Recurring and constant back problems can be painful and frustrating. Common problems like sciatica and degenerative disc disease can be life altering. The symptoms you experience can affect what tasks you do and how you do them. For many people, sleeping is almost impossible and the simplest of tasks like showering and mopping are more painful. Different doctors have different way they will work toward treatment, often with trial and error. Almost all doctors will eventually get to decompression. If you are considering spinal decompression treatment, you should know all your options.
Spinal decompression is the term used to describe two general treatments. One is non-surgical while the other is surgical. It is important to understand each of these treatment types so that you and your doctor can figure out which one works the best for your particular spinal injuries.
Non-surgical spinal decompression treatment is most often suggested for people with neck and lumbar problems. It involves the use of a decompression table. The table is controlled by a computer system. It relies on a cycle of tension and relaxation to coax your damaged, slipping discs back into position where they are not pinching nerves any longer.
To treat the back, you will have padded tension straps wrapped around your chest area and your waist area. You lie on the table comfortably. The operator sets the amount of tension needed and then the table’s tension controls start pulling the straps in opposite directions. When the table senses that a muscle spasm has started, the tension stops. As soon as the spasm stops, the cycle continues.
Non-surgical spinal decompression treatment is done over the course of several weeks. You will not experience pain relief right away because results are cumulative. You should expect to undergo anywhere between 12 and 24 sessions that are 30 minutes long. More severe conditions will sometimes require more treatments.
The other option is surgical decompression. There are two major kinds of decompression surgeries. Either one of the two can be combined with other more minor ones to repair or reverse damage. Surgery is often recommended for people who do have success with non-surgical decompression or those who have more severe problems.
Microdecompression surgery is the less invasive surgical spinal decompression treatment. It is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to repair damage and a microscope to magnify the area. Small incisions are made to minimize the risk of infection and the length of time it takes to heal. The second surgery is laminectomy. This procedure requires a surgeon to expose your spinal column. The lamina of the vertebrae is an arch. At the site of spinal compression, the lamina is removed to allow more room for the spinal column, which in turn allows the compression on nerves to reverse.
Most people assume that chronic back pain, spurts of motor function loss, and numbness or tingling are symptoms they will be stuck with for the rest of their lives. While not all cases are permanent, treatment is still necessary. If left untreated, permanent nerve damage is possible. Additionally, there is a risk of paralysis from nerve damage. Talking with your doctor is always a good idea to weigh all your options completely.
