting pain relief. This is because spinal decompression helps the body heal, rather than just covering up symptoms. Studies show that over 86% of patients with herniated or bulging discs experience long-term relief with spinal decompression therapy.

2. Degenerative Disc Disease

Chiropractic Lake in the Hills IL Back X-Rays

Disc degeneration-- meaning a flattening and hardening of the discs, happens to everyone as they age. Many people don’t experience back pain associated with this, though they will notice a decreased range of motion and more stiffness. For some, the natural process of disc degeneration causes debilitating pain. People who suffer from a flattened disc due to trauma may also experience pain. It’s not known why degenerating discs cause pain in some people and not others. People who find it painful may be experiencing more inflammation or more muscle spasms as a result of spinal instability.

Spinal decompression relieves pressure on discs and helps to rehydrate them. It also decreases inflammation around discs and nerves. Degenerative disc disease cannot be permanently reversed, but decompression therapy can relieve symptoms. Rehydrating the disc and bringing blood flow and nutrients to the disc space creates a physiological change that promotes healing and reduces pain. Many patients who suffer from degenerative disc-related pain find that decompression therapy helps them reduce or stop their use of pain medications and resume normal activities.

3. Facet Syndrome

Chiropractic Lake in the Hills IL Back Pain

Each vertebra is connected to the next by two joints called facet joints. These joints are lubricated with synovial fluid and lined with the cartilage, just like other joints in your body. Over time the cartilage in these joints can wear down, and the synovial fluid becomes less lubricating. This causes inflammation and pain. Your back pain may be caused by facet syndrome if you notice dull pain directly over your spine that sometimes spreads to your neck or buttocks. It may worsen if you stand for long periods, bend backward, or twist sideways.

Facet syndrome is a type of arthritis and isn’t curable, but treatment can reduce pain and stiffness. Facet syndrome and degenerating discs often occur together. The flattening of the disc puts extra strain on the facet joint and encourages cartilage degeneration. As with degenerative discs, inflammation is usually to blame for the pain. Decompression therapy relieves pressure on the facet joint, rehydrates the disc and the joint, and brings healing blood flow to the area. The result is reduced inflammation and relief of nerve pain. Decompression therapy can improve quality of life and reduce pain medication usage in patients with facet syndrome.

4. Failed Back Surgery

Chiropractic Lake in the Hills IL Surgery

Can I have spinal decompression therapy after a failed back surgery? This is one of the most common questions we get asked. The answer is yes. You may be a candidate for decompression therapy if your surgery was at least six months ago and you didn't have a spinal fusion or implanted hardware.

Over 70% of lumbar surgeries fail to decrease pain. This may happen because the patient was misdiagnosed or because the surgery created excess scar tissue that is now trapping nerves. Another common cause is a surgical error involving too much or insufficient space around nerves.

Spinal decompression helps victims of failed surgeries heal by breaking up scar tissue, relieving inflammation, and encouraging circulation to the area. Sometimes patients with back pain that is unresolved after surgery are suffering from an undiagnosed disc problem or facet syndrome. Since spinal decompression relieves pain caused by these conditions, patients can find the relief they didn’t experience with back surgery.

Spinal Decompression in Illinois

At Precise Chiropractic Center, we use spinal decompression therapy to help our patients who are dealing with acute or chronic back pain. We’re proud to offer this treatment because we've seen the difference it makes in people's lives. We are currently offering a special for new patients. You can receive an exam, x-rays, and consultation about the results for only $67. Schedule a consultation today to find out if spinal decompression therapy is right for you.