Have you ever wondered about spinal decompression and what it may do and help you with? As one of the only medical offices in the South Lake Tahoe region to have one of these machines, I will answering a few common questions about the treatment.
What does a decompression table treat? The main conditions that I see a lot of success with are disc bulges or herniations, degenerative disc or joint disease, and sometimes what is called facet syndrome. It is a great alternative for those who are nervous of some more aggressive treatments as well as those who have failed other treatment options. This treatment also can be used on the cervical spine or neck and help with the same conditions plus can be very helpful with some types of headaches.
How is this decompression different than an inversion table? An inversion table will hold you upside down and allow gravity to try to pull everything apart in a general manner. The decompression table is pulling in a horizontal position at a very specific angle and weight to address a more specific location and condition needing to be treated.
How long does it take? This machine is setup for 15 minute treatment sessions that will cycle between a pulling and relaxing phases. This means it will pull to the level of intensity that we determine and hold for some time and then relax and cycle through that a few times gradually back and forth. As for how long to get results, that may vary depending on the condition and how long you have had it. I typically recommend a trial of 5-6 sessions within the first 2 weeks and then reassess if this is helpful and the right direction for each individual and if not we can change course.
What does it feel like and will it hurt? Typical reports from patients include things like it feeling like a good stretch and a relaxing motion to it feels weird and a little sore. Most of the time it is just a different type of feeling than people are used to and with some of the discomfort is just having the 2 straps be tight around chest and waist. One concern with this treatment is that I would recommend getting the treatment with plans to do little and mild activity for the next 1-2 hours. Due to the nature of the treatment, the ligaments in the low back are being stretched for an extended period and this makes you more susceptible to injury for some time after the treatment. So in abundance of caution, taking it easy as the body reacts and then comes back after treatment is recommended for best results.
This link describes some of the benefits of decompression and surgeries as well to help you understand more on the idea of decompression on the spine.
Feel free to ask any more questions you may have and see you soon.
Tahoe’s Premiere Sports Chiropractor
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