Spinal Decompression

Have you been told you need back surgery? Have you failed to respond to conservative measures for you pain, like medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic and acupuncture? If so, you might be a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy (NSSDT).The bones in your spine, or vertebrae, are spaced apart by cushions called intervertebral discs. They provide enough space in between the bones for the nerves to come out of your spine and travel to every square inch of your body. The discs are about the consistency of the tires on your car or a roller blade wheel.

Throughout your lifetime, wear and tear or trauma to the discs can compromise their shape and position. When we’re young, these discs are well hydrated and very pliable. As we age, the discs can lose their elasticity and moisture, leaving them susceptible to damage. That wear and tear can cause them to shrink, decreasing the amount of space for the nerves to exit your spine. This process is called degenerative joint (disc) disease and is a major cause of lower back and neck pain as we age.

Another major cause of lower back/neck and leg/arm pain/numbness/tingling is a change to the shape of the discs in your spine. Trauma to the cushions in your spine can cause them to change their shape. This is called disc bulging/herniation/protrusion/extrusion or commonly called a “slipped disc.” When the shape of the disc is changed it can put pressure on the structures around it. If the disc is now putting pressure on the nerves leaving the spine, pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling can result.

Commonly, surgery and epidural injections are the medical recommendations for these conditions. Surgery is used to remove the portion of the disc that is injured, leaving the disc compromised in its shape and integrity. Epidural injections are also used to inject corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories into the site. This decreases the swelling associated with the disc trauma, but does not restore the disc to its correct shape.

Here at Yeomans Chiropractic we have a different approach. NSSDT is a non-invasive procedure that is designed to re-shape and re-hydrate the discs of your spine. This 25-minute procedure is performed several times over a 6 to 8 week period and has been proven to be very effective (86%)* in relieving neck and low back pain, increasing spinal mobility, and restoring your quality of life.

During the procedure you lie on your back and gentle traction is applied to your spine. The traction is so gentle that most people take a nap or watch a movie while the procedure is being performed. During the procedure the table varies the amount of traction to cause a “pumping” of the disc, therefore re-hydrating and reshaping your area of concern.

If you have been told you need surgery but wish to avoid it or if you have been told surgery is your only option, call today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Yeomans.