Spinal Decompression FAQ in Lake In The Hills
Lower back pain is one of the most common disabling conditions in the U.S. Acute back pain is more likely to become chronic if it isn’t treated appropriately. Muscle relaxants and opioids don’t treat the causes of back pain; they just cover up symptoms. You may be wondering about your options if you are struggling with back pain and trying to avoid surgery and addictive medications. Spinal decompression therapy in Lake in the Hills IL is a safe, non-invasive treatment that improves pain in up to 86% of patients.
We often get questions about spinal decompression therapy, so we’ve put together this FAQ so you can get the information you need to decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy In Lake in the Hills IL
Spinal decompression therapy is sometimes referred to as motorized traction. The patient is secured comfortably to a specialized table that’s connected to a computer. Your provider enters your specific information into the computer to personalize a program for your needs. It then operates the table, pulling it slowly apart. The computer can work in precise increments that aren’t possible with manual traction. It gently stretches the spine to create negative pressures between the vertebrae.
Negative pressures are positive because they bring circulation and nutrients to the area and suck bulging and herniated discs back into place. Since it relieves pressure on nerves, most patients find the experience quite comfortable. If you are uncomfortable at any time, you can press a button to stop the procedure. Manual traction is also used to treat back pain, but only decompression therapy has been proven to create beneficial negative pressures.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
Spinal decompression therapy treats conditions having to do with spinal discs and joints. That includes:
- Herniated, compressed, or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet syndrome
- Injured or diseased nerve roots (radiculopathy)
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
It is often thought of as a treatment for lower back pain, but patients with pain in their upper back or neck can also benefit.
Are The Results Long Lasting?
Since decompression therapy focuses on healing the affected area, the results are long-lasting and sometimes permanent. As with any treatment, the condition being treated will affect the outcome. Acute injuries like herniated discs can be fully and permanently healed. Chronic conditions like facet syndrome or degenerative disc disease cannot be reversed, but decompression therapy can relieve pain by encouraging a healthier inflammatory response.
People with chronic conditions may need a monthly “tune-up” appointment after their initial treatment regimen. Those with chronic conditions typically notice less pain, a greater range of motion, and a slowing progression of their condition. Many patients can even avoid back surgery.
In one study* of patients who had received decompression therapy four years prior, 52% reported zero pain, and 91% were comfortable enough to perform normal daily activities. Over 80% of patients showed a 50% or better pain reduction by the fourth year. That means that nearly four years after their treatment, over half of the patients had no pain and the rest were in at least half as much pain as they had before.
* Decompression Reduces Chronic Back Pain: A four year Study; R. Odell M.D., D Boudreau D.O., Anesthesiology News March 2003
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs, but most patients require frequent treatments for 4 to 6 weeks. After that, your treatments will become less frequent for the remainder of your treatment plan.
Most people experience noticeable relief after their first week of treatments and feel better every week after that. Your chiropractor can adjust your treatment plan as needed according to how you respond. He may also recommend changes you can make outside the office to help you heal faster.
Are There Side-Effects Or Contraindications?
Spinal decompression therapy is one of the safest procedures available. The only common side effect is muscle pain. This can happen after the first few sessions because the muscles have been stretched in a way they aren’t used to (similar to when you start a new workout routine). After the second or third session, this side-effect typically disappears.
Like all treatments, decompression therapy is not right for everyone. Pregnant people and those with certain cancers or blood disorders may not be candidates. You should check with your doctor if you have any underlying health problems. Your chiropractor will also ask about your health history before recommending treatment options.
Can I Have Decompression Therapy After Back Surgery?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Up to 75% of back surgeries fail to relieve the patient’s pain. Sometimes this happens due to a mistake during surgery. The surgeon may create too much or insufficient space around the nerve roots. It’s also not uncommon for patients to be misdiagnosed or for surgery to be performed on the wrong vertebra.
If you had back surgery at least six months ago and are still in pain, you may be a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Patients who’ve had hardware implanted or a spinal fusion are not candidates.
Patients who receive spinal decompression therapy after a failed back surgery often experience significant relief and wish they’d done it sooner.
What Makes Spinal Decompression Therapy Different From Other Treatments?
The spine is a complex piece of engineering. When treating it, it’s important to use the right tool for the right problem. Spinal adjustments fix subluxations, and massage and cold laser treatments can help heal soft tissues.
Spinal decompression therapy is the most effective treatment available if you need to change the environment within the disc space. No other treatment can move discs back into place, increase disc hydration and bring healing blood flow to the area while relieving pressure on nerves.
Injections provide temporary relief that doesn’t rehydrate discs or move them back into place. Back surgery is rarely effective and comes with considerable risks.
Spinal Decompression Therapy in Illinois
At Precise Chiropractic Center, we provide comprehensive chiropractic care, including spinal decompression therapy. We treat people struggling with acute and chronic pain. Schedule a consultation to find out if spinal decompression therapy is right for you and take advantage of our new patient special.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:30am - 10:30am
4:00pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday
8:30am - 10:30am
4:00pm - 6:30pm
Thursday
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday
8:30am - 10:30am
Saturday
8:30am - 10:30am
Precise Chiropractic Center
4581 Princeton Lane Suite 119
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
(847) 669-6888