Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Science behind Spinal Decompression Therapy

By Dr. Randall Pruitt

Spinal Decompression Therapy is the utilization of a technology developed to overcome the natural guarding reflexes present in the spinal muscles. By overcoming this inherent mechanism a negative pressure is created inside the disc space actually decompressing the disc. This in turn creates a vacuum affect that draws the bulging or herniated material back into place while drawing in vital nutrients to help the disc heal. Just like the dry sponge will 'suck up' water, the jelly-like substance is drawn back into the disc, decreasing pressure on the nerve root and relieving pain and numbness. The vertebral height expands to allow more space for the disc as compression is relieved.

Some of the most common causes of low back and neck injuries include trauma from accidents or falls, repetitive stress often found in several occupations where bending and twisting are common. Even sitting for prolonged periods of time can also cause significant damage to the spinal discs. In fact our society is so prone to these injuries back pain is one of the leading causes of disability.

To understand how Spinal Decompression helps to relieve pain, you first must understand what causes the pain. The spinal column is composed of vertebrae which are the bones of the spine and between each of the bones are intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers making the spine flexible allowing us to twist and turn. Healthy discs have a tough cartilage outer layer with thick and flexible features containing an inner jelly-like component. Discs compress when pressure is put upon them and act like a sponge when it's compressed and decompressed, the water is forced out of the sponge with compression and when the pressure is removed, the sponge 'sucks the water back in.

There is a much better alternative now available from those suffering from chronic neck and low back pain. Those suffering with conditions like herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative discs and sciatica now have an alternative to surgery. A modern non-surgical alternative called Spinal Decompression has given many their lives back after they thought they had tried everything.

Some of the most common causes of low back and neck injuries include trauma from accidents or falls,

Patients are encouraged to consume a lot of water and a standard recommendation is half of their body weight in ounces per day. Certain medical conditions are contraindications to Non-surgical Spinal Decompression: severe osteoporosis anlylosing, spondylitis, spinal fractures, surgical procedures where there are metal implants such as screws or rods, cancer and spinal tumors.

For the well selected candidate this procedure offers a very successful alternative to more invasive and often dangerous procedures. - 15437

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